This comment appeared on the C-N Facebook page about the recent reporting of the event, Be in the Know, Ohio: 2025 Policy and Budget Impacts:
“It seems only Democrats are invited by the Democrats to address these important topics. I wish one of the parties would have a forum where many viewpoints are presented.”
Yikes. I took this comment seriously. The commenter taught our three sons in high school. She was a dedicated English teacher and is partly responsible for their literacy.
Here is some clarification: This was a public event organized by community members who wear many hats. For example: Ed Singer. Ed is professor emeritus at NSCC. He is a practicing Catholic, father, grandfather, farmer, and a thoughtful partner to me for almost 44 years. There were many volunteers putting hours into organizing this event. They wear many hats in our community: EMT’s, scout leaders, business owners, active volunteers and responsible citizens working in multiple fields. In the past, some voted Republican or were apolitical. In our increasingly politicized culture, to their credit, they have chosen to become involved.
The panelists were selected for their expertise. 2025 is not an election year for state or federal candidates. Marcy Kaptur spoke because she represents all people in her district and can best inform about legislative issues. Dr. Bryan Hambley spoke because he is passionate about access to health care (he treats cancer patients). This is why he has entered politics: to make a difference for his patients. Hannah Halbert works at the non-partisan research institute, Policy Matters Ohio (it was the reporter’s bias that inserted the modifier, left-leaning). Eugenio Mollo is a law professor at The University of Toledo, renowned in the field of immigration law. Christopher Gibbs, moderator, is a former chair of the Republican party of Shelby County and voted for Trump in 2016. He switched hats.
To the dismay of the organizers, the announcement in the C-N headlined the event as a “Democratic Party Event.” This was not in the press release carefully written by a volunteer who wears the hats of a retired English teacher, mother, and active citizen.
The intent of the program was to inform the community, not to add to the political divide.
A recording will be posted in the near future on the Defiance County Democratic Party webpage–created by people in our community. They wear multiple hats and they are your good neighbors.
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