CONGRESSMAN LATHAM IS CALLING -
HOSTS IOWA’S FIRST TELEPHONE TOWN HALL MEETINGS

WASHINGTON, DC – Telephones were ringing throughout Iowa’s Fourth Congressional District the past few evenings.  On the other end of the line was Congressman Tom Latham ready to talk and listen to Iowan’s views on current issues and give them an opportunity to ask him questions all from the comfort of their own homes.

Congressman Latham’s telephone town meeting is a new and innovative approach to the 400 traditional town meetings he has held in Iowa communities during his service in Congress.  Due to new technology, Latham is able to conduct listening and discussion sessions with Iowans over the telephone.

“People lead busy lives these days,” said Latham.  “These telephone meetings are a great resource for Iowans who cannot participate in a traditional meeting due to scheduling conflicts, logistics, or mobility issues, to personally provide me with their comments, views and questions.”

Thousands of participants were called via an automated dialing system.  When they picked up their telephones, they heard a brief introductory message from Congressman Latham that explained the purpose of the call and an invitation to participate in the telephone town meeting.  A simple push of a button on the phone allowed participants to instantly transfer to the live town meeting.

Unlike a simple one-sided conference call, those who opt-in to the town meeting can participate by asking questions and offering comments directly to the Congressman.

The inaugural meetings covered topics and questions that ranged from Medicare, the war on terror, renewable energy, immigration, the upcoming farm bill, and National Guard issues.

“I was extremely pleased with the discussions we have had during these telephone town meetings.  As the voice and vote in the U.S. House of Representatives for Iowa’s Fourth District it is important for me to understand the concerns and opinions of the people of the District.   Meetings like these help me be a more effective servant for Iowa.”

Latham is one of only a handful of congressional leaders, and the first Iowa legislator, to conduct telephone town hall meetings with new technology.

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