Protests Prompt Surprise Promise from Rep. Chip Cravaack
Posted at: 08/23/2011 4:46 PM
| Updated at: 08/23/2011 6:38 PM
By: Alan Hoglund
ahoglund@wdio.com
A meeting between Congressman Chip Cravaack and businesspeople in Duluth Tuesday, didn't go as smoothly as planned.
Chanting from protestors and supporters outside Grandma's Restaurant in Canal Park, interrupted the meeting inside, prompting a surprise promise from the federal lawmaker. He offered to hold a town hall meeting at the airport on Wednesday afternoon.
Protestors told Eyewitness News Cravaack isn't talking with his constituents in Duluth enough. They demand he hold a town hall meeting in Duluth.
"He needs input from all sectors of the district, and duluth is certainly an important one that he's neglecting," David Reisenweber said, a protestor.
Cravaack held town hall meetings in Deer River and Grand Portage earlier this month, and 12 in his district since being elected. He said he's held conference calls reaching thousands of people, and that mobile offices have met with people in more than 75 cities.
"When I do parades, people are out there telling me, 'hey thanks for what you're doing, I appreciate the accessibility,'" Cravaack said. "I don't know how to be more accessible. I don't have any more time in the day."
Cravaack has also held at least two meetings in Duluth specifically for the public since April. One when he opened his Duluth office and another to talk with veterans.
Protestors said it's not enough. "Sure he's had town halls like in Deer River, but what about Duluth? We're the largest city in his district and he doesn't come," Heather Yun said, another protestor.
But Cravaack's supporters said they're proud of the work he's doing.
Eric Klang, a Cravaack supporter, said "the guy is running his wheels off his vehicle. Whether he's in Duluth or not, or in every other surrounding area, I mean he will get here at some point."
Just a half hour after the protest began, Cravaack approached the crowd, and with one statement gave protestors their wish.
"Okay guys, you want a town hall" Cravaack asked. You want a town hall? Be at the airport tomorrow [Wednesday] at 4 p.m."
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