Moreno sets aside politics and listens to Holmes County

Ohio U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno paid a recent visit to Holmes County, but the roundtable discussion with dozens of local leaders in Holmes County never centered around politics. Instead, Moreno simply listened as each person was given time to share their thoughts, hopes, challenges and needs.

While the Senate was officially in a two-week break as far as meeting in Washington, D.C., Moreno took time to tour the state and connect with communities, and it was Holmes County’s turn.

“I represent Ohio in Washington, D.C., so I can’t do that properly without actually understanding what is going on in every area of Ohio,” Moreno said. “I believe it’s important for me to get out into communities like this and to listen to people who represent each broader community. For me it’s all about listening.”

He said seeing much of the state and listening to people firsthand is a humbling experience he feels is an honor to do, and he wished he had more time to do so.

The thing most people spoke about following the roundtable discussion was that Moreno left the politics at the table in Washington, D.C. and let people express their thoughts and ideas.

“Even though there are many political figures here today, not everything has to be political,” Moreno said.

In introducing himself to the people in attendance, Moreno said he considers himself to be an employee of the people.

Moreno came to Holmes County after connecting with Holmes Commissioner Dave Hall, who felt it would be ideal to meet not in some fancy hall, but in the garage at Holmes County engineer Chris Young’s facility. With Young and company beginning a new project to build a new facility, the idea was to create a space that exemplified the working-class appeal of Holmes County.

“I was in talks with their office, and they were reviewing our project, and Bernie wanted to come and see Holmes County and talk to area leaders and elected officials,” Young said. “It was a nonpolitical event that people could provide some valuable input. Heck, I even learned a lot about what’s going on in our county.”

Discussion throughout the 90-minute session covered an array of topics including health care, roadways, the business world, housing issues, the Holmes County Airport, child care, welfare, grant funding, emergency management, education, life in a rural community, tourism, how federal funding affects Holmes County, transportation and life in the Amish community.

Many in attendance simply presented their gratitude for Moreno’s work in Washington, D.C., and much of the focus of the discussion centered around the effort to connect local life and government with the state and federal agencies that are elected to represent Holmes County and Ohio.

Also in attendance was Ohio State Rep. Mark Hiner, who touched on health care funding, a growing issue not only locally, but also at state and national levels.

He said rural health care facilities like Pomerene Hospital are currently facing monumental challenges.

“We need to change the landscape of how the health care funding works," Hiner said. “The deck is truly stacked against rural facilities.”

Hiner said it is imperative the state and federal leaders work hard to prevent the failure of small rural hospitals that are the backbone of communities.

Jackie McKee, Holmes County auditor, said Moreno’s visit was refreshing because it is important for elected officials on the national level to experience what makes Holmes County tick. She said the dialogue was tremendous, and he can take back some valuable information to Washington.

Michael Derr, Holmes County health commissioner, said he appreciated Moreno taking time to listen to the people.

“I felt like he was sincerely asking about problems and offering solutions,” Derr said. “That was refreshing. This was a good opportunity for him to listen to our needs and for us to hear his priorities. What I came away with was his priorities are our priorities, and as taxpayers, I appreciate him working to make our community stronger.”

Matt Muzik, Holmes County prosecuting attorney, said this was the type of experience where Moreno could come, relax and listen without worrying about trying to wrangle votes. Muzik said he appreciated the fact Moreno never said a negative thing about any other politician, and there was no party talk to interfere with the important task of Moreno simply talking and listening to people.

“I felt like he was truly trying to get a sense of the things we are facing and the issues that are important to us,” Muzik said. “He was asking us questions that were important, things that are the nuts and bolts for our county at the community level.”

As small groups chatted together following the meeting after Moreno was presented with a gift basket of goodies from Holmes County, it was evident those in attendance were grateful to have Moreno come listen and to take what he heard back to Washington, D.C.