You wrote in, she answered on a live-stream webcam.
SYRACUSE -- Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle (NY-25th Congressional District) talked almost non-stop on Monday evening, in our virtual town hall.
We switched formats quickly: originally she was going to keyboard the answers to website users, but it quickly became obvious she was not keeping up with the many questions, so we put in a camera and mike, and instead the Congresswoman streamed her answers live. And, she did not dodge topics.
Federal government finances were at the top of the agenda, with Ms. Buerkle saying she stands by her 'no' vote on the deficit plan--and she says Wall Street and world markets reflected her view in their up and down week last week. She also says the public comment at her office was in favor of her 'no' vote to the federal plan. Buerkle is concerned that now, with the 'super Congress' (the committee set up to suggest how to get the budget back in line) that there is no direct link from that group to constituents, She says she feels she'll have to lobby this group to get Central New York concerns before them.
The Congresswoman says she's not surprised that most of the comments and questions were about jobs--the 9.1% July unemployment rate obviously a concern. And, she says she would like to see a COLA (cost of living increase) for both social security recipients and the military, that expenses are clearly going up for those on fixed incomes.
There were also questions about specific government spending (she disagrees with the president's NASA cuts), and about tax loopholes--she feels a tax code revision is the solution, not raising taxes. She also says the financial mess we're in cannot be blamed on one president or one political party---and that the Congress will be looking at proposed federal cuts and more, to be recommended by the 'super Congress' later this fall.
We thank all who participated in the webchat! We will make copies of all the questions available to the Congresswoman, who will answer you....
Previous story:
Many of you have expressed your frustration with the U.S. Government during the debt ceiling crisis, and have demanded answers from our lawmakers. Maybe you have another concern you need heard or maybe you would just like to express your opinion to one of your representatives. Now is your chance.
Tonight, Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle will take part in an exclusive virtual town hall event with CNY Central. From 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. the congresswoman will take your questions via a live web chat on CNYcentral.com.
Do you have something you'd like to ask Ms. Buerkle? Click here starting at 5:00 to join in the conversation, or leave a comment below and we'll pass it along.
