Mar 16, 2017 2 min read

I am a resident of Upper St. Clair, a semi-retired librarian, and have had limited political involvement (other than faithful voting) since my youth in the 1960s. Until this year.

Because of recent events, I have made it my mission to become better educated about our government and the issues facing our country. Joining with other constituents in wanting to meet with our congressional representatives, I have been shocked to find our representatives unwilling to meet or hear our concerns.

Indeed, Sen. Pat Toomey and U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy have gone so far as to insult and level false charges. Those who seek to meet with their representatives are not paid “outside agitators,” but are residents of their districts. One group, 412 Resistance, is made up of voters in the 412 area code who have come together to learn, speak and involve themselves in the political process.

Those wanting to meet may, at times, be loud, passionate and vocal, but they are hardly a dangerous crowd.

What is there to fear? Raised voices? If Sen. Toomey and Rep. Murphy are unable to face their own constituents, I doubt that they can be effective representatives for the citizens of our Commonwealth.

Doreen Hurley

Upper St. Clair

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