COLUMN: Don’t give up

Some may remember that Southwest Iowa Indivisible sponsored a town hall meeting with Representative Zach Nunn in March. The Representative was invited verbally and in writing, but didn’t give the courtesy of a refusal. Seventy-eight people representing 10 counties attended in March and brought written statements for the representative or made verbal comments to the group. The written documents were hand delivered to Congressman Nunn in his Washington, D.C. office by a Montgomery County resident traveling to Washington, D.C. He promised to write each person. We aren’t certain that was done.

Another event is scheduled in Creston on Saturday, Aug. 16, 10-11 a.m. at the Creston Depot meeting room. Representative Nunn has been invited to Creston while home on the extended August Congressional break. The meeting is open to whomever wants to attend and voice concerns about recent legislation that will impact Medicaid, rural hospitals, public education funding and all things that were wrapped up in “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed the House and Senate by one vote in each chamber.

If you attend, you’re encouraged to bring information in writing that includes your name, address and email address. The written letters will be sent to Representative Nunn. If Representative Nunn won’t hold or attend a town hall with constituents, he will get a packet of letters from constituents.

Iowa’s entire Congressional delegation and both Senators supported the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.” Did any of them read the +1000 pages prior to voting “Yes?” To the best of my knowledge, none of them are holding open town halls during this August break. Are they afraid to hear what constituents think about the laws they are supporting?

I’ve been involved in politics since teaching in the ’80s. I’ve written letters, made phone calls and attended coffees or town hall meetings with elected officials from state legislators, the governor, auditor, congressional representatives and senators. All meetings included questions, answers, sometimes loud voices, cheers and jeers. It was an important opportunity to directly ask elected leaders questions and share personal experiences related to either pending legislation or current law. We didn’t always agree, but I personally shared my concerns respectfully.

Because I attended regularly, most representatives, whether it was at the State Capitol or in Washington, D.C., knew me by name and that my priority was advocating for public education. When my parents were both ill, my focus was medical accessibility, care facilities and the impact of Medicaid for low-income Iowans.

The past two congressional representatives, David Young and Cindy Axne, had regular town hall meetings. Senators Grassley and Ernst used to have open town hall meetings in this part of the state. We’re grateful that our state House Representative Devin Wood and Senator Tom Shipley hold regular Saturday Coffees within their districts. It isn’t happening all over the state of Iowa.

That was before. This is now. Senators Grassley and Ernst haven’t held open town hall meetings for years. Yes, they visit each county, but the meetings are for small, specially-invited groups. Congressman Zach Nunn hasn’t held a single town hall meeting since elected in 2022. Not. One. He got elected and then went his merry way to D.C. without much thought about those he represents, especially those who didn’t vote for him.

His Facebook posts talk about what he’s doing. I’m not sure how he makes decisions about what’s right for Iowans. Is he taking marching orders from the Republican Party only? He serves on the Agriculture Committee and the Farm Bill languishes. He doesn’t do town halls. Is he afraid or doesn’t care what constituents think?

Maybe he knows there is opposition to the legislation he was supporting? Rumor has it that Republicans were directed not to hold public meetings. Is it more important to obey marching orders than listen to constituents?

Regardless, Congressman Nunn has been invited and you are invited to gather on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 10-11 at the Creston Depot. Bring comments in writing and they will be sent to Representative Nunn.

Representative Nunn, we hope you’ll attend. Constituents have some thoughts they would like to share.