Town Hall meeting frustrating experience

My husband and I attended a recent meeting hosted by state Rep. Sidney Mathias and state Sen. Matt Murphy. Many families of the disabled were present along with their disabled adults.

We were amazed at the patience of the developmentally delayed who had to sit through the first 45 minutes of the hour and half meeting listening to the accomplishments of the two representatives. Mr. Murphy went into the impeachment of Rod Blagojevich and Mr. Mathias had them sit through a power point on budget and spending.

We were very frustrated and disappointed that a little more than half the time was spent on campaign-like speeches. My husband and I subscribe to two newspapers, yours being one and the Tribune the other. We watch the news on TV and also listen to it on the radio during the day. For us the first 45 minutes was a sheer waste of our time. Perhaps 15 minutes would have been more than sufficient for any background information.

When we finally got to the Q&A part of it, the political blame game began. No satisfactory answers or solutions were given. In the meantime the fate of the disabled hangs in the balance. Why bother with these Town Hall meetings. It is only a forum to advance their own political agendas and secure their political futures.

Prabha Lockwood

Arlington Heights