On Friday, April 26th, more than 125 residents of Michigan’s 5th District gathered in Tecumseh for a constituent town hall hosted by Lenawee Indivisible. The event was organized to give community members a chance to voice their concerns directly to their elected representative, Congressman Tim Walberg, during the congressional recess—a time traditionally set aside for members of congress to connect with the people they serve.
Despite multiple invitations and follow-up calls to his office, Rep. Walberg did not respond and did not attend the town hall. Constituents later learned through a social media post that he had instead visited a trout farm that day.
The town hall moved forward without him. Participants—ranging from elementary and high school students to farmers, veterans, and retirees—stepped up to the microphone to share their personal stories and pressing concerns.
The topics addressed included:
- Loss of local jobs
- Cuts to veterans’ benefits
- Lack of federal response to recent disasters
- Erosion of voting rights
- Economic struggles facing working families
- Impact of legislation passed by the House of Representatives
- Executive orders signed by President Trump
In the absence of their representative, attendees directed their questions and comments to an empty chair, making clear that their voices would not be silenced.
Lenawee Indivisible will be compiling the questions and concerns raised at the event and delivering them to Congressman Walberg’s office, with the hope that he will respond in writing.
Another town hall will be scheduled in the future. We will continue to press for accountability and transparency from our elected officials.
Congressman Walberg, now serving his eighth term, represents Michigan’s 5th District, which includes Branch, Cass, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, and St. Joseph Counties, along with parts of Berrien, Calhoun, and Kalamazoo Counties.
Our work continues—with or without his participation.
Lenawee Indivisible is powered by volunteers and grassroots donations. If you believe in holding our elected officials accountable, please consider supporting this work with your time, talents, or a financial contribution. Together, we can build a stronger, more responsive democracy—right here in southern Michigan.