VIRGINIA ORGANIZING LEADERS DELIVER PETITION AND TELL THE CONGRESSMAN TO HOLD A REAL TOWN HALL MEETING

Media Release

For Immediate Release: August 24, 2012

Staunton, VA: With 133 local signatures, Virginia Organizing leaders delivered a petition to U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte asking the Congressman to hold a real town hall meeting to address concerns of constituents and be held accountable for his position on Social Security, health care and tax fairness. The demonstration took place at the Congressman's Staunton office.  

Sally Burger of Staunton, Va. said, "I'm just wondering why Mr. Goodlatte won't come out and answer our questions. What is he afraid of? I just don't understand." 

Virtual town hall meetings are convenient for the elected official, but do not allow for questions from the people to be asked and answered face-to-face. 

Another Staunton resident, Elizabeth LaGrua, said she is just looking for answers, "We really want to meet with him and talk to him and ask him questions about Social Security and health care. We want him to meet with his constituents so we can have some answers." 

Virginia Organizing supports civic engagement and holding elected officials accountable for their votes and the way they represent their constituents. In-person town hall meetings with elected officials provide an opportunity for community voices to be heard on various issues and require those elected to serve to answer questions about how they are representing the people. 

To interview a spokesperson of Virginia Organizing, please contact Amanda Pohl at 804-337-1912 or amanda@virginia-organizing.org. 

Virginia Organizing is a statewide grassroots organization that brings people together to create a more just Virginia. 

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