Do the job to get reelected

The definition of a representative is a “person chosen or appointed to act or speak for another or others.” Chris Smith is asking voters in NJ’s 4th congressional district to choose him to “represent” them in the US Congress, but I have to ask: how can you possibly speak for me when you refuse to hear my concerns?

The last town hall Mr. Smith had was in 1993. Does he really think the issues confronting voters today are the same that Americans faced when Mrs. Doubtfire was in theaters? Or is it that he cannot answer the hard questions he would face on health care, women’s rights, and Russian interference in our elections? I could go on, but I think I have made my point.

Smith works for us and he needs to come and listen to the views of the voters in this district. His refusal to do this for the last 25 years shows his disrespect for his constituents. Even Chris Christie urged representatives to have town halls stating, “I understand why members of Congress don’t like it... But you know what? You asked for the job. Go do it.” Chris Smith, who hasn’t had a town hall in 25 years, is still asking for the job. It is time for the voters to say NO to Smith and YES to Josh Welle who held a Town Hall this week attended by over 100 of his constituents!

— Debbie Mandelker, Belmar

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