News Summary

Nearly 200 Shreveport residents attended an Empty Chair Town Hall to express concerns on key community issues. Despite the absence of Congressional representatives, participants discussed matters such as health program cuts and governmental integrity. The event, organized by local advocacy groups, highlighted the residents’ frustration over ineffective communication and called for accountable governance. Alternative ways to voice concerns were provided for those uncomfortable speaking publicly. Plans for future gatherings were announced, underscoring the community’s commitment to engage with elected officials.

Shreveport Residents Express Concerns at Empty Chair Town Hall Meeting

Nearly 200 residents gathered at Grace United Methodist Church in Shreveport on Thursday for an Empty Chair Town Hall, hosted by 10,000 Women Louisiana and Indivisible North Louisiana, to voice their concerns about key issues affecting their community and the nation. Despite the absence of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation, attendees actively participated in addressing various governmental matters.

The empty chairs represented Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, along with Representatives Julia Letlow, Cleo Fields, and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who were invited but did not attend the meeting. Instead, portraits of these officials were displayed in the empty seats, symbolizing their absence from the conversation.

During the event, 25 individuals took the opportunity to speak out on significant issues, including the management of health program cuts under the Trump Administration and its impact on federal employees. Other issues raised included concerns over governmental integrity related to a reported $400 million donation of a plane from the royal family of Qatar, which some attendees viewed as a potential conflict of interest.

Attendees expressed a sentiment of frustration regarding the lack of effective communication among the different branches of government. Many participants conveyed the belief that the Trump cabinet is more adept at dismantling the government than in rebuilding it. This atmosphere of discontent was palpable as attendees called for a more responsible and transparent governance approach.

For those who were uncomfortable speaking in front of a crowd, organizers provided alternative ways to voice concerns by allowing the submission of index cards or private video messages. All contributions from attendees will be compiled and directly sent to members of Congress to ensure their voices are heard even in the absence of their representatives.

The event served not only as a platform for direct feedback but also highlighted ongoing concerns regarding public service integrity. Speakers pointed out that federal employees are prohibited from accepting gifts, raising questions about ethical standards within the current administration.

Following the events of the Town Hall, the organizers announced plans for additional gatherings in the future to further engage community members and address pressing concerns. This commitment to continued dialogue signifies the determination of the local community to strengthen connections with their elected officials and advocate for necessary changes.

The Empty Chair Town Hall in Shreveport underscores a significant movement among citizens eager to discuss governance, transparency, and accountability, fostering an ongoing dialogue about their local and national issues. Community involvement and civic engagement remain critical elements in addressing the challenges faced by constituents, particularly in these turbulent political times.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

DHS Considers Reality Show for Immigrant Citizenship Race
Biskie Duncan Bids Farewell to Shreveport News Scene
Severe Thunderstorm Causes Flooding and Power Outages in Shreveport
Local Sales Tax Elimination Proposal Fails in Shreveport
Local Grocery Sales Tax Elimination Proposal Fails in Louisiana
Massive Fire Erupts at Mattress Warehouse in West Baltimore
Fairmont Tower Reopens Following Extensive Renovation
Shreveport Reopens Fairmont Tower to Boost Affordable Housing
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Flooding in Shreveport
Construction Resumes on Dual-Brand Marriott Hotel in Shreveport

Additional Resources

• KTBS: Town Hall Draws Concerned Crowd in Shreveport
• KTAL News: Indivisible North LA and 10,000 Women LA Host Empty Chair Town Hall
• KSLA: Citizens of Shreveport Voice Concerns over Social Security at Town Hall
• Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Cleo Fields on Medicaid, SNAP, and Education
• The Center Square: Louisiana Town Hall Discussed Various Issues
• Wikipedia: Town Hall Meeting
• Google Search: Town Hall Meeting
• Google Scholar: Town Hall Meeting
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Town Hall Meeting
• Google News: Town Hall Meeting

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.