No Comment Congressman

Congressman Robert Latta

(R) 5th District.  

When it comes to climate change, Congressman Robert Latta’s office would not provide a comment.

Our Computer-Assisted Reporting class asked Ohio’s congressmen and senators to provide a statement about climate change.

For this project, I contacted Congressman Latta’s office to find out his position.

Over the course of three weeks, I called the Washington D.C. office eight times and sent two emails. I received no response.

The local offices in Bowling Green, Ohio and Defiance, Ohio were reached out to for comment. The secretary at each office told me to direct all communication questions to the Washington D.C. office.

I called ­­­the CBS affiliate station in Toledo, WTOL, to see if any reports interviewed Congressman Latta about climate change. Frank Seely, Assignment Manager, said reporters don’t interview Congressman Latta about climate change.

“He doesn’t believe in such a thing as climate change,” Seely said.

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This project taught me to ask questions and be persistent.

When I started this project, I was shuffled around to different people to find an answer.

I kept calling and asking for the congressman’s position.

I learned that a journalist lives in a fearless profession.

As a journalist, you can’t be afraid to ask questions.

Thea Emroll