U.S. Rep. Max Miller holds roundtable for Medina County officials

YORK TWP. — U.S. Rep. Max Miller, R-Rocky River, listened to the local concerns of Medina County officials during a roundtable at the Buckeye Library on Tuesday. Miller said a goal of his since becoming a congressman was to meet every elected official within his district. The majority of roundtable participants on Tuesday were Medina County trustees. "We're back at it, continuing to meet with elected officials throughout the district, because you're on the ground 24/7," Miller said. "You know what is happening. Your voice is incredibly important to us." Funding was a concern brought up by a few participants. For instance, Litchfield Township Trustee Joe Seifert said costs are increasing because of inflation, but the township only brings in so much revenue. "(Litchfield has) a couple road levies from the '90s, so it's collecting '90s money," he said. "We just saw over a 30-percent increase over the past couple of years for what it costs to pave roads." Westfield Township Trustee Kent Patterson said two levies for Westfield Fire and Rescue failed recently. He asked Miller if there are any programs Westfield could look into to help fund the fire department. "It's a tough issue because volunteering is not what it used to be," Patterson said. "In fact, there's almost no such thing anymore." Miller encouraged the participants to use his office as a resource. For example, officials like Patterson could set up a meeting with his office to see what federal grants are possibly available to help meet their needs. The group also discussed topics affecting the entire country, like immigration and the labor shortage. "I'm grateful that they showed up," Miller said. "Without their contributions and without them educating me on their issues within their villages, townships or cities, it's harder for me to do my job if I don't know these things." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.