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FINALLY, A TOWN HALL IN PA-01 [1]
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Date: 2025-05-30
On a recent Sunday in May, 2025, history was made in Levittown. I, along with about 300 concerned citizens, filled a packed auditorium to experience a fundamental feature of our democracy, a free town hall led by a representative of Congress. We haven’t had such an event here in our PA-01 congressional district in years.
We first heard a fine speech by the Congressman outlining his concerns, values, and proposals to help all Americans. Then it was time for questions. Over 30 citizens lined up with sincere passionate concerns about the direction our nation was headed, especially about a GOP proposed 715 billion dollar cut to Medicaid that would affect the elderly, the sick, and the poor while shoveling billions to the rich. Obviously there was much pent up demand for answers since regular town halls have been absent in our district for almost a decade.
The Congressman responded to each question with intelligence, conviction, and empathy. Most agreed with his fine answers, but at times there was disagreement which was handled with respect and dignity. The Congressman answered an independent Trump voter with civility. I was so proud to see our democracy in action where all were given a chance to fearlessly express their views.
The Congressman stayed well past the scheduled time to ensure every person’s question was answered even as the crowd thinned. He gave me a glimpse of what American democracy should be and I felt a patriotic pride and joy about America.
But I was then sad that the man who spoke was not our Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, who for almost a decade now has been afraid to meet his constituents in such an open free town hall forum. Instead, a Congressman Ro Khanna flew here from California, invited by Indivisible, to do the job our Congressman should be doing regularly: listening and responding to constituents in person.
I look forward to the day PA-01 can have as fine a leader as Ro Khanna as our Congressperson, one who does not shun and run from constituents and one who is not afraid to answer tough questions publicly in person. I dream.
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