Letter: Rep. Ken Rizer misses the bigger picture

I'm writing in response to Ken Rizer's April 5 guest column 'Limits of LWV forums” regarding attendance at the League of Women Voters forums.

I disagree with Rizer on the schematics of the forum setups he is trying to argue. I think there is some irony here with Rizer's viewpoints, his legislation on voting laws and making sure all votes are accounted for at the polls. People want to hear from their representatives and that is going to involve having more than one representative at these forums. That should not preclude a representative from not deciding to attend a forum based on the number of elected representatives in attendance. The important aspect in this is that the forums are attended by our representatives and they make themselves available to answer questions.

I believe the drive from Cedar Rapids to Marion to attend these forums is not an unreasonable distance for those who want to and are able to attend. I think a great number of people will continue to come to these forums, regardless of where they are held.

Most importantly, I believe Rizer misses the bigger picture. Yes, his constituents in House District 68 are certainly important and whom he will ultimately answer to at the polls. However, as a State Representative, his voting actions still affect all of us. Iowans who choose to attend these forums should not be taken lightly and categorized. Iowans are Iowans regardless of where they live.

Adam Harmer

Cedar Rapids