DEAR EDITOR:

On June 26, I dialed in to a town hall hosted by Congressman Bill Johnson, R-6th. I was appalled at what I heard. The majority of the call was focused on (paraphrasing Mr. Johnson’s words) the “radical left-wing looters and rioters” “like Antifa,” who want to “destroy our history” by tearing down statues.

Most of the callers expressed their deep fear of “extremists who want to destroy our country.” One gentleman was so distraught he choked up and could barely speak. Mr. Johnson eagerly egged on these callers by whipping them into a frenzy, seeding fear of what “those Democrats” will do.

There was so much wrong with this call I barely know where to start. The fact that we are in the middle of a pandemic and social upheaval, yet the main focus of the call was on statues, was disturbing. But the tone of this call reeked of fear-mongering by an official that represents my district. This is intolerable.

I fully support those on the call who have every right to express their opinions; however, I believe our elected officials should be accountable to all of their constituents. Furthermore, they have a responsibility to present and encourage differing views and experiences encompassing all points of view. I want my representatives to encourage discussions rather than drive divisions.

As his constituent, I intend to dial in to all of Congressman Johnson’s future town halls, and I encourage everyone from Mahoning and Columbiana counties to do the same. It is up to us to hold our local representatives accountable and let all of our views be expressed.

You can sign up for these town halls on Bill Johnson’s website here: https://billjohnson.house.gov/contact/sign-up-for-a-telephone-townhall.htm .

JO ANNE OFFILL