Around 100 people showed up for a town hall on Friday in Salisbury centering on the question of what will become of the Affordable Care Act under the new administration.
The organization Together We Vote Delmarva had invited Eastern Shore congressman Andy Harris to attend.
Michelle Schlehofer with Together We Vote Delmarva which put on the event said they had contacted Harris’ office numerous times asking that he attend.
The Maryland Republican has said he is only holding telephonic town halls but will hold an in-person town hall in Easton at the end of March when he expects a proposal to replace the Affordable Care Act.
She said, “Personally, I think that’s a bad decision because constituents want a voice and input into what that replacement plan might look like, instead of reacting to what they developed without our input.”
And the Maryland congressman’s absence was frustrating to many in the crowd.
Ani Mathers said, “I came hoping that Andy Harris might come and hear more about what repeal and replace might mean. I just really feel it’s an important issue and that as constituents we deserve to hear from our representatives on this. “
Harris has been a strong critic of the Affordable Care Act and has said in previous interviews that he believes a better way can be found to provide health insurance.
But, Linda Lewis who also attended the meeting had some sharp questions for the congressman as she expressed her frustration.
She said, “If he strongly believes something can’t he stand up and say what he strongly believes? And, isn’t he a doctor? And, doesn’t he care about the people who need insurance? Doesn’t he care about sick people? Those are the questions I really want to ask him. Don’t you care?”
There have been a number of town hall meetings without the congressman on this issue. Meanwhile, the congressman's office has said he plans to hold more telephonic town halls until the replacement for the ACA is put forward.
