Congressman Tom Petri says that people talked about health care, deficits and the economy at the four town meetings he has held so far in his latest round of 12.
"We had town meetings in Neenah, Oshkosh, Kohler and Oakfield. The meetings were well attended. We had interesting discussions," he said.
"The last round of town meetings was dominated by discussion of the impending health care legislation that was before the Senate and had already passed the House at that time. This was also a major concern at these town meetings, but people were also expressing concern about a whole variety of issues - probably the main other issue being the mushrooming federal debts and the general economic situation."
Petri said the mood of the meetings was typified by one gentleman who said, "I'm still in a state of shock. I thought that after Massachusetts that people would go back to the drawing boards and come up with a more modest proposal directed at some of the problems - particularly rising costs in health care, rather than plowing ahead and shoving this whole major overhaul of the health care system through one way or another."
Petri added that although some think anger over the new health care law will dissipate, he thinks people will continue to express their concerns on the issue for months to come.
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Rep. Petri's comments on his town meetings:
"I've had four town meetings [so far]. We had town meetings in Neenah, Oshkosh, Kohler and Oakfield. The meetings were well attended. We had interesting discussions.
"The last round of town meetings was dominated by discussion of the impending health care legislation that was before the Senate and had already passed the House at that time. This was also a major concern at these town meetings, but people were also expressing concern about a whole variety of issues - probably the main other issue being the mushrooming federal debts and the general economic situation."
On the general mood at the meetings:
"I think the thing can be summed up - one of the gentlemen said, 'I'm still in a state of shock. I thought that after Massachusetts that people would go back to the drawing boards and come up with a more modest proposal directed at some of the problems - particularly rising costs in health care, rather than plowing ahead and shoving this whole major overhaul of the health care system through one way or another.'
So, some say, 'Well, this [anger about health care] is a two-day wonder,' but I think people are concerned and they will express that concern over the coming months and certainly through the next election."
Petri then gave details on upcoming town hall meetings, which are:
Monday, April 5th
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.—Watertown
Watertown Senior & Community Center
514 S. First St., Terrace Room
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.—Beaver Dam
City Hall, 205 South Lincoln Ave.
City Council Chambers
Tuesday, April 6th
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.—Montello
Marquette County Service Center
460 Underwood Ave.
Demonstration Room
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.—Green Lake
County Courthouse, 492 Hill St.
Demonstration Room
Wednesday, April 7th
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.—Friendship
Village Hall, 507 West Lake St.
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.—Redgranite
Municipal Building
161 Dearborn St.
Thursday, April 8th
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.—Two Rivers
Lester Public Library
1001 Adams St.
Community Room
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.—Chilton
Calumet County Courthouse
206 Court St., Room 025
(Use west entrance)
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