Last evening, citizens of Okanogan County, WA, delivered a LOT of messages to their Congressman, Dapper Dan Newhouse, who, oddly enough, would rather visit with almost anybody else. Over 250 people showed up at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp, to express their concerns and communicate their ideas, demonstrating that Newhouse’s preference NOT to interact with his constituents in no way diminishes their desire, and their right, to give him his marching orders. The following news release went out today to numerous media outlets, including Rachel Maddow:
Feb. 24, 2017
NEWS RELEASE
For release immediately (photos and video available upon request)
Title: Constituents Inspired to Act, Newhouse a No Show
263 constituents turned out for a Town Hall meeting, knowing that Representative Dan
Newhouse, Washington State Congressional District 4, would be unavailable. Despite numerous requests for public interaction with his constituents, Representative Dan Newhouse has, to date, failed to schedule a single such forum during the Congressional recess.
Jill Sheley of Winthrop, WA, the moderator for the event, set the tone for the evening by stating, “We are here as American citizens eager to participate in our democratic process, peacefully, respectfully and with a genuine desire to listen to each other with open minds. All views are welcome.”
Neighbors gathered from as far north as Tonasket and throughout the Okanogan and Methow Valleys to educate each other, to share opinions and to voice concerns with our congressional representative about issues that impact our community, our state, and our country. A video booth was available for constituents to video-record their personal messages and questions for Representative Newhouse.
Don McIvor, Conservation and Wildlife Management Researcher, compared Newhouse's publicly stated positions on natural resource management with his voting record and bill sponsorship in the 115th Congress. The crowd responded enthusiastically with each revelation on the Congressman's support of a series of bills and resolutions that appeared to contradict his stated position on conservation and stewardship. “The record shows,” said McIvor, “that Newhouse is in favor of relaxing standards for oil and gas extractors within National Parks, reverting to 35 year old land planning rules for the BLM that marginalize the value of recreational uses and emphasize extractive industries, and a number of resolutions reducing the regulatory authority of the Department of Interior, including the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management.”
Ann Diamond, MD, explained, “Since passage of the ACA, rural hospitals that once struggled to provide emergency care to the uninsured have seen a greater than 50% decrease in uncompensated care. In a small community where Mid-Valley hospital is a major employer, this bottom line shift from red to black ripples positively thru the entire surrounding community.” She added that nearly 1 out of 2 Okanogan County residents are covered by the Affordable Care Act (also know as Obamacare).
Attorney Jennifer Villarroel Vargas of Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) spoke about her concern for both documented legal residents and undocumented workers who are afraid of being separated from their families. Vargas offered legal counsel and support suggesting that a good first step is to visit NWIRP’s website at: https://www.nwirp.org/
On a more positive note, Ms. Vargas noted that Representative Newhouse appears to know how important these workers are to agriculture in our area and has supported the Bridge Act.
K.C. Golden of Climate Solutions said, "Regardless of your party affiliation these are all issues that impact us and that we care about. Together we can influence our future with agreements on such issues as protecting our national forests and building a stronger community ethic with regard to sustainable environmental practices."
A video of the meeting and personal messages for Representative Newhouse will be shared on social media with the hope that Representative Newhouse will take the views of his constituents into account when making critical decisions during the first 100 days of the new administration.
Mike Leasure, an Omak resident, who drove 120 miles RT to attend last night’s Town Hall in Twisp, WA, said, “It's a relief to simply know that so many people have been energized by recent events. Thanks again for putting together the town hall. I look forward to carrying this positive energy into the coming weeks and months.”
Just a village, but…..what’s that you said, Hil?
