Congressman DeFazio conducts town hall meet in Grants Pass
Rep. Peter DeFazio (from left) and Karmen Fore, his district director, met with Josephine County Commissioner Dave Toler prior to a public gathering during which Toler (below) introduced DeFazio. (Photos by Illinois Valley News)
Rep. Peter DeFazio, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Congress, found that the war in Iraq seems to be paramount in the minds of the public.
DeFazio (D-Ore.) addressed approximately 45 persons in Anne Basker Auditorium during a town hall meeting in Grants Pass Monday evening, Aug. 20. The gathering also was televised via cable.
Photo I. V. News
It was his 15th of 16 town hall meetings following House adjournment. DeFazio held his comments to a brief summary, preferring to hear from constituents. Getting the United States out of Iraq appeared to be the primary topic.
That and the national debt were among major issues. As well, DeFazio said that he has been working for better health packages for children, senior citizens, veterans and others.
He also outlined his plan to help financially strapped counties in the face of declining O&C (timber receipt) funding. He wants to charge companies the going rate for their transmission lines and pipelines over federal land.
“We need to run government like a business,” he said.
Click here to learn more about how you can tell us what you think
DeFazio said that he believes an equitable solution can be reached regarding logging in N.W. forests. Thinning efforts are needed, he noted, and it is entirely possible to achieve sustainability and diversification while providing jobs and a timber supply in a program that could appeal to all sides.
Going into Iraq was a mistake, he feels. He added that the president simply wants to conclude his term in January 2009 without having to admit that the war is a blunder.
“He wants to get out of the White House, not Iraq,” said the congressman.
Advertisment:
He noted that he did not vote in favor of sending U.S. troops into Iraq because of the long-standing blood feuds involved. The U.S. military is becoming stretched thin, he said, because of the continuing involvement.
He told the audience that he does not believe a draft will be reinstated. “Senior military personnel do not see that” happening, as voluntary signups are continuing, although standards have dropped, he said.
