April 05, 2017
Pennsylvania residents will have another opportunity this week to digitally speak with U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey.
On Wednesday, Toomey announced he has scheduled a tele-town hall "barring unforeseen Senate business." From Washington D.C., Toomey will take questions from constituents via phone, Facebook, and a live feed. The session is slated to begin Thursday at 5 p.m.
Giving residents 24 hours notice, Toomey's staff will provide a link to join the event and additional information sometime Thursday afternoon.
"Senator Toomey has found these calls to be a great way to hear from folks," said spokesman Steve Kelly, who noted this will be Toomey's 49th tele-town hall since 2014.
Toomey last conducted a tele-town hall in February, but only allowed residents about 90 minutes notice. That call drew approximately 15,000 viewers as Toomey fielded 10 questions.
For months, protesters have demanded the senator schedule a "real" town-hall event to address his constituents.
However, Toomey has yet to commit to such an event, telling a Pittsburgh radio show it's "a little bit hard" to hold town hall meetings. "We'll get to a town hall at some point, but the important thing from my point of view is to be engaged with your constituents," Toomey said.
Toomey announced the upcoming tele-town hall on Twitter, prompting many users to express disappointment that the senator won't host an in-person event.
@SenToomey The senate is in recess next week. What a great time to hold an IN PERSON town hall. You bring you and I'll bring all of us.
— RealPA (@PhillyResistNow) April 5, 2017
@SenToomey You misspelled "in-person".
— J.J. Hensley (@JJHensleyauthor) April 5, 2017
@SenToomey More than 30 minutes notice this time. Thank you!
— Bepps, The (@l_____88_____l) April 5, 2017
@SenToomey how hard is it to FACE your constituents? So tired of paying you to avoid us & ignore our concerns. 19130
— CM (@carisem) April 5, 2017
@SenToomey That's not a real town hall. You should make time for a real town hall.
— Caroline ⚡️ (@crikitmoore) April 5, 2017
@SenToomey
— Jack Reese (@ggtpopcorn_Jack) April 5, 2017
Excellent way to avoid facing your constituents, sir.
Your courage is an inspiration to all Pennsylvanians!
@SenToomey Please schedule a public event next week. Your constituents deserve to see you in person.
— Nick Kramarev (@NickKramarev) April 5, 2017
@SenToomey That's not a Town Hall!!! It's you making a speech about how you will do what you want!!
— Ruth Ann Davidson (@NaturesGma) April 5, 2017
