Stand Up for Science plans empty chair town hall in Columbus

Stand Up for Science will host an empty chair town hall in Columbus on Sept. 1 for Ohio's 15th Congressional District, inviting residents to raise concerns about Rep. Mike Carey. The event is open to the public and the press, with Carey not yet confirmed to attend.

Why it matters: - The event gives constituents in Ohio’s 15th Congressional District a public forum to raise concerns during the congressional recess. - The town hall is aimed at spotlighting the absence of in-person constituent engagement from Rep. Mike Carey. - Science advocates and members of the public will have a chance to press for answers on science and democracy issues.

What happened: - Stand Up for Science will hold an “empty chair” town hall in Columbus on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern. - Dr. Colette Delawalla, CEO and founder of Stand Up for Science, will host the event. - The organization extended an invitation to Carey, but Carey has not confirmed attendance. - The town hall is open to the public, and members of the press are invited.

The details: - The event is focused on Ohio’s 15th Congressional District. - Stand Up for Science says the in-person gathering will bring together area science advocates and constituents to share concerns and questions. - Delawalla said congressional recess has traditionally been prime time for town halls with constituents. - Delawalla said Carey has not held a town hall in years. - Attendees can register through the event link provided in the announcement.

Between the lines: - The empty chair format signals frustration with limited access to the district’s representative. - The event also fits Stand Up for Science’s broader push to mobilize public attention around federal science agencies and funding. - The group has positioned itself as a platform for federal scientists to air concerns through open letters.

What's next: - Stand Up for Science will proceed with the Sept. 1 event in Columbus. - Carey's attendance remains uncertain unless he confirms before the town hall. - The meeting could surface local concerns that extend beyond science policy into broader constituent frustrations.

The bottom line: - The Columbus town hall is both a constituent forum and a public challenge to Rep. Mike Carey’s engagement with OH-15 voters.