U.S. Rep. Olszewski Holds Community Meeting, Hears from Residents

Constituents raise concerns over war, cost of living, and immigration enforcement

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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U.S. Representative Johnny Olszewski, a Democrat representing Maryland's 2nd congressional district, held a community meeting at Randallstown High School where he heard directly from his constituents on a range of pressing issues including the war in Iran, the rising cost of living, and federal immigration enforcement policies.

Why it matters

As a member of Congress, Olszewski's engagement with his local community is important for understanding the concerns of his constituents and shaping his policy positions and legislative priorities to best serve the district.

The details

During the meeting, residents voiced a desire for Olszewski to take a stronger anti-war stance, address the high cost of living including rising food and gas prices, and push for common-sense reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices. Olszewski explained his previous votes against authorizing the war in Iran and efforts to hold data centers accountable for energy costs, as well as his support for reforms like requiring body-worn cameras for ICE agents and limiting enforcement activities in sensitive locations.

  • The community meeting took place on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
  • Olszewski has held 13 community meetings since being sworn in as a U.S. Representative in January 2025, with more planned for the future.

The players

U.S. Rep. Johnny Olszewski

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Maryland's 2nd congressional district.

Ronda Cooperstein

A resident in Olszewski's district who called for a stronger anti-war position from the Congressman.

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What they’re saying

“A stronger anti-war position overall. Opposing war, stop funding the military the way we do. Stop allowing the executive branch to make these decisions by themselves.”

— Ronda Cooperstein, Resident in Olszewski's district

“I voted for the war powers resolution that would have stopped the violence and stopped the war happening without approval. It's really unfortunate that we have billions of dollars for bombs but nothing for basics.”

— U.S. Rep. Johnny Olszewski

“People are suffering. Losing jobs, they can't afford to buy food. Gas prices are out of control.”

— Resident

“We are trying to do things like holding data centers accountable. To make sure they are bringing their own energy and paying for their own infrastructure, so that those costs that are passed to consumers are going to data centers are feeding the AI boom. So, common-sense pieces of legislation in housing and childcare and other places to make sure that we're putting money back into pockets of hardworking Marylanders.”

— U.S. Rep. Johnny Olszewski

“All we're asking for in ICE is common-sense reforms that Americans overwhelmingly support, things like body-worn cameras, things like not deporting American citizens, things like de-escalation, and not providing law enforcement activities in sensitive locations like school and places of worship. These are best practices.”

— U.S. Rep. Johnny Olszewski

What’s next

Olszewski plans to hold more community meetings in the future to continue engaging with his constituents.

The takeaway

This community meeting highlights the importance of elected officials directly engaging with their local communities to understand the concerns and priorities of their constituents, which can then inform their policy positions and legislative efforts.