EAST PALESTINE, Ohio - Ohio Secretary of State and U.S. Senate candidate Frank LaRose made a stop in East Palestine Wednesday afternoon.

LaRose spoke with the village manager and a county commissioner about recovery efforts taking place in the year following the train derailment and concerns that remain.

LaRose adds that he believes the communication could have been better between local, state and federal governments in the aftermath of the disaster which could have led to a better outcome for the village.

He also criticized President Biden's lack of appearance at the site, more than one year later.

"Following a disaster, you don't want the president coming in the days after because it is a big logistical undertaking when a president comes to town," LaRose said. "But President Biden should have been here before a year out and this is just kind of too little, too late."

LaRose also made promises that as a senator, he would represent the people of East Palestine and work on reforms in transportation to avoid a similar event in the future.