Politicians should be more responsive to constituents

James Walker’s Commentary on Sunday, Nov. 8th, was right on target. (“How long is too long in office?”) The people we send to Congress must understand they are representing all of us, and as such must be accessible and responsive to their constituents. When they show signs of “entitlement” to their job or an “assumption” they have our vote, we no longer have a government By The People, but have one For The Political Party.

I’m an Independent. I have no bias for or against those representing me from Connecticut in Congress. But I have seen a lack of responsiveness over the years from those who continue to get re-elected. Example: When first elected, Senator Chris Murphy responded to my email requests with a specific answer to what I asked. Today when I contact his office via email I have to check a box from a list of possible subjects that I may have an issue about. I then receive an email response indicating he gets so many requests on various subjects he needs to refer me to the place on his website that gives me his views on the subject I asked about. And, it’s a generic response, obviously created for anyone who checked the box of that particular subject. If there is no appropriate box for a question I have I can always check “Other.” In that case I don’t get an answer to my request.

Should I expect a form letter when I ask a specific question? Am I asking too much?

Al E. Smith Brookfield