Empty Chair Town Hall Highlights Community Concerns in Michigan’s 2nd District

The crowd at the Fremont Area District Library

From Indivisible Newaygo County
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​On March 26th an Empty Chair Town Hall, organized and hosted by Indivisible on the Lakeshore in partnership with Indivisible Newaygo County, was held at Fremont Area District Library. Indivisible is a nonpartisan group that welcomes people of diverse political beliefs, advocating for respectful dialogue, mutual support, and political action to ensure an effective and responsive government for all.

The event was held to provide constituents in Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District with an opportunity to share concerns about government policies affecting their lives. Representative John Moolenaar, did not respond to his invitation or attend, according to Indivisible Newaygo County town hall coordinators.

Moderated by a Newaygo resident and former  Mayor or Grand Rapids George Heartwell, the event featured Michael Lynch, a Democrat who previously ran against Representative Moolenaar. Lynch provided context on how cuts to programs and departments that are occurring as directed by the Trump Administration and the Department of Government

Efficiency (DOGE), that are negatively impacting rural communities. However, Indivisible members noted that the most powerful moments came from community members who shared personal stories of hardship and uncertainty.

The town hall focused on key topics such as Medicare and Medicaid cuts, reductions to Social Security benefits, funding for Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Public Education. The crowd of approximately 125 people expressed deep concern about these issues. One attendee, Doug Bonner, shared his anxiety about Social Security, stating, “The first thing I did this morning was check if my payment came through.” His words echoed the fears of many attendees concerned about financial instability.

Concerns about Medicare and Medicaid cuts resonated strongly, particularly regarding their impact on rural communities like Newaygo County. Attendees discussed how reductions in funding could limit incentives for qualified medical professionals to serve these areas, disproportionately affecting the elderly and children by reducing access to nursing home care, adult foster care, and mental health services.

A particularly powerful moment came when a veteran approached a cutout of Representative Moolenaar and asked, “How can you assure that your veterans are not being denied services? Because if you can’t back my brothers and sisters now, don’t expect us to back you later.” His words were met with the loudest applause of the evening, highlighting the deep frustration among constituents over potential cuts to VA services.
The two-hour event began with the Pledge of Allegiance and concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Heartwell: “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we are going to do it together.” He encouraged all attendees to join Indivisible Newaygo County or Indivisible on the Lakeshore to continue advocating for their community.

​Despite Representative Moolenaar’s absence, the town hall served as a vital platform for constituents to voice their concerns and rally together for action.

Former Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell (at podium) and U.S. 2nd District 2024 Democratic candidate Michael Lynch (seated) spoke at the meeting.