The League of Women Voters’ annual Legislators’ Reception will take place online on Thursday, Jan. 14, at 5:30 p.m. Traditionally held at the Stillwater Public Library, the event will instead take place virtually using Zoom.
Event organizers invited Senator Tom Dugger, Representatives Trish Ranson, Ty Burns and John Talley. League members hope to keep the usual structure and ask legislators questions from the community.
“The whole point of the reception has always been to empower residents to be involved in and understand local policies,” said Kay Murphy, a board member of the League of Women Voters of Stillwater. “With the turmoil of this last year, it is possibly more important than ever for people to be informed about local policies.”
Legislators will update the community about what has been happening at the State Capitol and discuss topics likely to be addressed in the upcoming legislative session. Participants are encouraged to submit questions about issues important to them when they register to attend the event or to email questions in advance to the Library at askalibrarian@stillwater.org.
“The questions are the most important part of the event,” Murphy said. “Giving citizens the chance to be heard and get answers is really why the League plans this event every year. It is also useful to the legislators. They get a feel for the most pressing concerns in the community.”
Library Director Stacy DeLano is delighted that the League of Women Voters is still having the event, even though it has to move online.
“The Library co-sponsors this event because it is vital to connect the community with its representatives,” DeLano said. “The Library is more than happy to provide a public space for discourse, whether it is physical or virtual.”
Community members should register online at library.stillwater.org to receive a Zoom link that will allow them to attend the virtual program. The registration form also includes a section where participants can submit their questions for legislators. Legislators may not address every question sent, but the League will do their best to ensure a variety of topics get covered.
The Legislators’ Reception will also be streamed live on the Stillwater Public Library’s Facebook page.
For more information, or to get guidance using Zoom, call the Help Desk at (405) 372-3633 x8106 or email askalibrarian@stillwater.org.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.