To The Reader’s Forum:

I attended Congressman Reed’s Town Hall at the community center in Stow in mid-February. There was a very large turnout of passionate, local citizens who wanted their Congressman (and Washington) to know how they felt about various issues. Emotions were high but civil discourse was maintained.

I have since learned that Reed’s staff has been spreading the ‘alternative fact’ that this town hall was not predominantly attended by local residents.

I quote: “It was great to see national and local media (Buffalo News) recognize (Tom Reed’s) efforts in spite of the liberal extremists who tried to stop us from having an honest conversation about the issues facing our country and district” (end quote).

It went on to say the meeting was taken over by activists with ties to Washington who organized and trained protesters to disrupt the town hall.

I was there along with many friends and fellow local citizens as part of a locally organized group.

There were other local groups and many local individuals present. Most of us came to voice our individual concerns with what we have seen happening in Washington since the election.

We wanted Congressman Reed to witness that frustration and concern and to take that message back to Washington, not blow it off as ‘rigged’ by outside forces against him. He must be taking lessons from the man at the top. Sad.

Margaret FitzGibbon

Westfield