Protesters gather in Pottsville for ‘Mondays Without Meuser’
Approximately 40 residents in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, protested outside U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser's office as part of a multi-county "Mondays Without Meuser" movement. Protesters voiced opposition to proposed data centers and ICE detention centers in Schuylkill County, claiming Meuser is unresponsive to constituents' concerns. This marks active, ongoing opposition against both government officials and specific development projects, including data centers.
Approximately 40 residents gathered outside U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser's Pottsville office as part of a multi-county "Mondays Without Meuser" protest across Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District. Concurrent protests took place in Berks and Lebanon Counties. Constituents expressed opposition to data centers and ICE detention centers proposed for Schuylkill County, claiming Meuser has been unresponsive to their concerns.
Organizers, including Michael Schroeder and Deborah Miller Schnell, coordinated the district-wide event, with Claire Kempes of Schuylkill Indivisible noting the protest provided an outlet for grievances. Pottsville police requested protesters move across the street due to sidewalk impediment complaints, and Mayor Tom Smith was observed at the scene. Residents like Lara and Joe Wiscount of Tremont spoke out against the proposed Tremont Twp. ICE detention facility, criticizing Meuser for his perceived disconnection.
Protesters contrasted Meuser's perceived inaccessibility with his Democratic opponent, Rachel Wallace, who held a town hall on the ICE facility. Tina Burns, a Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania's 124th district, also attended, advocating for better representation. Kempes hopes the movement will continue to provide an avenue for residents to express their discontent with sitting representatives.