To The Reader’s Forum:

First and foremost, I would like to thank you and the Town of Busti for hosting the recent Town Hall event for Tom Reed. I live in Jamestown and frequent the many great events that Busti offers to the neighboring communities.

My attendance at the Town Hall meeting was not to heckle Mr. Reed, but moreover, to better understand the key policy changes that will arguably impact the lives of countless individuals. I am a Democrat and a liberal. With that said, I disagree with Mr. Reed’s policy stance, especially as it relates to the new AHCA proposal. I did not heckle, boo, or make any other derogatory remarks during this meeting. However, I am offended by the article in the May 18, 2017, edition of The Post-Journal, in which you referred to someone like me as a “non-town liberal” and “dirty person.”

I am further outraged that you would send a letter of apology to Mr. Reed. There is no need to apologize — the purpose of a Town Hall is to openly discuss, debate and often disagree (which can include flared tempers and animated displays of dismay, frustration, and upset). There were a number of individuals in that room who will be negatively impacted by Mr. Reed’s policy stance and to think that you and the Town of Busti support a letter of apology for demonstrating their honest feelings is inappropriate, to say the least.

As a Representative, it is incumbent upon Mr. Reed to understand the concerns and challenges of those whom he is charged with representing. What is appropriate, however, is a letter of appreciation to Mr. Reed for his willful participation in the event. I vehemently oppose the decision to send a letter of apology and find it merely a political tactic that does nothing more than undermine and underscore the importance of the issues debated, presumably due to your political alignment. I sincerely hope that you will reconsider your position on this matter. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Tyler Case,

Jamestown