An elected official owes his or her constituents a great deal. There is the obligation to represent the expressed interests of those whose votes propelled the official into office, but also to remember that an officeholder serves those in opposition, too. There is a duty, as well, to communicate directly with constituents. For those who serve in the federal government, it is sometimes difficult to do so, particularly the latter. Washington is a long way off and even the most modern means of communication can't replace personal interaction. Something more is needed.
Chuck Fleischmann, who represents Tennessee's sprawling 3rd District in Congress, seems to understand that. His answer is to hold a series of public town hall meetings next week to "answer questions and hear the comments of those I represent." That's an open-ended invitation that district residents should accept if they are able to do so.
The chance to ask the congressman a direct question without the filter of time, the input of aides or the often impersonal nature of email and social networks is precious. The face-to-face meeting allows those in attendance to assess the officeholder and for the elected official to gauge the mood and to gain greater understanding of the issues that most concern constituents. It's also an opportunity for an exchange of ideas -- never a bad idea at a time when uncertainty permeates the nation's psyche.
Fleischmann's town hall meetings are scheduled Monday through Friday next week. They're scheduled held at sites from somewhat distant Dandridge, Oak Ridge, Rutledge, Tazewell and Maynardville, as well as in nearby Decatur, Dayton, Cleveland. Eight are planned in Hamilton County. Times and places are available by calling any of the congressman's offices or by visiting the Fleischmann congressional website.
The meetings will follow the traditional town hall format. They're open to the public and attendees will be allowed to ask questions from the floor. Each will begin with remarks from the congressman and be followed by a question-and-answer period. The format is a time-honored and workable one, but only if all involved are straightforward, open-minded and maintain decorum. Following those rules, however, does not mean the meetings need be timid affairs.
There's nothing wrong with a constituent asking the congressman to explain a particular vote, to question policy -- say Fleischmann's stated view that the nation must cut spending and not raise taxes -- or to inquire about progress on a specific issue -- say the funding of a new lock at the Chickamauga Dam. Indeed, an elected official should expect and even encourage pointed questions in a public meeting and be prepared to answer them.
Doing provides a free and frank exchange of ideas and allows the voting public to take the measure of an elected official. Both are essential to American-style democracy.