Letter: Messages to Blum’s office not returned

Recent Gazette articles have quoted Rep. Rod Blum as eager to hear from his constituents, but that he feels many people want town hall meetings just so they can 'show up and yell”('Blum says he'll hold 4 town halls in May,” April 13).

I have been in contact with Rep. Blum' s staff, in both the local and national offices, many times during his terms. I have been promised that my messages will be given to the representative and that my questions will be answered. I have never received any response. Additionally, I have called the Cedar Rapids and Washington offices and sent numerous emails and letters to Blum. I have never received even an acknowledgment that they were received. This makes me question Blum's avowal that he wants to hear from his constituents. Does he only want to hear from constituents who share his views?

Blum feels that people come to meetings just to yell and get on the news. I have been politely writing letters to my senators and representatives since the Vietnam War. I have been polite at office visits, rallies, public meetings and marches. Since I can't see that my politeness availed for anything, I am getting impatient. If politeness never brings consideration or change, I'm ready to try something else. Perhaps there are others who feel the same way.

Kathleen J. Hall

Cedar Rapids