(Update: adding public questions and comments from town hall)
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Senator Ron Wyden brought his trademark open-door politics to Jefferson county Saturday morning, holding another in his long-running series of town halls.
Gaza, tariffs, and the impacts of political polarization — especially here at home — were the main topics of concern from residents.
Questions ranged from a national level, with one audience member asking, “how would you characterize the state of our democracy at this point?” To which Senator Wyden replied, “fragile.” To a local level, with a St. Charles employee asking, “how are you advocating for, I’m specifically going to say Saint Charles Madras, so that we can not be forgotten?”
Senator Wyden heard from the audience for over an hour, many voicing strong opinions and posing tough questions about the humanitarian toll overseas and what role the U.S. should play.
Direct questions were asked of the senator, such as “if those people in Gaza were not Palestinian, but Jews slaughtered and starved to death, what would you do?” Followed by passionate statements from others, “people are dying. They’re being shot by these people with guns that are monitoring these food giveaways.”
Attendees also pressed the senator on the challenges of political division, saying polarization is making it harder to solve problems at every level of government. Many expressed their feelings of hopelessness and disappointment.
“It seems to me the rules aren’t being followed by any of the three branches of government. It’s all corrupted,” said one audience member.
Senator Wyden said he welcomes tough questions, even on heated issues, and pointed to these town halls as a way to bridge divides through direct conversation. He vows to follow-up with specific details on his plans for those still wanting more accountability.
Saturday’s event in Madras marked Wyden’s latest stop as he continues holding town halls in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year. Senator Wyden says he’ll keep hosting these events as long as Oregonians keep showing up and asking questions.