A Seat Awaits

We, and others, have been shouting across the abyss at U.S. Representative Nick LaLota, trying but mostly failing to engage him in a conversation about the long list of historical developments in the first eight months of his second term in office.

He speaks almost exclusively in press releases, probably written by his staff, and his interactions with the public are largely scripted and/or stage managed. He touts his “tele town halls,” where constituents can call in live with questions, but callers are screened and the discussions are largely superficial. He’s mischaracterized a list of “public” events, and he’s been largely unavailable even for interviews for news stories. He’s built a very effective wall around himself, from atop of which he shouts pronouncements but can’t quite hear any response.

It seems simple enough to say: This is not how representative government is supposed to work. There have been a whole series of votes in 2025 that deserve to be parsed, that LaLota really should be ready, willing and eager to defend. It’s malpractice not to try.

But, to be fair, who on earth would want to sit through a no-holds-barred “town hall” discussion right now? The Republican Party has told its members not to hold them. Most must be thrilled to comply. Spending even an hour in front of a partisan crowd gathered solely to shout at you? Who would sign up for that?

The New York Times podcast “The Daily” had a terrific episode on Monday this week, focusing on Mike Flood, a Republican congressman from Nebraska: Despite his party’s stance, he steadfastly holds three live town hall gatherings a year, where his constituents seem eager to shout invective at him. His first one left him “stunned and a little numb,” and the audio confirms that as a reasonable reaction. It was ugly.

But Flood continues to stand in the fire, because of the principle: An elected representative should hear his constituents, be willing to face them. He deserves accolades for that, whatever you think of his politics.

And it should be noted: The exchanges mattered. One constituent cited a very specific part of the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” respectfully asking why he voted for Section 70302, “which effectively prohibits federal courts from enforcing contempt orders.” Flood admitted, he didn’t know it was in there. He dropped the ball.

Flood said this on “The Daily” about acknowledging his error: “The only way through that, though, is to tell them the truth. And you know what? I slept better that night than I had in a long time because I didn’t blink. And as mad as people are and as much as people can get upset about that, isn’t that kind of what they also want? They want you to stand up. They want you to be there.”

This feels like a monumental statement in these political times: Just showing up is important. Ducking criticism or refusing to defend, or even explain, why you voted the way you did is cowardice, and it’s dysfunctional in a democratic society.

However, perhaps the problem with “town halls” is structural. Maybe an elected official simply standing at a podium — he or she might as well have a blindfold and a cigarette — invites an audience of frustrated people to vent their spleens in the least productive way possible. If you believe you have to shout to be heard, you’ll shout.

There is, in fact, a better way to do this.

The Express News Group has hosted dozens of “Express Sessions” events, which often involve very complicated issues, and a lot of emotional baggage. The idea is to put people from all sides in a room and encourage — insist upon — a cordial, respectful exchange of ideas. People can ask questions, and they are expected not to be hostile even if they don’t like what they hear. Ultimately, everyone is heard, and nobody needs to shout. No matter the subject, these have been uniformly worthwhile conversations.

We formally invite Congressman Nick LaLota to take part in an Express Sessions event this fall. There will be no charge to attend, and the event will combine a question-and-answer session with an interviewer and an opportunity for the public to ask questions, or to make statements directly to LaLota.

There is no way to guarantee that such an event would be completely devoid of rancor: In these difficult political times, people have a great deal of pent-up anger and resentment. But if you ask people to behave in a respectful way, while giving them an opportunity to be heard, most people will cooperate. If the event is structured to allow access — real, honest access, not a frustrating facsimile — it can work.

The offer is on the table. We respect Mike Flood’s commitment to his district, and we ask Nick LaLota to show the same trust of and consideration for his constituents in the 1st District. Nobody will leave the event feeling like the political divide has disappeared, but maybe building a bridge is a start.