MEDINA, OHIO – U.S. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07) had a robust schedule during last week’s district work period, during which he met with local officials, visited workers at companies helping drive Northeast Ohio’s economy, and talked with constituents about their concerns.

“I did not run for Congress so I could sit in Washington, DC and work in a vacuum,” said Miller.  “It’s my responsibility to spend time learning from people who make our communities strong and who are on the front lines of policy and what’s best for our communities.  Spending time with constituents and hearing their perspectives helps me do a better job in Congress,” Miller added.

Here are highlights of Congressman Miller’s engagements for the week of January 22 – 27, 2024:

MONDAY, January 22

• Congressman Miller attended the Orrville Chamber of Commerce “Coffee and Connection” event, a monthly gathering meant to highlight new businesses, community leaders, and elected officials. Nine people representing seven member companies of the Chamber joined Miller to hear his update on the policy landscape in Congress, including a look ahead to 2024 legislative priorities, and share with him their perspectives as business leaders about issues important to Wayne County.
• Congressman Miller hosted a roundtable discussion with local officials from Wayne County to provide an update about his first year in Congress and hear directly from them about how his office can help their communities. During the meeting, the officials shared their concerns about substance abuse and mental health, the lack of affordable housing options in the area, and foreign ownership of farmland. The local officials represented communities from across the county: Wooster Mayor Bob Reynolds, Orrville Mayor Matt Plybon, Apple Creek Mayor Rodney Mackey, West Salem Mayor Chriss Crebs, Baughman Township Trustee Jeff Kaufman, Green Township Trustee Donald Zimmerly, Franklin Township Trustee Kevin Ungerer, East Union Township Trustee Dan Hodge, Wooster Township Trustee Matthew P. Ogden.
• Congressman Miller visited Centerra Co-op, the Smithville, Ohio branch of Land-O-Lakes, for a tour and town hall with employees.  During the visit, Centerra CEO Jean Bratton and Manager Joe Wilson led Miller on a tour of Centerra, whose employees are working to meet the complex needs of Ohio farmers. During the town hall, Centerra employees asked about the Farm Bill, which is vital for Ohio’s agriculture community and a very high priority for Miller. They also discussed Congressman Miller’s Farm to Fly Act and how it would benefit Ohio farmers. Centerra CEO Jean Bratton is a member of the Congressman’s Agriculture Advisory Council and has been an invaluable voice for Ohio’s priorities in the Farm Bill. 

TUESDAY, January 23

• Congressman Miller hosted a roundtable with Medina County local officials to provide an update about his first year in Congress and hear directly from local leadership on issues specific to Medina County. During the meeting, Miller heard that one of the most pressing issues in the area is public safety and the concern for retaining law enforcement officers and first responders. Additionally, officials voiced their concern about larger issues like the crisis at the southern border, which is impacting Ohio communities. The Medina County roundtable attendees included Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell, Chatham Township Trustee Rick Dumperth, Harrisville Township Trustee Michael Gray, Lafayette Township Trustee Ty Fullerton, Lafayette Township Trustee Chris O’Neil, Litchfield Township Trustee Joe Seifert, Medina Township Trustee Chuck Johnson, Medina Township Trustee Bruce Christopher, Sharon Township Trustee Kimberly Miller, Wadsworth Township Trustee James Gardner, Westfield Township Trustee Kent Patterson, Westfield Township Trustee Michael Schmidt, Montville Township Trustee Al Beihl.
• Congressman Miller visited TWB Company for a tour and meeting with leaders from the Liverpool Industrial Park in Valley City, Ohio. During the visit, TWB Operations Manager Jeff Krause showed Miller the production and manufacturing of various tailor welded products made by TWB, which opened its doors in Medina County over 25 years ago. During the tour and meeting, Miller was able to discuss various topics impacting TWB with their employees, specifically the workforce shortage and what steps can be taken to encourage schools to work with companies like TWB to help fill the trades gap.

• Congressman Miller met with North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones and Director of Economic and Community Development Max Upton for an update on North Olmsted’s economic climate and creating opportunities for business growth.  Miller talked about the upcoming process for funding community projects and pledged to be a strong partner to the mayor and city officials in advancing the economic development agenda.

SATURDAY, January 27 

• Congressman Miller hosted his first public town hall of the year at the Parma-Snow Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library. The town hall was an opportunity for constituents to hear an update about Miller’s work in Washington and how his office can serve constituents and ask the Congressman questions about issues important to them and their communities. The questions covered a wide variety of topics, including border security, government funding and spending, funding for Ukraine, ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and the Farm Bill. More than 100 constituents attended the event. Parma Councilman Kevin Kussmaul moderated the town hall and 4H student Soda Kiser of Valley Forge High School led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Editor’s note regarding Congressman Miller:

Congressman Max Miller represents Ohio’s Seventh District which includes Medina and Wayne counties as well as parts of Cuyahoga and Holmes counties. Miller serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for which he is also Chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. The Republican freshman members selected Miller as their representative to the Republican Steering Committee.  He is a member of the Republican Study Committee, Main Street Caucus, and the Congressional Jewish Caucus. Before joining Congress, Miller spent six years in the Marine Corps Reserves and served in several senior positions for President Donald Trump. Please visit http://maxmiller.house.gov for more information.

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