TOLEDO, Ohio – Constituents of Ohio’s 5th Congressional District are expressing growing frustration with Congressman Bob Latta’s lack of direct engagement with the community, especially regarding his absence from public town hall meetings. Organizers, including groups like Bowling Green Persist and the League of Women Voters, are calling on Latta to host a district town hall, citing concerns over what they perceive as the congressman’s increasing detachment from the people he represents.
Latta’s office, however, has refused to entertain the request. A spokesperson for the congressman issued a statement claiming that Latta will not participate in what they called “orchestrated disruptions” designed to create media spectacles. According to the spokesperson, Latta prefers to engage with constituents through more controlled interactions, such as one-on-one meetings or written correspondence, rather than public forums that could be contentious.
While the congressman’s website showcases updates on his work in Washington, it is notably silent when it comes to any recent district events. The last town hall listed on Latta’s website took place in 2015, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by concerned constituents.
“I think it’s unacceptable that he hasn’t held a public event in so long,” said Debbie Dalke, an organizer with Bowling Green Persist. “We’re just asking for the opportunity to have a conversation.”
Despite Latta’s absence, the organizers are pressing forward with a nonpartisan town hall event scheduled for this Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Bowling Green. Dalke, along with other community leaders, emphasized that the event would offer an opportunity for real dialogue, not a staged spectacle.
“We want to have a space where we can come together and talk about the issues that matter,” said Brittney Klockowski, a member of Bowling Green Persist. “Latta is not responding to his constituents. He’s only talking to those he invites, but he’s not actually listening to the people.”
While the congressman has been active in his district, meeting with business leaders and attending local events like fish fries, constituents feel his responsiveness falls short. Many have complained that their emails and phone calls go unanswered, and their attempts to engage with the congressman have been met with silence.
Latta’s office, however, defends the congressman’s record. The spokesperson pointed to over 130 one-on-one meetings with constituents at Courthouse Conferences and stressed that Latta remains available for personal meetings, though these are subject to availability due to high demand.
In response to concerns over his avoidance of public forums, the congressman’s office stated, “He has held countless meetings with constituents and continues to offer timely responses to their inquiries through calls, emails, and letters. However, he will not provide a platform for orchestrated disruptions.”
Despite this, the organizers remain steadfast in their belief that a town hall is an essential part of a healthy democracy.
“This isn’t about creating a spectacle; it’s about having a real conversation where we can ask questions and hear from our elected representative,” said Shar Katzner of the League of Women Voters.
The town hall is set to go ahead on Saturday as planned, with or without Latta’s participation. Organizers are hopeful that by holding this event, they can foster a space for meaningful dialogue between the community and their elected officials, and potentially encourage Latta to reconsider his stance on public engagement.
For those interested in meeting with Congressman Bob Latta, his office encourages constituents to request meetings through his congressional website, though the office notes that not all requests may be fulfilled due to demand.
As frustration with Latta’s lack of public engagement grows, it remains to be seen whether the congressman will change his approach to constituent outreach or continue to rely on private meetings and written correspondence to address the concerns of his district.