Indiana — 2nd District

ELKHART — Democratic 2nd District congressional candidate Jamee Decio is hosting a second public town hall Friday, July 24, to discuss topics like affordability, public education, healthcare or whatever attendees want to discuss through a moderated question-and-answer session.

Decio is challenging Republican incumbent Rudy Yakym in the November election.

The meeting takes place at the Tolson Center for Community Excellence, 1320 Benham Ave. According to a press release, attendees are welcome beginning at 5:30 p.m., with the moderated question-and-answer session from 6 to 7 p.m.

Attendees can submit their questions upon arrival. During the townhall, a moderator will select questions to “ensure a respectful, thoughtful discussion covering a broad range of issues important to local families and communities.”

"I believe representation begins long before someone takes the oath of office," Decio said in the release. "It begins by meeting people where they are, listening carefully, and making sure every voice has an opportunity to be heard.

“Whether someone agrees with me completely or challenges my views, Hoosiers deserve honest answers and a representative who is willing to — at the very least — have the conversation."

The Tolson Center building was Elkhart’s first African American high school and has since been turned into a community center, according to the release. The center provides educational programs, neighborhood engagement opportunities, youth activities and wellness initiatives.

At the Lion’s Strawberry Festival at Potato Creek State Park on Friday, June 12, The Tribune asked Decio what efforts she would take to engage with constituents and the media.

Here is what Decio had to say:

“First of all, because of the First Amendment, I need to speak with media whenever they have any questions because the constituents need to be informed. Second of all, I’ll have town hall meetings. I’ll answer constituents’ phone calls. My father did that in his business, and that’s what I know how to do.”

“I’ll respond to them because the job is about working for the constituents. They’re who we work for. They hire you. They pay you, so you have to listen to their concerns and bring them back to D.C. It’s all about them. It’s not about me. I’m just a conduit. It’s about the constituents and doing what they need and being there and talking to them and listening to them.”

The Tribune left messages July 20 for the Yakym campaign asking whether he plans any similar events, and for the Decio campaign asking whether she plans any further events in St. Joseph County. As of mid-day July 21 neither campaign had responded.

Email Tribune staff writer Juliane Balog at [email protected].