I recently attended a meeting in Wellsboro with Ray Bilger, the Democratic candidate challenging Congressman Glenn Thompson in Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District. Whether voters ultimately support him or not, I was most impressed by one simple thing: he showed up.

For years, I have asked Congressman Glenn Thompson’s office to hold town halls closer to my area. His district is geographically large, and many constituents live far from his offices. I have signed up for tele-town halls and repeatedly asked for more opportunities to engage directly, but I have never received a response.

At the Wellsboro meeting, Bilger spent time listening to residents, answering questions, and discussing issues ranging from healthcare and affordability to economic development and infrastructure. There were questions, differing viewpoints, and honest discussion. That is what representative government is supposed to look like.

No elected official should be expected to agree with every constituent. But they should be willing to hear from them. They should be willing to answer questions. And they should be willing to show up.

As voters, we often focus on policy differences. Those matter. But accessibility matters too. A representative who listens to constituents is better equipped to represent them.

I appreciated the opportunity to meet Ray Bilger in Wellsboro. For one afternoon in Wellsboro, I had more direct access to a candidate for Congress than I’ve had to my current representative in years.

Representation begins with showing up.

BRENDA MERLOE

Elkland

Submitted by Virtual Newsroom