Letter: How about a town hall meeting, Congressman Messmer?

Now that Congress is on a two week recess, does anyone know if Congressman Mark Mesmer has scheduled a town hall meeting to address everything that has taken place in Washington in just the past four months. We are confident the congressman will not count his recent unexpected appearance at a Jasper Chamber of Commerce meeting as a town hall meeting. It was not. A town hall meeting is well publicized and is scheduled well ahead of time at a convenient location and features unscripted questions and unvetted participants.

Republican officials are discouraging their elected members from holding town halls, probably because they find it uncomfortable to answer certain questions. That should be of little concern to the congressman, as he is a seasoned politician and represents one of the most Republican friendly districts in the state. And, good congressman that he is, he knows that elected leaders do not hide from the people they represent.

Scott Newton
Jasper