Editor, Times-Union:
Last Monday at noon, my wife and I attended a Congressman Rudy Yakym’s mobile office hours in Warsaw. Our anticipation was high; we hoped to hear the Congressman's remarks on the Trump administration's efforts to reduce government spending, followed by an opportunity to voice concerns and ask questions.
As a 79-year-old, combat-wounded, disabled Vietnam War veteran, the primary issue I am personally concerned about is the impact of cuts on the Veterans Administration (VA). My service includes two tours in Southeast Asia as an Army Special Forces (Green Beret) officer, summing up to 11 years of active duty. The VA provides me with excellent healthcare and modest disability payments.
The meeting, however, turned out to be quite different from what we had envisioned. We found around 30 others when we arrived at the City Council Chambers. A young lady came in and introduced herself as being a member of Rep. Yakym's staff. She was surprised that we were there. She said that sometimes one or two people attend, but usually no one attends. She said she did not know what to do with so many people. The people attending were frustrated but had several suggestions; without any structure from the staff, the conversation was somewhat confusing, and it looked like she might cancel the whole meeting. After a few minutes of listening to the group, she agreed to sit across a table from each of us and let us talk with her one-on-one. Everyone in the room found that satisfactory and took seats.
Her boss, Mr. Griffin Nate, then called and so she put him on speakerphone. Without asking us anything about what we wanted to do, he began to yell at us (we were all sitting silently) that we needed to be respectful. No one other than him was being disrespectful!
After several had completed 2-5 minute sessions with her, the staffer's supervisor, Mr. Nate, stormed into the quiet and orderly room and, without so much as saying hello, started yelling in a very authoritative way to me and everyone else in attendance. I was taken aback, but someone explained what we were doing. Mr. Nate's tone indicated he did not like what he thought was happening, but he sat with crossed arms and scowled as I (and others) continued to talk to the young lady about their questions and concerns.
When I asked about the extent of the VA cuts, which is already understaffed, I got no response. Is the new VA clinic that has been in the plans going to open in Warsaw, or will we need to continue to drive to Fort Wayne or Mishawaka for care? We got no direct response from our Congressional office!
The experience was a disappointing missed opportunity for meaningful dialogue and connection with our Congressman. We want elected representatives and their staff to be accessible and receptive. Mr. Yakym, when will you come, listen to your constituents, at a Town Hall?
Dr. Tim Boone
Warsaw, via email