Bean responds to Town Hall issue
Commentary
There seems to be some recurring themes in today’s political world -
illusion and confusion - and, in some cases, flat out dishonesty. But
I don't subscribe to that, because every day I focus on doing what is
right and being a good, kind and honest person. I have always held
myself to the highest standard, and ever since I had the privilege of
being elected to Congress, I work tirelessly to represent my community
because that is what my constituents demand and deserve.
Recently, the Democrat Party hosted a series of events that were
headlined by Democrat operatives, including a likely Democrat
candidate for governor, who directly asked the audience if it was
their first time attending a Democratic party event. These are not
official townhalls. They are gotcha moments to give headlines to an
all too eager media. The Democrats are hosting these publicity stunts
all over the state and across the nation. It’s their plan, and it’s
their operation. They don't actually want an open dialogue; in fact,
they scheduled these without regard to my availability.
As your representative, I am required to be in Washington, D.C. when
Congress is in session, so I always treasure the time I spend back
home in Northeast Florida. Over the past two weeks, I've spent time in
Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties speaking with over 1,000 constituents,
meeting with bright young students, and visiting with local business
leaders. We covered their joys and concerns, as well as everything in
between.
My office has an open-door policy, and anyone who knows the work we
have done for our community knows that we place the highest priority
on constituent services. We listen to every concern and help wherever
we can. We show up; we work hard; and every vote and every bill must
have a positive impact on the people we serve, our state, and country
as a whole.
But I won't attend one-sided Democrat Party rallies that masquerade as
productive town halls. Representative government listens to all sides,
and as the congressman for Florida’s 4th Congressional District, I am
honored to work with and for all voters - Democrat, Republican, and
NPA alike.
Let's focus on issues that matter - together - and stop these games of
performative politics that seek to defraud the voters of their real
intent and our real progress as a community and nation.
Congressman Aaron Bean represents Florida’s 4th Congressional
District, which includes all of Clay and Nassau Counties and part of
Duval County.
Comments
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JoeW
Thank YOU very much, Thank YOU Congressman Bean for doing a great job! MAGA
The Democrats greatest obstacle is the illusion of knowledge.
Don't
Expect
Intelligence
Thursday, May 1 Report this
Bob121
Fake media, fake town halls. Your voter base is not fooled by these theatrics.
Thursday, May 1 Report this
Hopecannon
Congressman Bean,
Your words are hollow. You don’t get to cherry pick who are your constituents. Nearly every chair was filled at last week’s town hall. There were Republicans among them.
Your job as our Congressman also includes hearing concerns of your constituents. As concerns grow, as many voters believe they will under Trump’s misguided leadership, your future as an elected representative is in jeopardy.
Hope Cannon
Thursday, May 1 Report this
paulnoble
Easy Fix! Hold your own in person Town Hall.
Paul Noble
Thursday, May 1 Report this
Gkersten
Representative Bean, what a disappointment. The work you are doing in Congress is questionable at best and we, your constituents have questions regarding your motives. I recently read in a Newsmax article how you were raving about your accomplishments and how thrilled your constituents are with the job you are doing. In fact, you were quoted as saying “Everywhere I go, I’m getting high fives!”
The propaganda you are spreading is shameful and harmful to your district and to your constituency. Instead of coming before the people who elected you, you choose to participate in a bogus "telephone town hall" answering only the screened calls.
It was reported that you left a "private" town hall event through a side door, avoiding questions from concerned constituents wanting to speak with you about your policies. This incident drew criticism from the attendees who felt you were not engaging with your constituents.
So tell me, why do you refuse to show up at a Town Hall to speak with your constituents? Are you afraid of us? Are you afraid of the questions? Are you afraid of your answers? Do you not consider us constituents?
Mr. Bean, your constituents elected you into office, anticipating you would represent all of us in your district. Now, our concerns are being ignored by you, our elected official. 2026 is coming quickly, and whether you consider us constituents or adversaries, we have a vote. Let’s see how those “high fives” work out for you this coming election.
Thursday, May 1 Report this
SherT10
Congressman Bean
As a resident in your district I am curious, does not voting for you automatically mean I am an "operative" of some kind, or am I a dissenting voter and is still a constituent. You can pull the wool over your supporter's eyes by trying to pit us against each other, or you could really give a darn about ALL of your constituents. Since the last does not appear to be true (you don't really care about all of us), then you are breeding the very contempt you desperately avoid. I will use words that everyone will understand. Chicken says what??
Thursday, May 1 Report this
lehartgreen
Your tele town halls DO NOT allow for dialogue on issues.If you were at an in-person event, you could have dialogue with constituents. It is good to show up for celebratory events,but there is more to governing. People have genuine concerns which deserve a better reply than “ call my office.” Your trashing of Democrats seeking to make democracy work for all constituents makes you sound defensive .All you do is call us “fake.” Your attempt at folksy chumminess by describing future legislation as “one big beautiful bill” is trite and unoriginal.
Multiple attempts were made with your staff to synchronize calendars.
The likely gubernatorial candidate at the last town hall demonstrated an understanding of how the government works and how to get things done.
Your support of tactics to slash government programs without regard for the deleterious effects on your constituents seems like you care more about your own power and position.
You pleaded ignorance when asked about the arrest of a differently abled clergy person for praying in the Rotunda. That news had to be all over the Capitol that day. Could it be because he prayed for justice for the poor?
Thursday, May 1 Report this
DouglasM
How does he vote on issues that affect North Florida? Like the FBCC, my voting in elections is based on how representatives vote on issues that affect me......I really don't care what party they belong to.
Friday, May 2 Report this
John Bertsch
There are only 4 words and 4 numbers words which will solve the Bean/Town Hall issue; VOTE HIM OUT IN 2026.
Friday, May 2 Report this
Conrad2k
Representative Bean,
I can understand your hesitation to participate in town halls that you haven't set up and perceive as attempts to ambush you. It takes a special talent to walk into a situation like that and be able to communicate openly and honestly. Not everyone can communicate that way. I understand that you prefer to play to your strengths by selecting venues where you have more control over the types of questions and the attitudes of the invited participants. A simple, open ended discussion with unvetted attendees can be intimidating.
If you are uncomfortable with large, open town halls, would you be willing to meet with small issue focus groups?
Friday, May 2 Report this
KoachKay
Wow, the sad thing is I could replace every derogatory comment about Democrats with the word Republicans and it would also ring true. What percentage of the voting population of Clay, Duval, and Nassau counties is the 1,000 great people you claim to have met with?
This is why you are out of touch and choose to remain out if touch.
Monday, May 5 Report this