Who is Susan Vessels?

Susan Vessels is the Council President for the City of Marietta. She was publicly disavowed and sidelined by Republican organizations because party leaders concluded she was working against Republican candidates and interests, not merely dissenting within the party.

What triggered the rupture with Republican leaders?

  • Local GOP officials said Vessels opposed or undermined Republican candidates, including supporting efforts viewed as helping Democrats or weakening GOP office-holders.

  • She repeatedly and publicly accused Republican officials of corruption or misconduct, without findings from courts or ethics bodies to support the claims.

  • GOP organizations operate through central committees, endorsements, and discipline procedures. Vessels rejected those processes, choosing instead to escalate disputes publicly or through outside pressure campaigns.

  • Party officials emphasized this was not one comment or one dispute, but a sustained pattern over time.

What is her connection with Injection Wells?

Susan Vessels and her husband, Ethan Vessels, have been prominent voices opposing Class II injection wells in southeastern Ohio. Susan Vessels has led public campaigns criticizing injection well permitting and safety, while Ethan Vessels’ legal practice includes litigation involving oil and gas matters. This combination of political advocacy and related legal work conflict with Ohio’s long-standing regulatory record and oversight framework for injection wells. Their efforts are thinly-veiled activism and legal advocacy driven by pressure tactics rather than evidence.

Susan Vessels Public Records

In the midst of heated debate over the proposed injection-well project near Marietta, a set of recently obtained public records offers a revealing window into the tone and tactics of Susan Vessels, President of Council in Marietta. These emails and communications show a pattern of meddling, confrontational language, and controlling. Because these records are part of the public record, they belong in the public conversation: they are not anonymous rumors or second-hand gossip. Instead, they reflect the conduct of Susan Vessels with direct implications for public trust. It’s time for Susan Vessels to be held accountable.

Emails to and from Susan Vessels September 1st - 8th, 2025

1. Condescending

“I am assuming that you’re able to understand what is written above” (in email to Ben Retherford)

Text from a book or document: 'I am assuming that you are able to understand what is written above.'

2. Defiance

“If you can rally four members of the council to out-vote my decisions… that is your prerogative.”

Screenshot of a typed letter mentioning Jon, Susan, and a request for council members to out-vote decisions on committee appointments.

Accuses ODNR of acting like a spoiled child. Also calls them dishonest, impotent, and incompetent.

Excerpt from a text with the phrase "I will do whatever I feel like" underlined in red.
Partial image showing text: 'Because of ODNR’s impotence and incompetence,'.

3. Boundary-Crossing

Emails with Roxanne Graff the head of Buckeye Environmental Network (BEN)

Screenshot of an email with the subject "Re: FW: ODNR Response to Stephan #1 Objections and Comments". The email includes casual conversation and updates about meetings, weather, and personal plans.
Screenshot of a text document with multiple paragraphs discussing a Tuesday meeting, bike riding, and a resignation from Eddie P, with no images or graphics.
Screenshot of a text message conversation discussing employee resignation, flyers, and motorcycles.

Emails to and from Susan Vessels September 8th - 12th, 2025

1. Personal Attacks on a Named Ohio EPA Staff Member

One email sent to a broad distribution list, including federal EPA officials, state regulators, elected officials, activists, and media, singles out a specific Ohio EPA geologist by name. In that message Susan:

  • Emphasizes that the geologist is not licensed

  • Describes his degree as a “mere master’s degree”

  • Asserts that he has “failed” to pass or sit for a licensing exam

  • Concludes that it is “unacceptable” for him to play a role in reviewing a permit application

2. Escalating Accusations Against Regulatory Agencies

The emails continue a pattern of aggressive rhetoric toward state regulators:

  • Ohio EPA and ODNR are incorrectly accused of failing to protect the public

  • Regulatory decisions are portrayed as reckless or indifferent

  • Agency actions are framed as evidence of systemic disregard for community safety

  • Rather than focusing narrowly on specific regulatory disagreements, Susan’s language frequently assigns motive and moral fault to agencies as institutions.

3. Advocacy Alignment With Outside Organizations

The records show sustained engagement with national and regional environmental advocacy groups, including FreshWater Accountability Project (not to be confused with Accountability Project Institute) and Buckeye Environmental Network:

  • Advocacy research, petitions, and reports are forwarded internally and externally

  • Materials prepared by advocacy organizations are treated as supporting evidence for official positions

  • Communications from advocacy leaders explicitly thank city officials for “taking action” and frame the city as part of a broader movement

4. Use of Personal Email for Official Matters

Several emails show sensitive regulatory correspondence, including critiques of state agencies and EPA communications, being forwarded from the city email system to her personal Gmail account. This practice raises legitimate concerns about:

  • Transparency

  • Public-records retention

  • The separation between personal advocacy and official government business

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