‘Empty chair’ town hall in Pocatello: People to speak their minds despite members of Congress declining to participate
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POCATELLO — Locals will be speaking their mind to congressional elected officials in a town hall next week. But organizers said it will be an “empty chair” town hall as Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, along with House Rep. Mike Simpson, all Idaho Republicans, declined to participate.
The town hall will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Wood River Room of the Idaho State University Student Union Building at 1065 South 8th Avenue in Pocatello. The event is being organized by the Idaho State University Political Science Club and the League of Women Voters of Pocatello.
Pam Ward, president of the League of Women Voters of Pocatello, said this town hall is part of a broader initiative by the League of Women Voters called the Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative. The goal of the initiative is to fight back against the “anti-democratic actions” of the Trump administration by getting 8.5 million people to take action and voice their concerns to Congress.
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy, according to the news release.
Doors will open 30 minutes before the event starts. Those wishing to comment will sign in at the door and be called in the order of the list to speak. The comments, limited to three minutes each, will be recorded and delivered to the elected officials after the event.
Organizers ask that commenters keep their topics focused on current issues of congressional concern. Congressional members will not accept any comments using profanity.