It was raining Congressmen last night as both Congressman Massa and Congressman Maffei were in town hosting Town Hall meetings.  I decided to head over to see Dan Maffei and was one of 70 plus people to pack a room in the Irondequoit Town Hall for an hour and a half.   The Congressman fielded about 14 questions and follow-ups.  There wasn’t any obvious press at the event.

All the expected questions about the the Federal Budget, Health Care and Stimulus Dollars were asked.  There were timely questions about Time Warner caps and High Speed Rail.  I’ll have video posted at some point about Time Warner and High Speed Rail.

Here are some observations, more as I review the video.

I found the Congressman was at ease answering the questions.  Some questions were very specific and Maffei wasn’t afraid to say that he needed additional information before he answered the question.  Maffei came across as genuine and even though you may not agree with him on some issues he would extend his hand to better understand your position.

One thing that amazes me at these things is people’s lack of understanding of what Congress actually does or can do.

There was a contractor lamenting all the rules, and such, that he has to navigate to be successful and how these constraints hinder overall economic growth.   He lamented how, in his mind, folks go to Washington and lose “common sense”.  When asked for examples of how Congress can help, he said (as I recall) provide building incentives like eliminating building permits (the cost of permits) or changing the rules on  Workman’s Compensation .  Well, as you can probably figure out  - building permits are a local issue.  Workman’s Comp is a State Issue yet Washington is supposed to fix it.

I mention this not to swipe at the guy asking the question, but how do we help educate the the populace as to who does what?   I wonder what, if any, papers he reads, radio shows he listens to, and so on.

Anyway - expect clips of Maffei’s response to Time Warner and High Speed Rail.  More, as time permits.

Related posts:

1. Massa and Maffei Town Hall meetings
2. Reminder: Congressman Massa’s Town Hall meeting tonight
3. Maffei meets with the Prez
4. Dan Maffei Speaks to the New York’s high speed rail plan
5. Jim Walsh and follow-up to the Lyon’s Town Hall Meeting