Lawmakers were not true representatives
It was my understanding that our elected representatives in Springfield were to be just that: our representatives. To represent me, a person must be open to listening to my opinion and to providing counter arguments when they disagree with me. Neither my state senator nor my state representative is truly representing me by this definition.
I have attempted to schedule meetings with both Sen. Ann Gillespie and Rep. Mark Walker to discuss my position on the Reproductive Health Act and the repeal of parental notification. Neither has had time available on their calendar. I have sent each of them a two-page letter explaining my concerns. I have sent them multiple emails. I have yet to hear from either of them except for a staff member of Mr. Walker saying that he could not respond because "we have a couple thousand similar letters that we are working through."
He "would be happy to set up a meeting … after June 10 …" Unfortunately, the House voted on the bill on May 28. Because he was a co-sponsor of the RHA, I would expect that Mr. Walker and his staff would have known that the bill would be voted on by the end of the spring session.
The only reasonable conclusion I can reach is that my elected officials only care to hear from constituents who support their positions. I hope and pray that both Sen. Gillespie and Rep. Walker will change the way they operate in the second half of this legislative session, and, I hope and pray that they serve only a single term.
Michael W. Schoenwald
Arlington Heights