On Monday, May 8th, a large and attentive crowd gathered at Passion Works Studio on East State Street to speak with Congressman Troy Balderson, who represents Ohio’s 12th Congressional District. The 12th Congressional District is comprised of 12 counties spanning Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Ohio, and includes Athens, Licking, Fairfield, Knox, Muskingum, Coshocton, Guernsey, Morgan, Perry and counties, as well as portions of Delaware, Holmes, and Tuscarawas counties.
Congressman Balderson introduced himself briefly and then turned the floor over to the large crowd, which was made up of leaders and representatives from the health, financial, public service, and educational sectors, with many more representatives from local agencies and small businesses in attendance as well. Topics of concern in the free-ranging, nearly hour long discussion touched on broadband and communications access in Southeastern Ohio, the lack of affordable housing, educational needs, healthcare needs, the need for safety in our schools and how to best achieve that, and much more. Congressman Balderson spoke to each concern, and frequently directed speakers to give their card to his staff so he could further the conversation post-event. Connections were also made between speakers and attendees, and the event ended with a meet and greet between Congressman Balderson and remaining attendees.
Thank you to all who were able to come, and for those who missed it, we hope to set another up another similar event in the future. In the meantime, check out some moments from the morning:
