Comments against Idaho congressional delegation fall on ‘deaf ears’ during Pocatello empty chair town hall
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POCATELLO — A handful of community members spoke their minds about Idaho’s congressional delegation during a town hall that the elected officials declined to participate in on Friday evening.
Overall, individuals expressed dissatisfaction with Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, along with Rep. Mike Simpson, all Idaho Republicans, for not taking citizen input and not keeping the Trump Administration “in check.” The event was organized by the Idaho State University Political Science Club and the League of Women Voters of Pocatello.
“Congressmen, the fact that my letters to your offices and our local newspaper, my posts to your social media feeds, my participation in peaceful protests, and this public forum are met with no apparent interest, reveals a great deal about your lack of interest in representing us,” said Keith Ward.
Another speaker, Steve Neiner, pointed out that while Risch declined to attend Friday’s event, he would be in Pocatello on Saturday speaking at the Bannock County GOP’s Lincoln Day Dinner.
“I find it interesting that Mr. Risch couldn’t be with us this evening but is going to be in Pocatello tomorrow night as a keynote speaker at a rather expensive Republican fundraiser here in town,” Neiner said. “But (he) is unable to meet with we, the people, at a town hall event like this — very disappointing.”
“I, too, like most of you, have called, written, gone to speak to the local representatives in person, of our three representatives, and what do I get back?” Pat Feuerborn questioned. “Newsletters telling me how wonderful the current administration is — (which) I see destroying our country, literally destroying the Constitution, everything that stands for.”
“I also write an email and call all the time, and I get those stupid letters back,” Sylvia Martinez said. ”Nothing concrete at all. So I’m trying to do my part, but it falls on deaf ears. And things just keep getting worse and worse.”
“It’s my understanding that our senators and representatives have been told not to attend any type of a meeting where we, the people, can see them face to face and say, ‘What the hey?” Kathleen Olsen said.
Another speaker, Brenda Jester, said she has two grandsons who are deeply affected by the war in Iran and initiatives against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). One grandson is a Navy SEAL, the other is transgender.
“I’m mad as hell that this person (President Donald Trump) has started a war that is unnecessary, and I’m mad as hell that my other grandson has a full-grown beard and he can’t even go into a public bathroom and relieve himself without being threatened to go to jail for it — absolutely ludicrous,” Jester said.
One speaker, Rochelle Anderson, encouraged the senators to vote against the SAVE Act, which tightens voter registration standards.
“If this act passes, it’s going to cause a lot of problems for older people, and not just older people,” Anderson said. “But many older people don’t have either a current passport or certified birth certificate. Some older voters do have photocopies of their birth certificates, but these would not be accepted.”
Also, three individuals running for state legislature — Kim Jackman, Jayson Meline and Mary Shea, all Democrats — spoke against the Trump administration and Idaho state legislators.
Another speaker, James Squire, said he was tired of elected officials following the Trump administration “like a lap dog.”
“These men (our representatives) must pay attention or find a different job,” Feuerborn said.