EDITOR:

Note from the author: As I went to submit this letter I noticed there have been similar submissions, including the most recent “Town hall meeting set – with or without Bergman.” While continued public calls for a town hall meeting may seem redundant, it is a sign of growing support for democratic processes and growing unrest with the current administration.

How many of you living in Rep. Jack Bergman’s district have called his office with concerns since January 20th? To his credit, someone almost always answers at his Washington office, and they have been receptive to my calls. However, his staff rarely has a substantive statement or position on the major issues of the day, despite being admittedly flooded with calls. If constituents are constantly calling on a common topic, whether out of concern or frustration or curiosity, how is this information influencing Rep. Bergman’s work as our representative? And how are we to know that we are being duly represented? I have requested that Mr. Bergman hold a town hall meeting (preferably with a virtual option) to hear directly from the people he represents.

However, Mr. Bergman’s responsibility doesn’t end with listening. He was elected to represent Michiganders and Yoopers at the highest level of our government, and it is his duty either to faithfully act upon those concerns, or, failing that, to explain why not and why U.P. voters should continue to support him as their voice in Washington. Representation is more than just posting social media updates, sending fundraising emails, and setting up underpaid staffers to absorb the ire and deflect the inquiry of voters. Representation means speaking up in committees, casting votes that serve constituents’ interests, and publicly denouncing actions and actors that threaten the stability of our democracy. It is irresponsible for Mr. Bergman to assume that the election of Donald Trump to lead the executive branch absolves Mr. Bergman and his colleagues of their responsibility to carry out their duties as legislators. Congress is a check on the power of the presidency. It is failing at that, and Mr. Bergman is complicit in its failure.

While our First Amendment Rights are still intact, use your power to call Mr. Bergman with your concerns and encourage him to have town hall meetings. Republicans and Democrats alike are duty-bound by their oath of office to protect the constitution from all threats foreign and domestic. Let’s make them.

Andrea Johnson

Escanaba