U.S. Rep. Tom Reed walks up to greet protesters standing along West Lake Road in Mayville. P-J photo by Jimmy McCarthy

MAYVILLE — In a Friday visit to Mayville, U.S. Rep. Tom Reed addressed key issues inside a Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce event and outside where protesters stood.

Before making his way inside Webb’s Captain’s Table Restaurant for the event, Reed, R-Corning, walked from the parking lot to the sidewalk along West Lake Road where protesters were positioned. Reed went up, shook some of their hands and responded to their questions and concerns. Fredonia resident Andrew Maggitti relayed frustration over Reed’s voting record.

“I’ve asked your associates how many people need to call you and say this is the way I want you to vote for us,” Maggitti said to Reed. “Is it 100? Is it 1,000? There’s only one congressman I’ve ever heard say that he voted the way his constituents asked him to vote, and that was Amo Houghton.”

In response, Reed said he tries to talk to the 717,000 people in the district.

“We represent all of them. I want all their input. I want your point of view. I want their point of view. What we’re trying to do is listen to all the constituents. Just because someone shouts louder than the other 717,000 people doesn’t mean I can disregard those people. We need to get everybody’s voice in the debate.”

Reed gathered concerns over the Affordable Care Act repeal and the gutting of the Environmental Protection Agency outside where protesters were stationed. He also faced the questions during the Chamber of Commerce event. Reed told members inside the attention in Washington, D.C., on a policy basis is health care and what will be done with the Affordable Care Act.

Reed said tax credits, robust health care savings and more flexibility to states to deal with Medicaid populations are being examined through House committees. Reed acknowledged his support for a Medicaid block grant program and making the health care marketplace competitive by allowing people to purchase coverage across state lines.

“Should it be affordable? Yes,” Reed said. “The question is how do you do it? What we haven’t been able to do is (figure out) how to bring market pressure to the health care delivery in America. Right now, it doesn’t happen.”

Outside, one protester told Reed Congress doesn’t have a replacement to the Affordable Care Act. Reed responded “we do.”

Mike Rowe, of Ripley, said he has some concerns over the deals around the ACA. Specifically, he questioned where the money’s coming from if they plan to eliminate the individual mandate while also maintaining Medicaid spending levels.

“The Congressional Budget Office said if you get rid of the individual mandate that insurance rates go up 20 percent,” he said. “A new bill they’re working on in secret, they’re not going to have it vetted by the CBO prior to voting on it. They’ll have no idea what the costs are.”

Reed also took criticism over his stance on the EPA. While he doesn’t support the dismantling of the agency, Reed told members inside he supports individual power to keep government out of policymaking.

As to reports of Russian interference in the election, Reed said attacks are also coming from Iran and China and should be taken seriously with a robust cybersecurity investment. Reed also acknowledged his support for Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who’s being called on by Democrats to resign due to conversations he had with the Russian Ambassador prior to his confirmation.

“He’s taking the appropriate step with the recusal. I talked with Devin Nunes, chairman of the Intelligence Committee in the House personally. They have a process that they’re following as we go forward. Let’s see how that process moves forward. That to me will lead us to the right direction.”

Over 20 protesters stood outside waiting for the congressman’s arrival. Cecilia Mallia, Ashville resident, came with various messages.

“Investigate Trump, keep the ACA and hands off Social Security and Medicare,” she said.