Rep. Brad Wenstrup speaking at the town hall meeting.

Rep. Brad Wenstrup speaking at the town hall meeting.
By Kristin Bednarski
Sun staff

More than 50 community members and students attended a town hall meeting held by Congressman Brad Wenstrup at the University of Cincinnati Clermont College April 4.

The meeting provided Wenstrup with a chance to update the public about what he has been doing since he became congressman and also provided an opportunity for Wenstrup to hear from his constituents.

UC Clermont Dean Gregory Sojka introduced Wenstrup and highlighted some of his achievements.

Sojka said Wenstrup grew up in Cincinnati, earned a medical degree in podiatric surgery and went on to serve in the United States Army Reserve in Iraq where he was chief of surgery.

Wenstrup thanked guests for coming to the town hall meeting, and he began by telling guests a little more about his background.

“I didn’t grow up thinking someday I want to be in congress,” Wenstrup said.

Wenstrup said after returning from Iraq he became more involved with the community, and decided to run for mayor of Cincinnati when he returned from serving.

“I lost that race but met a lot of great people,” Wenstrup said.

In March 2012, Wenstrup defeated former Congresswoman Jean Schmidt in the primary election, and in November, he was elected to represent Ohio’s Second Congressional District as congressman.

“I am honored to be here and honored to represent southern Ohio,” Wenstrup said.

Wenstrup discussed the committees he serves on in Washington, including veterans affairs and healthcare committees.

He expressed his concerns with the national budget, and what he believes needs to be done to reduce debt in the country.

Toward the end of the meeting, Wenstrup allowed audience members to ask questions.

Guests took turns asking questions about the topics discussed in the meeting, and several guests also asked about, and expressed their concerns about gun safety.

Wenstrup addressed the questions after they were asked and expressed his feelings and opinions about the topics.

Several community members said they were glad to have the opportunity to learn more about Wenstrup and his views.

“We wanted to come see him and hear from him because he is a new person in office,” Edward Allen, of Miami Township, said.

Edward came to the event with his wife, Judy, who said it is nice that Wenstrup decided to have town hall meetings.

“There should be more of these,” Judy Allen said.

Tina Herald, of Anderson Township, also said she enjoyed coming to the event.

“I think town halls are always great,” Herald said. “I appreciate Mr. Wenstrup expressing his views.”

Herald said she is glad they took questions at the meeting. She said her only concern is that she worries Wenstrup will vote according to his views, rather than his be a voice for his constituents.

“I worry he has fixed views, even when there is a huge majority,” Herald said. “Please think about your constituents.”

The town hall meeting at UC Clermont was the first for Wenstrup. He also held a town hall meeting at noon April 8 at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth.

For more information about Congressman Brad Wenstrup, visit www.wenstrup.house.gov.