Rep. Raskin of Maryland holds town hall in Patchogue
He says since Republicans refuse to hold in-person town halls, he’s giving Long Islanders the chance to voice their concerns.
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Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin from Maryland, ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, held a town hall meeting Saturday in Patchogue amid what he says is a void in town halls being held by Republican members of Congress.
“A bunch of our colleagues are not having town hall meetings and so people are calling and asking representatives of other districts to come and do a town hall meeting," said Rep. Raskin.
He says since Republicans refuse to hold in-person town halls, he’s giving Long Islanders the chance to voice their concerns. Hundreds of people packed the Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts.
“I’m worried. I’m worried about the children of this country. I'm worried about civil rights," said Betty Winkler, from Islip.
“There’s a lot of concern in the country about what’s taking place with DOGE with Elon Musk with the assault on the federal workers," said Raskin.
Republicans rebuffed Raskin, saying that they have held their own events. News 12 reached out to GOP Rep. Andrew Garbarino about Raskin's town hall and asked if he was planning on holding any in-person events.
Garbarino replied: “I have some thoughts about the member from Maryland, but my mother says if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
Republican Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-1) says he has participated in more than 20 town halls, including 16 in-person events. News 12 reached out for a clarification about hosting in-person town halls and is waiting to hear back.
At Raskin’s event, attendees said they were happy to hear from him.
“I like to hear a…story of hope, which I think that Mr. Raskin brought us today," said Winkler.
