Grandview Area Republican Club

GARC’s level of activism continues to be recognized by Central Ohio. Not because we’re screaming at the top of our lungs and using epitaphs and slurs that are uncalled for (as certain outlets of the mass media would have you believe) – but rather, by having intelligent, thought out arguments that explain our position.

Another GARC Member had a letter printed on the Columbus Dispatch’s website in the month of August: Vice President Jamie Gentry’s comments about Representative Mary Jo Kilroy’s (D – OH 15) failed Health Care Town Hall Teleconference were published in the Online Edition. Congratulations to Jamie for his articulate comments about Kilroy’s representation (or lack thereof) of Ohio’s 15th District (which includes Grandview Heights, West Columbus, Upper Arlingon, Marysville, and West Jefferson).

You can read Jamie’s comments below, or at the Dispatch Website: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/editorials/stories/2009/08/26/webletters.html?sid=101

Kilroy’s teleconference

I am shocked and disappointed in the lack of respect Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy demonstrated to her constituents over the past week.  Specifically, I am referring to the teleconference town hall meeting that her office held Wednesday (August 19th) evening to discuss one of the health care proposals that Congress is currently considering for passage.

I am absolutely upset by her (and her colleague’s) outright refusal to engage the public on this important pending legislation.  I took the time to study the bill, formulate questions, stop by her office to register for the call and make two follow up calls to her office to confirm my information.  My efforts to be a responsible citizen were rewarded with being excluded from the discussion on Wednesday evening.

There may be a valid reason why I was not able to participate, perhaps there really were technical difficulties that hampered the proceedings.  I am most upset that our elected officials have resorted to the most cowardly means of interacting with their constituents.  We as voters and citizens of this country should be outraged that the very people we elect to represent us in Washington refuse to solicit our input on matters that impact our lives.  I understand that may require some long uncomfortable meetings and I understand it may ignite a very passionate debate, but that is the job of an elected representative.  Healthcare reform is a very complex and deeply personal issue that should be debated and discussed in an open forum, no matter how unpleasant that may be for the Congresswoman or any elected official.

I hope for the sake of all Ms. Kilroy’s constituents that she regards this issue with the seriousness and gravity that it deserves.  Much like Social Security and Medicare, this is an issue that will define a generation.  Does she really think she can vote her conscience on such an important issue knowing that she has not made every effort to listen to all of her constituents?

Maybe I am expecting too much of my elected representation, but I hope Ms. Kilroy will reconsider her position on public debate and open up the discussion to her constituents.

Jamie Gentry, Columbus

What do you think? Did Rep. Kilroy kill the public debate? Comment below with your thoughts!