D&C’s editorial today gives praise to Eric Massa for facing the voters on health care, and criticizes our other reps for wimping out with  town hall meetings on the telephone:

Congressman Eric Massa set a good example for how to hold a town hall meeting focused on the emotional topic of health care reform.

So far, he’s the region’s only elected leader to do so. The others need to step it up.

Reps. Louise Slaughter, Chris Lee and Dan Maffei are planning “tele-town hall meetings.” Phone calls can reach thousands but they are no replacement for face-to-face meetings.

…

At Massa’s meeting, he debunked some myths about the current House bill and shared his views. Citizens raised concerns including government-funded abortions, covering the uninsured and rationing. Massa plans another meeting Aug. 26 in Fairport.

The freshman lawmaker said he didn’t want to vote on the bill without listening to as many people as possible.

Gee, we’ve been saying almost the same thing.

By the way, if you want to catch Eric Massa’s next Town Hall meeting in Monroe County, it’ll be Wednesday, August 26th 5:30 PM at the Perinton Community Center, 1350 Turk Hill Road.

Related posts:

1. Massa holds last Town Hall mtg, elicits criticism from opponent.
2. Massa Town Hall at Rush Town Hall
3. Eric Massa’s latest town hall meetings
4. Louise Slaughter & Christopher Lee agree: Town Hall Meetings? No Thanks!
5. Rep Massa Town Hall Video - Opening remarks and dispelling myths