Hinson should speak openly with constituents

I was at a listening post event recently in which state Rep. Ashley Hinson spoke and responded to questions. I was pleasantly surprised how accommodating Hinson was because I have disagreed with her on some policies and votes. As the meeting progressed, however, I realized she avoided direct responses to some of the questions. Hinson is a skilled communicator who deflected from difficult or strongly partisan topics by reassuring the audience that particular bills would unlikely be passed by the Senate. Another strategy she used was saying a specific issue was for a 'different conversation.”

Hinson is a pleasant person who is well-spoken. Unfortunately some of her important policies are ones that violate political and social beliefs I hold dear. I would love to have coffee with her, but I cannot vote for her. I think it is important to persist in getting direct responses to important questions and not be distracted by her skillful avoidance of controversial topics.

Judy Chihak

Hiawatha