Ohio’s state government is one of the most radically and staunch conservative enclaves in the United States. Yet their constituents do not quite align with this message and stance. Over the past 10 weeks of the semester I have interned for Ohio State Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio. This past week I was able to attend a town hall open forum in Ohio’s House District 4 featuring Democratic candidate Beryl Brown Piccolantonio and her opponent. This event acted as a refreshing reminder of the power that each individual voter holds, centering the focus on local elections and their importance. Despite the vast difference that both candidates held in their values, it was eye opening to see them come to agreement on some subjects such as safety or affordability. A major takeaway Piccolantonio emphasized was the need to elect politicians that represent our values, an issue facing Ohio constituents today. 

At a local event center, with rows of folding chairs and a camera set to display the event, this town hall took place. It was interesting to see a debate where there was no elaborate decorum or raucous cheers, but instead just dedicated civilians interested in electing the best candidate this November.  Topics ranged from gun laws, judicial reform to school systems and abortion, all hot ticket conversations this election cycle. While the focus on the conversation was local in scope, each issue was relevant to the broader political climate of Ohio. The prevailing problem being the radicalist views in the capital, making it impossible to reach across aisle or come to consensus on bipartisan legislation.

Something that struck me as so unique about this event was the intimacy of the small-town setting. In such a highly contentious election year it is often difficult to drown out the noise that comes along with being a purple state. At this event there were no pre rehearsed or articulated speeches. Candidates had direct conversions with their constituents about issues important to them, highlighting what a difference local government makes in local lives. 

Beryl Brown Picolantonio, the Democratic candidate, emphasized the importance of addressing these issues with common-sense solutions. Piccolantonio spoke not only as a politician, but as a mother and member of the community which she represents. Her answers were well justified, emphasizing her experience as the current representative and coming to agreement with her opposition about the growing community and economic concerns expressed. My main takeaway from her argument was the practicality with which she approached state partisan conflict. She wants to reach across the aisle and work with Republicans to best represent her constituents like protecting a woman’s choice in regards to abortion or education funding. 

One line of the night that specifically resonated with me was a question from the audience on small business support and access. Piccolantonio’s response outlined making resources for business owners more accessible and simple. This line of questioning I found extremely important. Not only does this tie back to a main point of barriers to entry or the ability to succeed but this outlines the fundamental role of local elections; to help local people and businesses. Picolantonio’s response was both pragmatic and comprehensible. She did not need to employ extreme verbage or confusing policy mandates. She drew from her own experience with small business owners on how she can help small business owners.  

This moment and the many more I have experienced on the campaign trail this internship have emphasized the vital role that local governments play in day-to-day lives. School board elections, mayoral races, or state congressional choices may not make big headlines every year. Yet these decisions have the greatest impact on the communities in which they serve, enacting meaningful change that directly impacts constituents.  Watching Piccolantonio engage with the community on such a personal level reinstated my belief in the efficacy of local governance. It reminded me that while national politics can often feel frustratingly gridlocked, local governments can serve as a beacon of hope, progress, and pragmatic solutions.

Another takeaway from both in class conversation and this forum were the importance of moderate and Democratic voices in an increasingly polarized and majority based system. Ohio’s state government has become a microcosm of the dominating conservative agenda within the Republican party. The decisions and conversations held in the state house do not represent all Republicans within Ohio however. The Republican majority has simply led to the most extreme of the party in local elections, making reform increasingly difficult and negotiation mostly impossible. Ohioans desire safe communities, affordable resources, rights for women and abortion choices. A more moderate or bipartisan state government would allow for these beliefs to be represented and for change to come to the state of Ohio. 

My experience at this town hall forum with Beryl Brown Picolantonio and in all honesty my time interning for her campaign thus far has reaffirmed the sanctity of local government for myself. Her campaign illuminates the impact each person has with their vote. Emphasizing what is at stake not only this election cycle but with each future one as well. Through this experience I am reminded that democracy is most alive when it is close to home. In town halls, school board meetings or community forums such as this one, civilian voices are made heard and action is taken, this is where locality meets change, this is where the future of Ohio will be decided.