Large turnout expected for town hall meeting
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Trying to build off a successful town hall meeting in February designed to combat crime, both local government and community leaders in Washington are holding a larger panel discussion to make people aware of youth programs and try to rebuild relationships.
“We’re hoping we’re able to build and unite a stronger Washington community,” Mayor Brenda Davis said. “The hope is to build bridges and bring the leaders together to work together, as opposed to working against each other.”
The panel discussion at 7 p.m. Tuesday inside Washington High School’s gymnasium will include city leaders, school district officials, the county district attorney, a Washington & Jefferson College dean and several youth program organizers.
The meeting is designed to make parents more aware of the various youth programs and activities available.
It also will garner feedback on how to improve safety in city neighborhoods and develop better relationships between local leaders and residents.
The previous panel discussion in February organized through the CommUNITY group was held in the city’s council chambers, but the large attendance prompted organizations to shift the next gathering to a bigger venue.
Davis said the response to the previous town hall was encouraging, and she hopes to have similar support and feedback next week.
“We had such a success at the last town hall meeting – the (council chambers) were filled – that we felt like we needed a bigger facility,” Davis said.
Davis said this is an important public step after having regular conversations among officials with the city, Washington School District and W&J.
School district Superintendent Roberta DiLorenzo and three school members will be on the panel, along with Ketwana Schoos, who is W&J’s assistant dean of student life for inclusive engagement.
“Really, it’s the first time that the college, school district and city have come together on a consistent basis,” Davis said.
Other prominent members of the panel will be District Attorney Gene Vittone, city police Chief Chris Luppino, Washington Teen Outreach Director Mary Jo Podgurski, LeMoyne Community Center Executive Director Joyce Ellis and NAACP Washington Chapter President Robert Griffin.