Progressive constituents left Wednesday’s town hall with U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, frustrated, saying their questions on urgent issues — from preserving democracy to foreign policy — went unanswered or were dismissed.
The Wednesday, Aug. 20 town hall at the Battle Ground Event Center was moderated with pre-submitted questions on notecards, read by Clark County Councilor Wil Fuentes, a format that some attendees said stifled spontaneity and limited meaningful dialogue. The format created visible tension, as several residents interjected throughout the process.
During the town hall, Gluesenkamp Perez expressed sharp concerns over the “big beautiful bill.” She highlighted its potential impact on seniors and low-income families, criticizing the measure for deep cuts to programs like Medicaid and its role in accelerating the Social Security Trust Fund’s insolvency…