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Modest political protest at Miller Park kicks off ‘Recess Week’ in Chattanooga

A crowd gathers during a Welcome Home for Recess Rally across from the Joel Solomon Federal Building Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 in Miller Park. Recess Coalition for Chattanooga is calling for politicians to meet with their constituents. A crowd gathers during a Welcome Home for Recess Rally across from the Joel Solomon Federal Building Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 in Miller Park. Recess Coalition for Chattanooga is calling for politicians to meet with their constituents.

By Tyler Jett February 21, 2017 5 min read

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No fun and games on congressional recess

Kelley Sullins Elliott speaks during a Welcome Home for Recess Rally across from the Joel Solomon Federal Building Monday Feb. 20, 2017 in Miller Park. Recess Coalition for Chattanooga is calling for politicians to meet with their constituents.

Signs fill a tree Monday Feb. 20, 2017 in Miller Park during a rally. Recess Coalition for Chattanooga is calling for politicians to meet with their constituents.

Paul Ainsworth holds a sign during a Welcome Home for Recess Rally across from the Joel Solomon Federal Building Monday Feb. 20, 2017 in Miller Park. Recess Coalition for Chattanooga is calling for politicians to meet with their constituents.

Sharon Alexander holds a sign during a Welcome Home for Recess Rally across from the Joel Solomon Federal Building Monday Feb. 20, 2017 in Miller Park. Recess Coalition for Chattanooga is calling for politicians to meet with their constituents.

Cary Garrett, left, and Franklin McCallie hold signs during a Welcome Home for Recess Rally across from the Joel Solomon Federal Building Monday Feb. 20, 2017 in Miller Park. Recess Coalition for Chattanooga is calling for politicians to meet with their constituents.

Karen Carr holds a cutout of Sen. Bob Corker during a rally Monday Feb. 20, 2017 in Miller Park.

Charlotte Caldwell, left, and Kate Boehm, holding Coltrane Boehm, hold signs during a Welcome Home for Recess Rally across from the Joel Solomon Federal Building Monday Feb. 20, 2017 in Miller Park. Recess Coalition for Chattanooga is calling for politicians to meet with their constituents.

Dr. Mary Headrick speaks during a Welcome Home for Recess Rally across from the Joel Solomon Federal Building Monday Feb. 20, 2017 in Miller Park. Recess Coalition for Chattanooga is calling for politicians to meet with their constituents.

Cut outs of Sen. Bob Corker, left, and Rep. Scott DesJarlais are on display during a rally Monday Feb. 20, 2017 in Miller Park.

We deserve to have our voices heard, even if not necessarily listened to.

‘Recess Week’ events

Tuesday, 12:15-2 p.m.: Gun rights discussion, foreign terrorism discussion. (Miller Park)Wednesday, 12:15-2 p.m.: LQBTQ rights discussion, immigration discussion. (Miller Park)Thursday, 12:30-2 p.m.: Health care discussion. (Miller Park)Thursday, 6:30-8 p.m.: Affordable Care Act forum. (Bessie Smith Cultural Center)Friday, 12:15-1 p.m.: Environment discussion, net neutrality discussion. (Miller ParkFriday, 4-6 p.m.: Town hall for congressmen. (Chattanooga Public Library)

Are they holding town halls?

TENNESSEESen. Lamar Alexander: NoSen. Bob Corker: NoRep. Scott DesJarlais: NoRep. Chuck Fleischmann: NoGEORGIARep. Tom Graves: NoSen. Johnny Isakson: NoSen. David Perdue: Did not respondALABAMARep. Mo Brooks: NoSen. Richard Shelby: Did not respondSen. Luther Strange: Did not respond

Rachel Campbell told those assembled at Miller Park on Monday evening that she tried to organize a meeting with her representatives.

She was alarmed by what she saw on the news about the new presidential administration – policies that didn’t make sense to her and appointments she didn’t like. She made some calls, sent emails. She got responses but thought they sounded boilerplate.