It’s disappointing Sen. Bob Casey ducked into and out of Warren a few weeks ago with nary a whisper said publicly.

We’re glad Casey visited, and we hope the tour helps bring some federal funding to Warren’s riverfront. But one has to wonder why hardly anyone outside of a few handpicked politicians and business owners knew anything about Casey’s visit until county Commissioner Jeff Eggleston sent a news release early Monday evening. By then, Casey’s visit was old news.

It had been a little more than a year since Casey last visited Warren County. That visit, you may recall, was a pretty well attended Warren County Democratic Party event at the DeFrees Pavilion at Betts Park. County residents had a chance to listen to Casey’s thoughts on infrastructure, education, COVID-19 and international affairs. Then, Casey spent two hours with local officials to talk about community issues.

“The senator and his team are always willing to come up and talk,” said Aaron Stearns, Warren County Democratic Committee chairman, following last year’s visit. “Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, seeing your elected officials taking an interest in your community is very important.”

It’s great Casey took an interest in Warren’s riverfront development. And maybe it’s good that Casey wanted to do his business here and eschew the pomp and circumstance that typically comes with a visit from a U.S. Senator. But in our view the quiet visit is a wasted opportunity for public engagement, particularly on a matter as important locally as Warren’s riverfront.