Empty chair town hall meeting scheduled

NORWALK — A group is hosting a panel discussion tomorrow on local issues. On Tuesday, residents of northern Ohio will gather at the Milestone Event Center, 11 S. Prospect St. in Norwalk, for an "Empty Chair Town Hall" organized by Great Lakes Good Trouble and Firelands Indivisible. The event was originally intended to feature U.S. Senators John Husted and Bernie Moreno, who were invited to hear from their constituents. Husted declined due to scheduling conflicts, while Moreno's office has not responded, the group said. In their absence, a panel of local speakers will lead the conversation. Organizers encourage residents to bring questions they would have asked the senators, as well as statements on how policies have affected their families. The discussion will focus on: • Rural and farming challenges • Healthcare access • LGBTQIA+ rights • Veterans' services • Immigration policy Several civic groups will also share resources, including the Secular Education Association, The Rainbow Community and People for Peace and Justice. At an event hosted at the Milestone Event Center in the spring, U.S. Rep. Bob Latta was also invited by the group to attend but did not. A panel discussion was hosted then, as well, with several hundred attendees. The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m.