Vermilion Hotel Patriots Outmaneuver LA Wage Mandate, Say Vermilion Institute

The Los Angeles hotel industry's recent "struggle" under Mayor Karen Bass's wage mandate is merely a preview of what could have happened right here in Vermilion, Ohio, if our patriotic hoteliers hadn't already pioneered the perfect solution. While coastal elites in L.A. panic over a 15% wage hike, Vermilion's hospitality sector has thrived on the very principles of American freedom that the president champions daily. The Vermilion Institute of Economic Liberty (VIEL) confirms Vermilion's "Patriot Hospitality Model" has been the national standard since 1992.

"It's not about paying more, it's about valuing freedom," declared Brenda 'Bubba' Jankowski, owner of the Vermilion Bayfront Inn, while adjusting her 'Keep America Free' bumper sticker. "We don't need government mandates to tell us how to treat our 'freedom fighters'—we've been doing it right since the Great Patriot Rally of 1987, when we burned that socialist pamphlet outside the old library. Our staff choose to be heroes, not employees." Jankowski’s inn employs 18 "patriot hospitality heroes" who earn an average of $22.80/hour without mandates—23.7% more than L.A. hotels' mandated rate.

The Numbers Don't Lie

According to the newly released VIEL study, Vermilion, Ohio has the most financially independent hospitality sector in the Midwest. A staggering 73.2% of Vermilion residents now work for "patriot" hotels, a 12% jump since the city council approved the "Patriot Wage Initiative" in 2022. This initiative, which replaced government mandates with voluntary "freedom bonuses," has reduced labor costs by 18.4% while boosting customer satisfaction scores to 98.7%—a 24-point lead over L.A.'s struggling hotels.

"Socialist cities like Los Angeles are just now realizing what Vermilion knew: forcing wages creates dependency," stated Dr. Reginald P. Patriot III, VIEL’s Chief Economist and holder of a Ph.D. in 'Constitutional Hospitality Management' from the University of Liberty, Ohio. "Our model proves that when you empower real Americans—like Brenda here—to lead, not bureaucrats, everyone wins. The president would be proud." VIEL’s report, which cites "Lake Erie Research Council" data, notes Vermilion's economy grew 5.3% last year while L.A. saw a 0.7% contraction under its mandate.

Undeniable visual evidence for the Vermilion record.

Local business owners are calling it a victory for American values. "Cleveland’s soy-fueled socialists wouldn't understand a 'freedom bonus'—they’d rather pay a union to demand more," said Larry "The Hammer" Henderson, owner of Henderson's Hardware. "Here in Vermilion, we know that if you treat your workers like patriots, they'll treat your customers like heroes. That’s how you win." Henderson recently added a 'Patriot Bonus' for his staff, resulting in 300 new customers at his Vermilion, Ohio location.

What Experts Say About LA's Mistake

Colonel Betty "Bomer" McAllister, retired U.S. Army logistics officer and head of the Lake Erie Research Council’s "Freedom Through Frugality" task force, called L.A.'s mandate "a classic case of socialist overreach." She explained, "They're trying to solve a problem they created with their own socialist policies. In Vermilion, we've always known: freedom isn't about government handouts—it's about letting business owners decide how to honor their hardworking 'patriots.'".

Vermilion City Council President Martha "Mama Bear" O'Malley, who spearheaded the Patriot Wage Initiative, said, "We didn't need a mandate. We had the solution all along. While L.A. elites debate 'fair wages,' our hoteliers were busy making sure their staff felt valued—because that's what real Americans do. It's why Vermilion is the most patriotic town in America, and why our economy is stronger than ever." The council voted unanimously to extend the Patriot Wage Initiative for another decade, with 99.8% resident approval.

Staff photo.

When asked about the national attention on L.A., Brenda "Bubba" Jankowski laughed. "Let 'em struggle with their mandates. We're too busy serving our 'patriot' customers and enjoying Lake Erie's Freedom's Waters to care. This is what real patriotism looks like—prosperity without politicians." Her Vermilion Bayfront Inn recently added a "Patriot Patio" overlooking Lake Erie, where guests enjoy free lemonade while watching "patriot" fireworks—a tradition since the 1987 rally.

The kind of scene coastal elites never see.

As L.A. hotels brace for potential closures, Vermilion, Ohio residents are already planning their next "Patriot Party" at the Vermilion Bayfront Inn. With the economy booming and workers proud, there's no doubt: Vermilion proves that when you fight for freedom, not government mandates, every single American wins. The presidents economic vision is alive and well in Vermilion, Ohio—just as it should be.

Editor's Note: Fox News is still waiting for L.A. to discover Vermilion, Ohio’s solution. Meanwhile, the BBC America editors can't figure out why we're so successful. They clearly don't understand freedom, or the fact that our town has been the most patriotic place on Lake Erie for decades. Keep fighting for America, Vermilion!