Despite snow showers, many rally outside Costello’s office
For the seventh consecutive Friday, protesters rallied outside Congressman Ryan Costello’s office at the historic Courthouse.
Eleven voters braved falling snow showers to chant, wave the American flag and shake homemade signs. Several drivers honked to support the lively group.
“We live here,” chanted the activists.
Claire Witzleben led the group by shouting, “Show me what democracy looks like.” Fellow demonstrators replied in unison and loud enough to be heard by drivers sitting in Market Street traffic, “This is what democracy looks like.”
March 10’s protest was a bid to alert Costello, R-6, about the continuing need for the Affordable Care Act.
Rally topics change weekly, according to Witzleben, who agreed that the falling snow made the borough look beautiful, but said that the turnout was down by 30 to 50 activists due to the weather.
On past Fridays, the group has lobbied Costello in favor of environmental protections, opposing government’s dictating women’s health issues, in opposition to public school vouchers and against Russian infiltration into the U.S. government, said Witzleben.
Katherine Damsgaard, of Birchrunville, voiced a sentiment common to most Chester County voters.
“I just want a voice in this government,” she said. Witzleben would agree. “We have to have our voices heard,” she said. “(Costello) is not being honest with them on how he intends to vote. “When you meet him he seems like he’s a really nice guy and then he votes and it’s not there.”
Kate Young of West Chester was waving a protest sign. “I want the congressman to take his constituent’s views into account,” Young said.
Costello responded to those he refers to as “activists,” rather than “protesters,” during a phone call from Washington prior to the rally. Costello said he was listening.
“I think it’s great when people exercise their right to peacefully assemble and make their voices heard,” Costello said. “That’s great, that’s what our democracy is.”
The former county commissioner said he regularly hears from many of the same people.
“It’s helpful to get input. They’re nice people. Some don’t always have nice things to say about me, but that’s OK.” Costello has seen much. “Politics is a rough and tumble business,” the two- term congressman said. “We’re at a moment in our nation’s history when people have a lot of concerns.”
The Republican said he enjoys having an office in the town square at the historic courthouse because it gives constituents a chance to meet in a visible location and to be seen by drivers and pedestrians.
George Graepel, an East Goshen resident, said that Costello listens but chooses not to address anything needing “a fix” amidst sweeping changes after the election of President Trump.
“Trump was a wake-up call,” Graepel said. “There’s not any way we can influence him but we have the opportunity to influence the local congressman.
Costello noted that the country is divided. “My job is to try to help turn the temperature down, while still making sure I’m accessible, listening and responding to people’s con- cerns. The way to bring people together is to dial it down.”
Costello maintains that the voices of constituents do matter.
“I’m accessible and able to listen,” he said. “People are trying to charge me with not being acces- sible but that doesn’t pass the smell test withme. “I’m 100 percent accessible.”
Witzleben said she and her fellow protesters aren’t going away any time soon.
“We’re not stopping,” she said. “I know they hope we go away. “We’re here for the duration.”