Brecheen hosts town hall meeting to address concerns

Congressman Josh Brecheen held an in-person town hall event at the Madill City Library on Friday, March 17 at 3:00 p.m. for citizens to share their thoughts and ask questions on policy issues impacting their community. The meeting wasstandingroomonlyas Madill community members listened and asked questions for a better understanding of Brecheen’s political platform.

Brecheen said he holds town hall meetings to face what could possibly turn into uncomfortable situation. He said it is something many politicians fear.

“Therearemanymembers of congress that have chosen not to do town halls because they know that people cannot be so nice,” Brecheen said.

After the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer led by the congressman, he gave a thirty-minute speech geared at educating the room on America’s increasing national debt. He also focused on programs that are better kept managed at a state level rather than federal for better care and efficiency.

“Thereareeighteenthings congress is supposed to do, remember the tenth amendment- that everything else be left to states,” Brecheen reminded the attendees.

Afterhisspeech,heopened the room up for the questions from the community in attendance. They asked questions and shared stories for more insight as to what Congressman Brecheen’s thoughts and strategies were. One attendee spoke up and said the constitution should hold everyone accountable.

“They’ve forgotten who they work for, we the people. That’s the problem.”

Another attendee wanted to know if her leaders are listening when phone calls and emails are made about hot button topics.

“What is your action on your end for us to know that we are being heard,” asked the attendee.

The congressman wanted to assure everyone that he indeed was listening.

“That’s why I’m down here doing these town halls,” replied the Brecheen. “There’s some politicians that only read the polling, the difference is coming to the town halls.”

Brecheen expressed his need to be out in the public speaking and getting to know the voters to learn the issues and educate voters on what is happening in Oklahoma.

Towards the end of the meeting,theattendeestalked amongst each other on ways to get people out to vote. One suggested a grass roots approach, more hands with the community with meetings andflyers.Brecheenwrapped up the afternoon meeting by shaking hands and answering any final thoughts the community had on ways to be proactive at the polls. Members of the community thanked him for his service to the people, the state, and the community of Marshall County.