There is a constituent effort to compel US Rep. Mark Messmer (R-District 8) to attend a town hall meeting and listen to resident concerns during this March recess. Messmer is accused of avoiding public engagement with constituents.
A demonstration called “Messmer’s Missing — But We’re Here!” is scheduled on March 22.
They’ll cancel the demonstration if he decides to have a town hall meeting before March 22.
Organizer Wendy Bredhold said they’re holding the demonstration to give constituents a “venue for their frustration” over recent Trump administration decisions.
“And honestly trying to shame representative Mesmer for not meeting with them, and that's why we're doing it right in front of his office downtown Evansville, he should be ashamed for not meeting with his constituents.”
A spokesperson for Messmer’s office could not comment on whether he would attend a town-hall style meeting.
They said Messmer and staff are in “constant contact” with constituents via the public phone numbers, social media and website contact forms.
“That's not good enough,” Bredhold said. “That's not the job. The job is that he needs to listen to his constituents. He needs to respond to our concerns, especially at a time like this, when there is so much turmoil and change and people are afraid, you know, hiding out is not making people feel reassured.”
She said should residents be able to share concerns, it may inform how he votes in the future.
Earlier this month, GOP lawmakers were urged to think twice about holding or attending town halls due to some events becoming heated, with angry attendees drowning out the republican lawmaker.
Messmer’s office would not comment on a town-hall type meeting. His "Meeting Request Form" is not yet active.
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