Making Representative Government Work

Next week, the U.S. Senate will be in recess, and I’ll be in Iowa for constituent meetings in Maquoketa, DeWitt, Davenport, Eldridge, Wilton, Wapello, Keokuk, Burlington, Keosauqua, Wayland, and Amana.

Since 1980, I’ve held at least one constituent meeting every year, in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.  It’s a matter of making representative government work.  I’m committed to this dialogue.  It’s my responsibility to go to the people and listen and respond.  Likewise, people need to speak up and weigh in with their elected representatives.  I appreciate the commitment of Iowans to making this process work.

I hold town meetings in many communities, but I also go to work places for question-and-answer sessions with people who may not be able to attend a town meeting during the work day.  I regularly visit service clubs and high schools, too.

All of these meetings give me a chance to talk face-to-face with Iowans.  I answer their questions and listen to what they have to say.  This dialogue, along with other ways of keeping in touch, is essential to making representative government work.

Along with these regular meetings in Iowa, I respond to every constituent letter, email and phone call.  I like to communicate with Iowans on Facebook, Twitter and through an interactive webcast.  I’m a regular guest on public affairs programs statewide where I can respond directly to Iowans’ questions on any subject.

Here’s where I’ll be next week.

On Monday, February 21 –

7:30-8:30 am Jackson County Town Meeting
Hurstville Interpretive Center, Maquoketa

9:30-10:30 am Clinton County Town Meeting
Community Center, De Witt

12-1 pm Speak to the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and Iowa Quad City Area Rotaries
Steeplegate Inn, Davenport

1:45-2:45 pm Scott County Town Meeting
Community Center, Eldridge

3:45-4:45 pm Muscatine County Town Meeting
Community Center, Wilton

6-7 pm Louisa County Town Meeting
Ambulance Building, Wapello

On Tuesday, February 22 –

9-10:15 am Meet with students and staff at Keokuk Christian Academy

12-1 pm Speak to Burlington Host Lions
Comfort Suites, Burlington

3:15-4:15 pm Van Buren County Town Meeting
Village Cup and Cakes, Keosauqua

6-7 pm Speak to Wayland Lions
Community Center, Wayland

Wednesday, February 23 –

7:30-9 am Tour and meet with employees at Whirlpool
Amana