Representative Tim Walberg holds Manchester Town Hall; says “Don’t give up on America.”
Walberg greets attendees before starting his town hall-style coffee hour Friday morning.
Manchester’s U.S. Congressman, Tim Walberg held a town hall Friday morning at Frank’s Place. Although he got off to a rough start, misidentifying "Manchester" as "Jackson," he soon got his bearings and after the hour was up, he had addressed all of the questions submitted in writing from the room packed with almost forty constituents.
Before diving into questions, Representative Walberg discussed the five-year Highway Trust Fund Bill which congress passed in December, the first non-patchwork transportation legislation since 2005. He highlighted that under this bill, Michigan would cease being a “donor state” (sending more money out for roads than it receives back) as it had been in the past, a system established when the “south was poor” and the “north was rich,” but instead would get $1.07 back for every $1 we put in.
Representative Walberg also pointed out that the highway bill comes with fewer "federal mandates." He used the “turtle fence” in south-west Michigan as an example of a mandate that he opposes. The fence to which he was referring is located in Muskegon, where a stretch of the federally funded U.S. 31 was built cutting turtles off from their nesting sites. Before the fence was erected, hundreds of turtles (some very large snapping turtles, others protected species) were killed and motorists were put in danger during the turtles' annual migration to their nesting sites. After the $318,000 federally-funded fence was installed, there has been a 95% reduction in turtle deaths (and a reduction in possible accidents resulting from swerving). Representative Walberg made it clear that while he doesn’t support the fence, he likes turtles.
After discussing the transportation bill, Representative Walberg talked about his current role in debating a law to fire IRS employees who don’t pay their taxes and then talked about tax reform. He discussed the need to “diminish the oversized federal government” and to stop “just a few paying for everything.” He also made reference to “lots of people reading the constitution now days."
One question that was brought up in different forms throughout the town hall was why if the Republicans have a majority, haven’t they been able to do all of the things they promised. Representative Walberg explained that people thought a majority would be enough but the senate actually needs 60 Republicans to be able to overrule filibusters. Walberg confirmed the supposition posed by one of the attendees that Harry Reid shuts down much of what they try to do. He complimented Speaker of the House Paul Ryan on his ability to communicate this situation more effectively than the previous speaker. But then, in defense of filibusters, Walberg stated, “government is supposed to be cumbersome, especially the federal government.”
A local issue discussed was how to get broadband out to rural areas. Walberg's advice was to keep talking to local governments, but basically he stated that it comes down to the fact that there is not enough money in rural broadband for the big telecommunication companies to do it yet. A representative from Western Washtenaw Broadband talked about how frustrated they are as “little guys” trying to provide coverage in areas the big companies won’t cover. He explained that what is standing in the way is exorbitantly high rent the big companies are asking to house Western Washtenaw Broadband’s equipment on their towers. Walberg responded that he himself doesn’t have broadband where he lives down the road in Tipton; he would like it, but he noted that not having broadband comes with opting to live out in the country away from people. He stated that he recognizes that people don’t want to change their lifestyle but still want access to modern communication.
Representative Walberg stated that he supports the idea that “the pension you had is the pension you should receive." He also discussed the issue of “triple taxation” of social security. He talked about how social security is melting down and needs to be fixed for current recipients and “improved” for future generations. He talked about how he did not want to pay into it for all these years because he knew he would have done better investing on his own. On the subject of taxes in general, he clarified that he supports the “flat tax” but likes the “fair tax” (a sales tax based system) better.
When asked about the presidential candidates, Representative Walberg answered that he would support anyone with an “R” next to their name. He stated that none at the top were his first choices but it would be easier to work with any republican than fight with a Democrat. He did have positive things to say about Bernie Sanders, although he stated “socialism never worked anywhere” and is “wrong, wrong, wrong.” He stated that he knew Hilary Clinton and her policies were also socialist but “she lies about it.” When asked what he had against Ted Cruz, he responded: “I know him. Based on our interpersonal relationship, he is not my first choice.”
Representative Walberg was asked how many congressmen respect fallen soldiers. He responded, “lots of them.” He talked about how lots of members of congress are vets and some wanted to serve but couldn’t. He talked about how he wanted to be a Marine but the Marines wouldn’t take him. He also talked about how congress passed V.A. reform and the president signed it but hasn’t done anything with it yet. He talked about how he hoped someday day vets could have a card they could take to any doctor or hospital to get the care they need instead of having to travel long distances to VA hospitals.
Other topics covered were “wellness” vs “sick care,” the sanctity of coal, and how all of the Great Lakes representatives from both sides of the aisle are holding together to tell the “EPA and Army Corps of Engineers” to “stay off” in an effort to protect the Great Lakes. Lastly, he noted that, contrary to popular belief, Planned Parenthood and Syrian refugees are not directly funded in any of the budget bills. The last discussion came with a condemnation of “conservative” mass media. Walberg stated, “Fox lies. Bill O’Reilly…Rush Limbaugh… Sean Hannity don’t do their homework.” He argued that Fox is convincing Americans to distrust the government, even when it’s doing the right thing. “Don’t give up on America,” he implored those in attendance.
To contact Tim Walberg’s Jackson Office, call (517) 780-9075 or write to him at 110 1st Street, Suite 2, Jackson, MI 49201
Almost 40 constituents packed into Frank's to participate.
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