Hartsler listening post draws crowd

Democrat photo / David A. Wilson
Aistin Kramer from Rep. Vicky Hartsler's office, far right, listens to some of the concerns of the district residents at a Listening Post held at Wood Place Library Thursday, Nov. 8.
Democrat photo / David A. Wilson Aistin Kramer from Rep. Vicky Hartsler's office, far right, listens to some of the concerns of the district residents at a Listening Post held at Wood Place Library Thursday, Nov. 8.

Austin Kramer visited California Thursday, Nov. 8, to conduct a listening post for Rep. Vicky Hartsler. More than 20 were present to ask questions and air their views. Kramer commented that it was the largest group at the listening posts he has conducted in the last few weeks.

A broad range of topics were covered including the Common Core nationwide school curriculum program, concern about cuts in the social programs, the future of health insurance in the country and the computer issues, discrimination against Christians in some recent legislation proposed, immigration, high costs of farming and farm equipment and social security.

Although there was some concern over a cover letter Rep. Hartsler had signed for a letter about Social Security, Kramer explained her intent was to say she was open to studying the issue.

Major concerns of several appeared to be the possibility of changing the retirement age for Social Security and the possibility of means testing for recipients.

While one person said the economy is improving and accused Hartsler of hypocrisy and following a right wing ideology, another said he appreciated how she conducted herself according to the platform she had run on instead of going to Washington and falling into line with the big government big spenders.

Another spoke up and said several people had talked about getting more money for the government. In her opinion, the real answer to the financial woes of the country is to cut spending.

Still another person said the elected officials and the voters need to know the difference between fact and opinion.

As the meeting came to an end, Kramer was asked if there was a way Hartsler could answer all of the concerns and put them on her website. He said he would talk to the Congresswoman.