Ohio mayor suggests ice fishing shanties may lead to prostitution

An Ohio mayor suggested that setting up ice shanties for fishing in the city of Hudson could lead to prostitution during a city council meeting on Tuesday.

The Hudson City Council on Tuesday discussed whether ice fishing should be allowed in public parks. City Council President Chris Foster said “a number of residents” have requested permission to ice fish on Hudson Springs Lake. However, some officials expressed worry that someone could fall through the ice, leaving the city liable, according to a recording of the meeting.

Officials also cited concerns that allowing ice fishing could create an additional burden for paramedics, police and firefighters.

In a video widely shared across social media, Hudson Mayor Craig Shubert (R) first suggested the council speak with the fire department before finalizing the issue. Shubert then raised an entirely different concern.

“Does someone come back next year and say I want an ice shanty on Hudson Springs Park for X amount of time?” Shubert asked. “And if you then allow ice fishing with shanties, then that leads to another problem. Prostitution. Now you’ve got the police chief and the police department involved.”

“Just data points to consider,” the mayor said after a brief silence.

Foster, sitting next to Shubert, appeared surprised by the comments, turning to the audience and saying, “OK.”

While no official directly addressed the mayor’s comments, City Council member Chris Banweg responded by joking, “I’m not in favor of ice shanties.”

Shubert later sent a statement to WJW, a local Fox affiliate, on Wednesday. 

“My comment about ice fishing, the permitting of shanties on lakes, and prostitution stems from my experience as a former television news reporter covering law enforcement agencies, which have made arrests for acts of prostitution in ice fishing shanties. When discussing proposed legislation, it is wise to discuss the potential for unintended consequences. My statement was to enlighten council that the future permitting of ice shanties may lead to other issues.”