More Town Halls You Didn’t See on TV
August 27, 2009
As House Democrats prepare to return to Washington in a few weeks, they continue to hold constructive and productive meetings with their constituents about the need for reform that will bring the choice of quality, affordable health care to all Americans.
Massa: Massa takes on challengers at town hall
Democrat and Chronicle, 26 August 2009
“Since many of his meetings have run three or four hours, being outside allowed more speakers time to be heard. The meeting finished at about 8:30, after darkness had fallen. Massa promised that everyone with a question or statement would be heard. Many people began their remarks by thanking him for standing up and taking questions.”
Thompson: JFP Person of the Day: Rep. Bennie Thompson
Jackson Free Press, 25 August 2009
“Opening up a forum for civil discussion and debate, Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi’s Second Congressional District addressed questions to more than 300 people last night on proposals for health-care reform. Standing shoulder- to-shoulder in Jackson's M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge, some attendees held signs supporting universal health care while others used handouts to fan themselves from the heat.”
Edwards: Maryland town hall nets one protester, few critics
The Hill, 25 August 2009
“A healthcare forum hosted by Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) attracted only a single protester outside a D.C.-area recreation center on Tuesday night — and fairly minimal opposition inside. A capacity crowd of 300 people filled the Plum Gar Recreation Center to hear the first-term congresswoman speak for 30 minutes and then take 19 questions over another hour.”
Boswell: Boswell Grilled Over Healthcare Reform
KCCI Des Moines, 24 August 2009
“Unlike other recent town hall meetings, this one was relatively calm. Congressman Boswell says that it’s important that healthcare reform be crafted very carefully, but he strongly believes there’s one option that shouldn’t be left out…As Congressman Boswell answered their questions, he stuck by his vision for the future: ‘We need some kind of a public option.’”
Braley: Braley hosts ‘respectful’ health care forum
Gazette (Iowa City), 19 August 2009
“Unlike other recent health care town hall meetings, the one here Wednesday afternoon was a civics textbook example of decorum, according to its host, Rep. Bruce Braley. ‘Even though people came with strong and often conflicting opinions, they were respectful and willing to listen and learn,’ Iowa’s 1st District congressman said.”
Bean: Bean open to government-run insurance option
Daily Herald, 20 August 2009
“Bean's teleconference Wednesday night drew about 4,400 listeners who received a phone call and then could listen in. About a half dozen questions were taken from the pool of callers…Bean was asked about particulars of the health care plan and broadly about the raging debate that has sparked fiery town hall meetings. She rejected the contention by some opponents that Democrats where trying to establish a government-run health care industry like Canada.”
Hare: EDITORIAL: Town hall meeting worked the way it should
Galesburg Register-Mail, 19 August 2009
“The meeting went on for two hours. People had a chance to speak their minds and learn how their Congressman stands on the bill — he supports it. Hare made the right call by taking questions from the public Monday. And those attending took the right approach by being respectful. It worked the way it was supposed to.”
