Politics & Government

Congressman's Town Hall Meeting Attracts Dozens

Gas drilling, national debt and education among hot topics at Saturday's town hall meeting.

About 80 people attended U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy's, R-Upper St. Clair, town hall meeting held on Saturday inside . Among the hot topics were gas drilling, education and the national debt.

Murphy holds town hall meetings periodically in his district to update his constituents on what is happening in Washington, DC. Attendees also have a chance to ask questions during a Q & A session.

The meeting began with a power point presentation from Murphy. He discussed the state of the economy and what must be done to recover. Foremost, Murphy said the government must cut spending.

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Murphy also said the government must cut excessive regulation. One of his main concerns is the healthcare bill. He said we need "real healthcare reform," which starts with revamping the medicare program. 

Murphy also spoke about the rising oil and gas prices.

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"It's concerning that we have become so dependent on foreign oil," Murphy said.

Back home in Western Pennsylvania, Murphy supports gas drilling, a topic that fired up Saturday's crowd.

"Gas companies are not complying with our clean air and clean water acts," a McMurray resident said in the microphone. "What are you going to do to safeguard us?"

"I need facts; I need the scientific facts on this," Murphy replied.

He said congress and he are working on requiring gas companies to publish the chemical compounds used to extract gas from underground. However, the gas companies do not want to give away their patents.

Murphy said the local gas drilling is creating thousands of jobs.

"This area lost a lot of jobs when the steel industry closed," Murphy said. "I'm happy we have the jobs, but I just want them (gas drilling companies) to follow all the rules."

Another topic that got some cheers and applause from the audience was education.

"My question has to do with the Department of Education. How can DC tell me what my child in Peters should be learning?" a Peters mother asked.

"I'm concerned with No Child Left Behind," Murphy replied.

For example, Murphy said, Upper St. Clair High School, arguably one of the best high schools in the state, is not seen as a Blue Ribbon School. Murphy said it's because the school has such a high graduation rate every year, the program doesn't see the school improving year to year. Murphy believes this is flawed.

However, the biggest concerns among attendees on Saturday were the national debt and social security issues.

"Can you introduce a bill to tackle the amount of money the federal government borrows?" Mr. Caruso, of Upper St. Clair, asked.

"We are at the crisis level. I'm with you on that," Murphy replied.

Later, Murphy asked the audience a round of questions concerning social security. 

"How many people think government should stop borrowing from social security?" Murphy asked. He received a room full of raised hands.

Dick Joseph, of Upper St. Clair, said the federal government needs to stop creating law after law, and start repealing them.

"You're not the only one in Washington, we all are because we have to watch you," Joseph said. "Our children are dumber and it's costing us more money."

A big round of applause followed, and Murphy thanked Joseph for his comment.

John Gisleson, of Upper St. Clair, is a 45 year old father, and is worried about what's going to happen when he is 65 years old. 

"I'm already getting hammered in taxes," Gisleson said. "What's going to happen in four or five years?"

Gisleson criticized congress for cutting government-funded programs for ideological purposes, rather that cost effective reasons. He asked why Murphy voted to cut funding for Planned Parenthood.

"The reason I voted to cut it is because they do abortions," Murphy replied. "A majority of people say they don't want the use of federal money for abortions."

Afterward the Q & A session, Gisleson said he was pleased Murphy organized Saturday's town hall meeting, however, he was hoping to see more people his age there.

"I thought it was demographically interesting," Gisleson said.

The audience was made up of mainly senior citizens.

Concerning the national debt and social security Gisleson said, "It's folks in our generation who are going to get harmed...and our children."

Murphy said he tries to reach the younger demographics when he speaks at high schools and colleges. He also hopes to get their attention through Facebook, Twitter and his website.

Murphy ended the event by thanking all service members and veterans.

Overall, Murphy said he was pleased with Saturday's town hall meeting.

"I got their message loud and clear," Murphy said. "People want me to stand up for them."


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