April 7, 2023 3:50 a.m.

Senator Ron Wyden and Congresswoman Val Hoyle heard from residents of Douglas County on Thursday.

A town hall meeting was held at Sutherlin High School. Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman acted as the emcee for the event. Close to 200 people gathered in the school’s gym to hear from both lawmakers about current issues in Congress. That included a mix of community leaders, city officials from Sutherlin and Roseburg, veterans and many others. Close to half the crowd was made up of Sutherlin High students, some of whom gathered after the meeting to get a group photo with Senator Wyden.

A number of people were able to ask questions or share their views on particular issues. That included veteran leader Jim Little who asked for help in getting more services restored at the Roseburg VA Medical Center. Hoyle said from her perspective it isn’t a matter of “if” the VA services return, but only “when” it can take place. She said that will also include the need for workforce training so the VA can find the staff needed to increase the services it provides. Wyden said he is “all in” on the effort to restore the Roseburg VA, which led to a standing ovation from the group of veterans in attendance.

After the meeting Hoyle talked with News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN and shared her impressions:

For Hoyle, elected in November to replace Peter DeFazio, following his retirement, it was only her second town hall event. Following nearly three years of mostly virtual meetings during the pandemic, Hoyle talked about what its like to speak with a live audience again:

The lawmakers are back in Oregon as Congress is on its Easter break.