EPHRATA – The Ephrata City Council is set to host an open house featuring a state senator and two state representatives, all local Republicans, on Oct. 1.  

Sen. Judy Warnick, Rep. Tom Dent, and Rep. Alex Ybarra will gather with residents from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the city council chambers, providing an opportunity for community members to discuss pressing issues with their elected officials before the regular council meeting. 

The event, featuring light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres, aims to foster communication between residents and their representatives. Rep. Dent emphasized the significance of this interaction.  

“Much of what happens in Olympia ... affects people, some good, some not good. And we like to know what they think. We want to hear their opinions,” Dent said.  

He encouraged residents to attend, saying, “It’s a good event for them to ask questions of their representatives.” 

City Administrator Ray Towry explained that the open house is part of a tradition meant to reconnect the community with its elected leaders. He said they haven’t had one since the COVID-19 pandemic, but are glad to have brought them back.  

“It’s a chance for us to create interaction between the community and their elected officials and ask questions,” Towry said. “It helps the elected officials hear thoughts and opinions and gives them an opportunity to discuss the issues they are facing in Olympia.” 

Following the open house, the legislators will present a brief update during the regular city council meeting.  

The exact format of the updates remains to be clarified, but Towry expressed that there would be opportunities for engagement.  

“I’m not sure if we’re going to do something structured, or if there’ll be just an open house. There will definitely be a chance to interact. You could probably get a little more information from them on how they want it structured,” Towry said. 

Warnick echoed this sentiment, highlighting her eagerness to meet constituents face-to-face.  

“I’m actually looking forward to it. We haven’t had a town hall in person for quite a while,” she said. “I went to a meeting last week, and the organizers didn’t want questions from the audience. I’m looking forward to hearing from people who attend.” 

Warnick acknowledged the importance of citizen feedback in shaping legislative priorities. She stated that while she may have topics prepared to discuss—such as the state budget—she is primarily interested in understanding “what’s on their minds.” This emphasis on open dialogue supports Dent’s assertion that the event serves as a platform for constituents to voice their concerns. 

Furthermore, Dent pointed out that this convening of legislators provides residents with diverse perspectives on various issues.  

“Sometimes when we’re all there, we can have a more thorough discussion and better provide insight into what’s going on in the legislature,” he said. 

Each representative focuses on different aspects of state legislation, and by attending together, they can offer a comprehensive look at a wider range of topics. 

The open house follows a period marked by challenges in state budgeting, a concern both Dent and Warnick plan to address.  

“We are so darn underwater about the budget,” Warnick said, indicating that fiscal responsibility will be one of her key points of discussion during the meeting.