Since mid-February, concerned citizens from across Northeast Ohio have been gathering every Wednesday morning to protest Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno’s actions since he took office at the beginning of the year.
The goal of these peaceful rallies, according to an “Action Alert” email sent out to supporters, is to ask Moreno why he “cares more about obeying the president than protecting his constituents and Ohio’s economy.”
The rallies, nicknamed “Wednesdays at Bernie’s,” held in front of Moreno’s office in downtown Cleveland, and are organized by the group Mobilize the Vote NEO, which describes itself as “a grassroots group of concerned citizens, organized in 2017 to connect with voters and encourage disengaged people to vote on important civic matters.”
The specific focuses of these rallies vary, including the Trump administration’s recent cuts to federal academic grants, Ohio Senate Bill 1 (which was recently signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine), tariffs, and more.
Ellen Brown, a volunteer for Mobilize the Vote, said that she wants Moreno to represent Ohio citizens’ interests in these issues, not Donald Trump’s.
“We are very unhappy that [Moreno] is rubber-stamping everything Elon Musk and Trump asked for, and he is not representing us and voting in a way that is in the best interest of Ohio citizens,” Brown said. “I want him to protect colleges and universities… academic freedom, schools, veterans, farms, government workers…”
Cindy Demsey, another volunteer with Mobilize the Vote, agreed with Brown, and added that she wants to have real conversations with the senator and “demand accountability.”
“We want to have a meaningful dialogue with the senator. He does represent all of us,” Demsey said. “He did not ever make a meaningful attempt to meet with constituents and hold town halls, even online or in person. We’re really upset with what is happening.”
The frustration is spread across a wide range of political and moral issues, as characterized by the signs held by those at the rally displaying messages such as “No One Elected Elon Musk,” “Ukraine is our Ally,” “Save Social Security,” and “SMELLS LIKE FASCISM.”
Although the protesters have other commitments in their personal lives, Demsey said that these issues are important enough to make time for.
“I work, but I take time out from work because I think it’s important to be here and show that we watch what he’s doing. We watch what’s happening,” Demsey said.
Despite their efforts, Demsey said that Moreno has not made any meaningful attempts to have a conversation with them, instead responding with a form where “everybody gets the same response.”
Brown also said that previous senators from both political parties have been willing to meet with constituents, sending real letters in response, and Moreno’s failure to do so is what is so frustrating to those protesting.
“We will keep rallying outside his office indefinitely, until he acknowledges our concerns.” Brown said.
Esther Trepal, an Ohio citizen who attends the rallies, voiced similar concerns to Brown and Demsey regarding Moreno’s unresponsiveness. She said that she is “fearful” about the current trajectory of the country, and that she simply wants Moreno to respond to her regarding the issues she feels are important.
“I would like, when I write him, that he answers me and tells me why he is voting the way he is… I write him about the EPA, social security, and he sends me the same letter every time that says nothing,” Trepal said. “I wish he would act as a legislator, and not as a doormat for Trump.”
Demsey said that she believes these rallies are so important because accountability is important, especially in a time when she believes “we’re losing our democracy.”
“The only thing that’s driving us is we want responsible government,” Demsey said. “We want an accountable senator.”
Learn more about volunteering, voter resources, or “Wednesdays at Bernie’s” by going to mobilizethevoteneo.org.
