With cheers and boos, the meeting of 250 people at times felt more like a sporting event, putting 4th Congressional Republican Representative Cory Gardner in the position of a referee.
Questions touched on everything from concerns about fracking chemicals to the financial solvency of the U.S Post Office. But the No. 1 issue on people’s minds was the economic recovery and the best way to control the country’s debt.
“Why is it more important to give a trillion dollars to the top 400 people in this country than it is to take care of our seniors?” asked senior citizen Ginny Carnes from Loveland. Carnes said she was troubled by tax breaks and the future of Medicare and Social Security.
Rep. Gardner said the budget passed by Congress was the first step toward tax reform, and added:
“We ought to have comprehensive tax reform in this country.”
Absent from the one-hour conversation were any questions about the S&P downgrade of U.S. debt. Speaking to reporters afterward, Rep. Gardner said politicians in D.C. have to stop pointing fingers.
“The White House and Congress needs to get their job done, to cut spending and get reforms in a place that preserve and protect valuable programs like Medicare. We can get that job done, we need to get the job done,” he said.
Rep. Gardner said the meeting gave him homework and research to do before he heads back to Washington. The August recess ends after Labor Day.
