MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — A month following her son’s election as the vice president of the United States, Beverly Aikins expressed her concern regarding the lack of recognition for his achievements in their hometown. Speaking at a city council meeting in early December, she highlighted, “It would be wonderful if we could acknowledge that this is his hometown and put up some signs. He graduated from Middletown High School and often comes back to visit and take me for dinner. I humbly request that.”
While one might expect that recognizing a local figure’s accomplishments would be a straightforward decision, the council found itself in a divisive situation. In this Midwestern steel town, some residents are proud of J.D. Vance’s successes, particularly his recent elevation to vice president. However, others expressed discomfort due to Vance’s negative depiction of Middletown in his bestselling memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” and in light of his ties to Donald Trump’s administration.
The council session, held in a room donned with an unusual ambiance reminiscent of the Starship Enterprise, saw a range of opinions. Suggestions included naming a street after Vance or even erecting a statue honoring his grandmother, Mamaw, who played a significant role in his upbringing. Conversely, council member Jennifer Carter raised concerns about rushing to celebrate his achievements, questioning, “If he gets into office and creates havoc… we’re still saying, ‘Yay!’? I’m trying to understand.”
On the other side, Council member Steven West countered her hesitations, emphasizing the significance of recognizing Vance’s struggles and successes regardless of differing political viewpoints. He stated, “There’s going to be a city where a young man had a lot of struggles and becomes vice president, and the city doesn’t recognize it — you would scratch your head and go, ‘What’s going on?’” This reflects the polarization that permeates the current political landscape.
Ultimately, the Middletown city leaders reached an agreement that would respect the varied opinions within the community while acknowledging Vance’s accomplishments. Although the council opted to avoid a full celebration, they decided to officially recognize his achievement. Subsequently, the city released a congratulatory message on its website and included Vance in the upcoming newsletter. Signs declaring “Middletown, Hometown of J.D. Vance, 50th Vice President of the United States of America” are set to be displayed at the city’s entrance points after the inauguration.
Vance’s alma mater, Middletown High School, is also buzzing with excitement. In line with his invitation, the school band will perform in the inaugural parade in Washington, D.C., departing at 6 a.m. Sunday. Senior Leslie Hernandez, a clarinet player, commented on Vance’s pride in his roots, saying, “It’s awesome that he wants to bring other Middletown students to be there.”
The Middletown City School District successfully raised over $140,000 to cover travel costs for the band members, color guard, and cheerleaders attending the event. The funds were bolstered by city and state grants, as well as contributions from local officials, including a $10,000 donation from Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones, who has been critical of the current administration’s immigration stance.
From the perspective of the school district, Dan Wohler noted, “It’s pretty exciting to say that a graduate of the high school is going to be the next vice president. That’s pretty historic.” However, sentiments regarding Vance’s election remain mixed within the community. Voter turnout in Middletown was notably lower than the county average, with Trump and Vance securing roughly 62% of the votes.
Wohler commented further on the divided opinions, stating, “We’re split down the middle, same as the country.” Some residents appreciate Vance, while others express discontent stemming from his memoir and its implications. In “Hillbilly Elegy,” Vance criticized his hometown, describing it as a place where families like his faced difficulties escaping the harsh realities of life, prompting backlash from those who felt the portrayal was an unfair representation.
Paul Gomia, a local Democrat who grew up near Vance, disagreed with the book’s perspective, highlighting that various government programs helped him succeed rather than hinder. He noted, “I don’t like his story, when he grew up almost the same as I did,” explaining his concern that opportunities could diminish due to shifting political rhetoric around social support systems.
Pastor Lamar Ferrell of Berachah Church criticized the city council’s hesitation to recognize Vance’s achievements, urging for a departure from “the nonsense of silence.” He stated, “JD is a Middletonian,” emphasizing the importance of celebrating how his journey embodies resilience and progress for the community. Pastor Ferrell’s church will host an inaugural watch party, reflecting local support amidst the mixed sentiments.
