Our democracy only works when every voice is heard. During my time in Congress, hearing from constituents has been one of my top priorities. That’s why in diners, supermarkets and town halls across our district, I hold office hours every year to listen and learn about how I can best represent you in Washington.
Throughout June, I held office hours to meet with constituents from towns across our district, including Greenfield, Deerfield, Gill and Montague. I’m always excited when people take time out of their busy schedules to share their concerns with me. Hearing how families are doing, what’s on their minds and how I can help is so important. Sometimes we will talk about the need to give seniors a cost of living adjustment, make college more affordable, grow our local economy and support farmers. Sometimes we talk about issues of war and peace, human rights and immigration.
But I don’t have to tell anyone — these are not ordinary times. My office has received almost double the number of letters and emails from constituents than we did last year. And at office hours, I’ve seen the fear, anger and confusion about why Washington seems so broken. I understand where it’s coming from.
I feel the fear of a nervous mom who asked about the Affordable Care Act. Her son has a pre-existing condition and the Affordable Care Act, she said, literally saved his life. She cried, asking why anyone would want to put her family through this.
I share the concerns of a young boy who told me he’s worried about climate change and the future of our planet and wanted to know why the president would remove our country from the Paris Climate agreement.
I hear the anger of those who want to know why the level of civil discourse in our country seems so low — and why Republicans and Democrats can’t seem to agree on anything. They reminisce about the days when political opposites like Tip O’Neill and Ronald Reagan could find common ground. The one question that always gets asked is, “Where do we go from here?” My answer — keep the faith. Stand by your values. Fight for what you believe in. If we want positive change, like-minded people need to work for it.
Office hours are a great way for me to step outside of Washington and have an open, honest conversation with people across our district. I encourage everyone in the coming weeks to move forward in that spirit, to remain active and find meaningful ways to make a difference. It’s time for all of us to step outside our comfort zone, reach outside our bubble and begin anew the hard work that democracy asks of each of us.
Finally, keep calling, emailing and showing up. The stories, struggles and solutions I hear from you teach me how to be a better representative. You can engage with my office on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or at: www.McGovern.House.Gov to sign up for my newsletter and learn about how I’m working to put our families first. Your stories and words of support — and disagreement, too — give me the strength each day to make sure your voices will always be heard in Washington.
Congressman Jim McGovern represents the 2nd Congressional District of Massachusetts, which includes many Franklin County towns and the North Quabbin region.