COMMUNICATION: State legislators lack it

It’s great to receive periodic newsletter updates from our congressional delegates in Washington, D.C. I especially appreciate listening to the telephone town hall conversations with Congressman Fulcher. It’s unfortunate that our state legislators don’t put this kind of effort into communicating with their constituents. 

There are typically a couple of “Legislative Town Halls” during the session, but those meetings do not allow for meaningful dialogue between the legislators and those they represent. There are usually between eight and 12 legislators on the panel. The questions from community members are screened, and often paraphrased and include the opinion of the moderator. There is no opportunity for follow-up questions. 

I’ve attended several of the town halls hosted by the KCRCC in recent years, and they usually start with a statement that it is a “private meeting and not a public forum.” If the only opportunity for most people to potentially speak with their elected representatives is at these meetings, then how can they claim to represent the people of their district? 

I have emailed my representatives a number of times over the past several years. One of them was kind enough to express appreciation for me reaching out to him, and we have emailed back and forth a few times. One has never responded to my email communication, and one of them provided a three-word answer — once. It would be great if the legislators from each district were to hold small meetings prior to the legislative session with only the people from their district. They could speak about the priorities they intend to bring to the legislative session and hear the concerns of their constituents. 

RICK JONES

Rathdrum