Hultgren afraid of town meetings?

Why is U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren afraid to hold public town hall meetings in District 14 during this August recess? I contacted both his Geneva and Washington offices to find out a schedule.

I was told by his Geneva office that the scheduling was done in Washington, but I could make a private appointment with Rep. Hultgren or his staff. Calling the Washington office, I was told there were no plans to hold public town halls.

When I asked why he would not hold any public meetings, I was told "I could make a private appointment." Why private? I'm not the only one who has been told this.

Is he afraid to justify or explain his radical positions and voting record in public? Why? Now, I know most people do not follow voting records of their representatives, as this takes time and effort. If you look through their smooth talking points and prepared, sanitized "public" statements, looking at their voting record will give you a very clear picture of where they stand on important issues, and Hultgren's doesn't represent the interests of everyday middle class workers in the 14th.

I would suggest all voters spend a little time to investigate Hultgren's voting record. You will find it very interesting and informative. You can find a lot of information at "votesmart.org" a nonpartisan group that collects and organizes information on legislation, voting records, interest groups, and public statements of a long list of national issues.

Don't be fooled by the title of the bills, look at what the bill really contains. Do your research and then hold your "representative" responsible.

I urge everyone to contact Hultgren's Geneva office, (630) 232-7102, or Washington office. (202) 225-2976, and demand he hold public Town Hall meetings to explain his votes and positions.

David Johnson

Geneva