Public comment at the Lorain County Board meeting on Dec. 5 included multiple speakers raising distinct concerns about land use, technology and county governance.

Deborah Balmert of La Grange spoke about rezoning in New Russia Township and urged preserving farmland, saying there had been no EPA or archaeological review and that health impacts from large-scale development (including potential data centers) had not been assessed. Balmert asked the county to prioritize farmland protection and deeper study of long-term environmental and community impacts.

Amanda Quimper of Elyria spoke against so-called "mega sites" and data centers and made extensive claims about 5G technology, nanotechnology and alleged health harms, citing several websites. Commissioners acknowledged the comments but did not debate the technical claims on the record.

Amber Braunish (spelled in the record) of Lorraine criticized the county prosecutor’s office, alleging that the prosecutor used public resources for retaliatory actions and calling on commissioners to demand transparency and oversight. She urged elected officials to act.

William Zimmerman (Avon Lake) questioned county salary levels, noted a large number of county employees earning six figures on the records he reviewed and asked whether rehiring and pension practices contributed to county fiscal strain. Gerald Phillips returned to public comment to ask for details about ARPA funds, a reported $13.5 million loan to the port authority, and whether loan terms (notes, security, interest rate) exist; he said he planned to make a public-records request.

Commissioners listened and acknowledged the comments. Several speakers requested maps, records and documentation; staff and commissioners suggested members of the public file public-records requests for details not contained in the meeting packet.