Many concerns cited during Smith’s telephone town hall meeting

It’s been no secret that residents of Jefferson, Armstrong and Indiana counties are opposed to tolling Interstate 80.   On Tuesday evening, nearly 400 households tuned into a live telephone town hall meeting, hosted by Rep. Sam Smith, to express their views on this and other state issues.

“Clearly one-third of the questions posed during the teleconference were from folks wanting to express their concern and opposition to tolling Interstate-80,” Smith said. 

Smith noted that he has consistently fought against I-80 tolls and voted against the original legislation proposing them. He said he’s been telling the decision-makers in Washington for years about the negative impact tolling would have on local residents.  “I wish they could have been listening last night.  Imposing this fee will change some lives completely.  Some people won’t be able to afford to drive, let alone keep a profitable business in operation.”

This was the second telephone town hall meeting Smith hosted for residents of the 66th Legislative District.  The format allows people to actively participate in a town meeting from the comfort of their own homes.   Smith said the process works well in rural areas because it reaches a large number of households. 

“People participating in the call have the freedom to come and go as they please,” Smith said.  “Nearly half of those who tuned in at the beginning of the call stayed on the line for much of the hour-long conversation.  That tells me there are some pretty serious concerns out there and many felt the need to listen and weigh in on them.”

In addition to the tolling issue, citizens also expressed their concerns over the cost of health care, the recently proposed state budget, the need to reform welfare, agricultural issues, and many others.

The legislator stressed that he regretted he did not have the time during the call to respond to all the questions asked.  He said he would provide responses to those inquiries not addressed.

Representative Sam Smith

Republican Leader

PA House of Representatives

Contact:  Kelly Fedeli (717) 787-3845

Internet:  www.SamSmithPaHouse.com