May 3, 2017 2 min read

I object to David Ball’s characterization of the April 19 town hall meeting as an event at which those gathered had “absolutely nothing positive to offer,” as he said in a Friday letter to the editor.

Unlike Ball, I actually attended the town hall in Bethel Park without Congressman Tim Murphy. In fact, the event offered extensive information about health care and the Affordable Care Act from individuals who were very knowledgeable and articulate. The event also featured comments from constituents of the 18th Congressional District regarding their experiences with health care and health insurance. There was a bit of poking at the absent congressman, but nearly everyone there would have preferred to have had him there, with the opportunity for him to hear from those he is called to represent.

Many people had positive ideas to offer about the benefits they have received from the Affordable Care Act, and their concerns about losing health care under the proposed American Health Care Act, or “Trumpcare.” Several people had positive ideas about how to improve the Affordable Care Act, including the idea of considering a gradual expansion of Medicare, moving toward the idea of Medicare for everyone.

Although Murphy has the right to show up or not show up for these kind of events, he certainly has the obligation to represent all the people of his district. He has the duty to be accountable to the citizens, even those with whom he disagrees.

Harold Hartger

East Washington