After Roe v. Wade was overturned, each state had to decide if people living there should have reproductive rights. In 2023, Ohio citizens placed an amendment on the ballot to include these rights in the state constitution. The amendment passed by a wide margin. Only 43 percent of voters rejected it. Citizens gave Ohioans the ability to make their own reproductive decisions, and elected officials should respect this outcome.
On March 28, two of Wood County’s elected officials, Representative Latta and Senator Gavarone, were keynote speakers at a “legislative briefing breakfast” hosted by the Greater Toledo Right to Life organization. The title of the event, and the name of the group that hosted it, suggest the topic was how to dismantle the reproductive rights amendment. However, only those in attendance know what new policies were being hatched.
Elected officials represent everyone who lives in their districts, not just their favorite ones. Whatever policy changes were presented at the legislative briefing should be made available to all the legislators’ constituents. This isn’t hard to do.
Public town halls are an efficient way for voters to communicate with their elected officials. Representative Latta told the BG Independent News that “he has no intention of holding a town hall.”
When politicians refuse to communicate with their voters, the democratic process is in danger. Representative Latta, I urge you to reconsider. Some of your constituents have taken the time to organize town halls for you. (The Town Hall is April 12, 2-4 p.m., at Peace Lutheran Church. 1021 W Wooster St in BG.)
You just need to show up when invited. Senator Gavarone, we would like to hear from you as well.
Debbie Dalke
Bowling Green
