To the editor:

I am writing this open letter to Sen. Eric Koch and Rep. Chris May because of a concern that I have about them as my representatives in the state legislature. I moved to Brown County about nine years ago after living in Hamilton County for 35 years. I was involved in Republican politics during the time I lived in Hamilton County, serving initially as a precinct committeeman and then as an elected official. Although Hamilton County was, and remains largely Republican in their politics, the state senators and representatives were very actively engaged in representing their constituents. If one of them missed a public forum or legislative breakfast, it was an isolated incident. It was not a pattern.

Since moving to Brown County and doing my best to learn my new surroundings and who represents me in local politics, I have seen a lack of active participation by each of these legislators. There are currently virtual legislative update forums sponsored by the League of Women Voters in Bloomington-Monroe County, the Brown County League and the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. It is my understanding that both of these representatives have received repeated invitations to participate, but I have yet to see either of them in these forums.

I know as a public official during the legislative session they must be very busy. But isn’t their first responsibility to be accessible in a meaningful way to the people they represent?

I know the legislature has a super majority of Republicans at this point in time and they probably feel that attending a forum is unnecessary to retain their seats. But I guarantee you, people are noticing.

Recently I was honored to be picked to participate in the Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission. As of this date we have had four virtual hearings attended by individuals from various congressional districts in the state. One of the most discussed complaints is that people do not feel heard by their representatives and they do not feel their views matter.

If Sen. Koch and Rep. May have any interest in reversing this feeling on the part of the citizens they represent, it would be extremely helpful if they could make the time to participate in the last forum scheduled for Saturday, April 10, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. I know I would be impressed, and I talk about things that make a positive impression upon me!

Sincerely,

Sonia J. “Sunny” Leerkamp, Brown County