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Local pastors and residents urge participation in MLK events and press state bills in council public comment
Summary
Pastor Karen Schafer invited the council and community to Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition events including an ecumenical celebration, peace march, and theater performance. Another resident, Laura Lisi, urged stronger maternal-health measures and questioned a proposed caregiver tax credit and an environmental bill she described as allowing 'AI wastewater' into streams.
At the Jan. 13 Lebanon City Council meeting, public comment included invitations and policy appeals from local residents and faith leaders.
Karen Schafer, pastor of Bethel AME Church and a resident of 1631 Shawhan Road in Morrow, asked the council and community to attend Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition events. Schafer said the coalition (serving Warren County) will hold an ecumenical celebration at Resurrection Lutheran Church at 1 p.m. on Monday the 19th, a peace march beginning at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church at 4 p.m., and a one-man show 'Moments with Martin' on Friday at 5 p.m. at the Lebanon Theatre Company. Schafer said suggested admission was $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students but that everyone was welcome to "come and pay what you can."
Laura Lisi (McClure Road) commended Representative Matthews for sponsoring House Bill 450 to allow pregnant people to use certain accessible parking spots and urged broader maternal-health improvements, particularly for women of color. Lisi also urged that caregiver supports (House Bill 279) provide direct payments rather than tax credits that only help filers who itemize deductions. She asked the representative whether he opposed a bill she characterized as letting 'AI wastewater' into streams and surface waters and called that prospect an "environmental catastrophe." Representative Matthews responded to those questions during his update, describing HB450’s parameters and stating the state is working to protect waterways.
Public comment gave residents an opportunity to alert the council to community events and state policy concerns; council members thanked the speakers and noted the information would be helpful to local constituents.
The city manager reminded attendees that city offices are closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and publicized a Jan. 29 public meeting on upcoming infrastructure and development projects.
