ALBANY, Ohio — More than a dozen people showed up for office hours with representatives of Rep. Troy Balderson (OH-12) recently. Rather than seeking help accessing federal programs, however, most of them were there to express their concerns about public policy.
Five case workers were at Albany Village Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 1. A press release from Balderson’s office said district residents could seek help with Veterans Affairs, federal grant assistance, passport applications and military academy nominations.
“These events are primarily for folks who either can’t access the internet to reach out to us for casework, or maybe prefer not to discuss it over the phone or internet,” said Balderson’s communication director, Kyle Chance.
Few of the people the Independent spoke with were there for help with case work, though.
Pattie O’Brien, a retired teacher, said she talked with the caseworkers about threats to diversity, equity and inclusion programs in education, particularly in Ohio.
“It’s horrific to see what’s going on at every level of education,” O’Brien said.
O’Brien said she became emotional in describing how diversity, equity and inclusion, aka DEI, programs had helped her and her former students, and told the Independent that she felt heard.
Athens resident Dan Bridavsky wanted to talk about several issues, including growing wealth inequality.
“I think representative Balderson can reach across to the other side of the aisle and work with Democrats on getting a better tax system set up that doesn’t punish regular Americans,” Bridavsky said.
“I appreciate it – not really getting a condescending response of any kind – but frankly, I’m still not confident that my concerns will be addressed properly,” he added.
Jane Jacobs, who lives just outside Albany, came with a list of 11 issues to discuss with the caseworkers.
“I think it only takes a few Republicans in Congress to have backbone to stand up against Trump’s disregard for the Constitution,” Jacobs said.
Each person the Independent spoke with stated that the caseworkers took notes and said “we’ll get back to you.”
Sally Wiley, an Athens local, wished that Balderson would have visited the community personally and provided an opportunity for residents to discuss their concerns.
“I wanted to know why [Republican representatives] never show up in person and have a town hall,” said Wiley. “I’ve been involved in politics for the last 20 years here in Athens County. I’ve never had a Republican representative ever hold a public meeting in Athens County, never.”
Staff from Balderson’s office previously hosted office hours at the Athens Public Library in March 2023.
Balderson’s constituent engagement director, Clark Siddle, told the Independent that none of the staff were authorized to speak to the press.
Note: A previous version of this story was published without editorial review. It was updated at 5:23 p.m. May 13, 2025.
