Letter to the Editor: Submitted by Wendy Schutte

To the Editor:

Iowans take their responsibility of voting seriously. And, after an election, regardless of whether or not a constituent voted for an elected leader, we expect that the individual listens to all constituents.

Both Rep. Ashley Hinson and Sen. Chuck Grassley claim to hold town halls in each of the counties they represent but the visits are often nothing more than a photo op. Both fail to hold public town halls where their constituents can ask questions and voice their concerns.

Grassley was recently in Waukon for a private, invitation-only meeting. Yet, he says he uses these meetings as part of this “99-county tour”. Hinson has similarly chosen a business or facility to tour in Allamakee County, meets with a handful of the employees, and the public is given no opportunity to meet with her. Grassley and Hinson choose their audience and structure a friendly, safe environment, where they do not face their constituents and refuse to take questions from constituents.

Recently, State Auditor Rob Sand held a town hall in Waukon which was truly open to the public. He welcomed questions and comments and often said his job is to represent the taxpayers in Iowa. Sand demonstrated how representative democracy works.

When elected officials like Grassley and Hinson fail to meet with their constituents, they weaken our democracy. They put partisan politics over the people they represent. The Second District deserves better representation. We deserve leaders who welcome dialogue and a commitment to listening to the people.

Wendy Schutte
Harpers Ferry