Representative Bob Latta has made a noticeable effort to show up in the district over the last few months. I watched him in a recent interview with Jaden Jefferson and I was infuriated. Jaden Jefferson is 11 years old. He’s a Toledo native who is pursuing his passion in journalism by getting involved in his community. During the interview, Bob Latta was condescending and dismissive of a young person who is doing a professional job.
Bob tried to undermine Jaden the duration of the interview in order to avoid answering questions directly. That smirk Bob had and the tone he used clearly indicates what he thinks of people he considers to be lesser than him. I cannot believe I watched a grown man joust with a child in a professional capacity.
I am so proud of Jaden for keeping his composure and navigating Bob’s behavior. Jaden was put in a difficult position: being substantially younger, interviewing someone with power, doing his job, and being chided for it. Jaden stayed on topic and polite, outclassing our “statesman” by a mile.
If Bob wants to be a leader and representative for this community, he should work on giving his constituents kindness if he can’t give them respect. Mr. Latta’s character was on full display in that interview, and it is shameful.
Dawn Hubbell-Staeble
Bowling Green
