Valparaiso City Council Member Barbara Domer (D-3) emphasizes the power of the ballot, paving and public safety will be among the lead topics this weekend when she hosts a town hall on Sunday.
“Even before I was elected, I’ve always described myself as an active advocate, including my time serving with the League of Women Voters of Porter County,” Domer said.
“It was the subject of sidewalks which was one of the earliest issues that brought me to attend Valparaiso City Council meetings and inspired me to run for elected office.”
The event occurs from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at Pines Village Retirement Community, 3303 Pines Village Circle in Valparaiso.
She said her town hall not only provides an opportunity to share updates on her work since starting office in January but also a review of the council’s key legislation passed in 2024 with an opportunity to answer questions. Council President Robert Cotton (D-2) and Council Vice President Ellen Kapitan (At-Large) will also attend to discuss current housing and public safety initiatives.
“This isn’t just going to be, two hours of elected officials talk at those gathered,” Domer said.
“We will use the second hour for breakout sessions to cover women’s healthcare, accessibility issues, and of course voter information. Before I was elected and I would reach out to my city council representatives in District 3 and even the at-large members, they all ignored me and my questions. This is what moved me to speak out during city council meetings, which is something I still encourage others to also do.”
The tradition of a town hall gathering brings residents together to ask questions and share perspectives on issues.
“I’m very excited to host my first town hall and welcome all city residents, not just those who live in my district, to participate,” Domer said.
“We’ve made a lot of progress and I’m proud of what I’ve done so far this year, while also admitting I’m still learning so much. I’m never afraid to bring a new idea before the council or the mayor.”
Last month, Domer addressed students at Valparaiso University about subjects like civic engagement and “why voting matters.”
“The League of Women Voters of Porter County has been doing amazing work this election year with both spring and now fall voter education and registration drives at participating Porter County high schools, including lots of outreach talking to people at farmers’ markets, festivals, libraries while promoting the Vote411 website,” Domer said.
“I’m so pleased my suggestion to the Valpo Board of Works about offering fare-free public transit on Election Day was not only approved but the same free transportation will be extended to include primary Election Day as well.”
Residents interested in attending can RSVP on Domer’s Facebook page, “Barbara Domer Valparaiso City Council District 3,” though not mandatory, and post questions in advance in the comments section in the event area.
Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
