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Community Corner

August "Recess" and need for Town Hall Meetings

I called Rep. Schwartz’s office the other day and spoke to her assistant:  Leah Cohen at the Jenkintown, PA office 215-517-6572. 

I politely asked her if/when the Rep. would be scheduling a “town-hall” type forum during the August recess. 

Though the assistant undoubtedly already knew that there was none scheduled, she put me on “hold” anyway as though she had to check with someone first before answering my question. 

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After a minute or so she came back on the line and told me that at this time the congresswoman had not scheduled one. 

I politely stated that I thought the recess was set up for just this purpose, so the Representatives could take the “pulse” of their constituents, especially in view of the upcoming end to the Federal Budget Fiscal Year on September 30th, and the remaining work load to be accomplished before then. 

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She replied that I could always write or email via the website, and I said that public meetings were a better venue because questions and answers are more spontaneous rather than “canned” prepared response letters from Washington staffers. 

She wanted my name to put me on an email list for future announcements/updates and I supplied it, but told her I was already on the Congresswoman’s list. 

Realize that this effort was probably a waste of time, but it only took 5 minutes, so – what the heck!

My question is this: Don't our Representatives, work for us? Are they only representing their political party's agenda? Are the other half of their constituents' disenfranchised? Are opposing viewpoints being discouraged/ignored? Don't all of us pay their salaries & benefits? If "We the People" employ these representatives, as our "employees" are not they obligated to listen to and thoughtfully consider all sides of the debate?

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