Vidalia — U.S. Sen. David Vitter will host a town hall meeting Monday in Vidalia to discuss efforts to stop runaway federal spending and debt, improve education and grow jobs in Louisiana, among other things.

Vitter, R-Louisiana, will meet with community members and leaders from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Vidalia Municipal Complex, located at 200 Vernon Stevens Blvd. in Vidalia.

“Meeting with Louisianians and visiting communities across the state is one of the most important parts of my job,” Vitter stated in a press release.  “It allows me to hear about the issues most important to people in Louisiana.”

Luke Bolar, a spokesman for Vitter’s office, said the senator will discuss a variety of topics first and then open it up to questions from those in attendance.

“The recent flood insurance bill signed is obviously huge right now, especially in south Louisiana, so that will certainly be brought up,” Bolar said. “Obamacare will also be brought up, but really (Vitter) wants to hear and talk about the real local issues people are concerned about.”

While Vitter announced his intention to run in Louisiana’s 2015 governor’s race, Bolar said the town hall meeting Monday will not be a campaigning event.

“These town hall meetings are completely, 100 percent for his job as a senator,” Bolar said.

“He’s started doing something some stuff on the campaign side, but that will likely start more next year.”

Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland said he recently met with Vitter and other congressional leaders during a trip to Washington, D.C., and is excited to welcome Vitter for the town hall.

“He’s basically coming to meet the people of the Miss-Lou, and we’re looking forward to having him here,” Copeland said. “It’s always an honor for us to have him come to Vidalia.”

Copeland said the meeting was an opportunity for residents to share their concerns with the person they’ve elected to represent them in Washington.

“It’s a great chance for those people that have issues and want to relay them directly to him,” Copeland said.

“I hope the people he represents come out and attend.”