To the Editor:

As a constituent of Rep. Mark Meadows, R-Asheville, I am disappointed that he did not use this congressional recess to hold a town hall meeting in his district. Instead, he visited a company in Fletcher that builds ultra-light pedal electric trikes and read stories to preschoolers. These activities are not inherently bad, but if he has the time to do these things, why can’t he find the time to hold a town hall? It’s true that he was interviewed by WHKP 1450 AM, but that does not qualify as a town hall. He has Facebook posts but neither does that qualify as a town hall.  

As a member of the House Freedom Caucus, a group that has spearheaded the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it seems like he would want to discuss his repeal plan with us, because the repeal of the ACA affects many of his constituents directly and indirectly. We want to know what kind of health insurance we’re going to have next year. Will it cover preexisting conditions? Allow children to stay on their parents’ insurance plan till age 26? Cover prescription medications, and provide subsidies to make it more affordable? These questions deserve answers. I want to know if my mom, a cancer survivor, will still be covered and if she will receive subsidies to help pay for her premiums. He should meet with his constituents to answer questions like these.  

Last Tuesday I was among a group of around 100 of his constituents who visited his office in Waynesville to demand he hold a town hall meeting. His aide made us fill out papers with our concerns. Mr. Meadows’ constituents simply want an opportunity to air their concerns. That is how democracy is supposed to work.  

Nilofer Couture

Cullowhee