I was disappointed to read in Monday's Journal Times that Sen. Van Wanggaard has chosen to avoid meeting his opponent in the upcoming Senate recall election. I recognize that an open forum can be a difficult setting for campaigning. It's hard to think quickly and articulate your points clearly when you're not sure what the question will be.
I was particularly looking forward to hearing my senator in person because I have not been successful in communicating with him in other ways. I went to his Ives Grove office hours many times and conversed with various pleasant assistants who took copious notes but I heard nothing in response from the senator. I then switched to using emails, but only once received anything other than the stock "Thank you for contacting my office ..." reply. I participated in his telephone "Town Hall Meeting," but the call screener who answered did not forward my question to the senator.
I would like to be confident that those who represent me in Madison are willing to answer my questions, listen fairly to my views and respond cogently. Every one of us deserves no less. We need representatives who are willing to meet with all segments of the public, and thus provide more openness in the political process; meeting the public in an open forum is one way to do that.
Melissa H. Warner
Caledonia
I was particularly looking forward to hearing my senator in person because I have not been successful in communicating with him in other ways. I went to his Ives Grove office hours many times and conversed with various pleasant assistants who took copious notes but I heard nothing in response from the senator. I then switched to using emails, but only once received anything other than the stock "Thank you for contacting my office ..." reply. I participated in his telephone "Town Hall Meeting," but the call screener who answered did not forward my question to the senator.
I would like to be confident that those who represent me in Madison are willing to answer my questions, listen fairly to my views and respond cogently. Every one of us deserves no less. We need representatives who are willing to meet with all segments of the public, and thus provide more openness in the political process; meeting the public in an open forum is one way to do that.
Melissa H. Warner
Caledonia
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