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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Better ways than town hall

Citizens demanding our congresswoman hold one or more town halls open to everyone most likely have never attended one. I’ve attended several. All goes well for 10 minutes or so, with two or three reasonable questions and reasonable answers. Then it all goes to pot. Someone shouts “liar!”, others join in the catcalls, and protesters disrupt meeting. Time is wasted bringing the place to order again, with time left for only two or three more questions before the meeting adjourns.

Far better for a citizen concerned about an issue to write down your point of view, read it over the next day, deleting the insults and obscenities, and then mail it or email it or call it in or hand deliver it to one of Cathy’s offices throughout the district. Or call for an appointment to discuss your issue with her staff. Or send it to the letters editor at the newspaper.

Cathy can’t read every letter from her half million constituents, but her staff does and they keep her informed on what people are thinking, pro and con, on all major issues. It’s not a waste of your time, as town halls generally are.

Don Peters

Spokane

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