Congressman, communicate with us

This week, February 18-26, is an in-district work week for the House of Representatives, during which members of Congress are supposed to be meeting and communicating with constituents. Yet it appears that Representative Dan Newhouse will not be attending a single event open to the public, despite numerous requests that he do so. Furthermore, he hasn’t made clear what exactly he’s choosing to do that takes priority over holding a public event.

A staffer in Washington, D.C., said she “cannot give [me] the congressman’s schedule for security reasons.” A local staffer has said Newhouse is spending the week in Washington state in pre-arranged meetings with constituents and state legislators, but could not say with whom, when, or exactly where. She also said that the public has made “very clear” that they would like Newhouse to attend a town hall event as soon as possible.

Despite this clear and massive demand for Newhouse to attend a town hall event this week, at a formative time in our nation’s history, with political energy in many communities at its highest point in decades, it does not feel like Newhouse is listening.

Mr. Newhouse, the people you have been elected to represent have made very clear their need to meet with and hear from you. Constituents are spending countless hours trying to communicate with you. Your job is to communicate back by letting us know how you are spending this recess and when we can next see you at a public event.

Fellow citizens, regardless of your party affiliation and political preferences, I encourage you to contact Representative Newhouse’s staff at 509-452-3243 and ask that he communicate more openly with all of us. Ask that he commit to attending a peaceful, civil town hall as soon as possible.

Cam Alford

Winthrop