Ask The Answer Person: "I hadn't read any place that US Senator Grassley was coming to Decorah on Tuesday."

(Kim e-mails: "I hadn't read any place that Senator Grassley was coming to Decorah. Of course, I could have just missed it. The article stated that six people were 'selected' to talk to him. I was just curious as to how these people were selected and by whom."):

The Answer Person says: "The coronavirus has had many impacts--some you might not realize.  One effect is that it has made it easier for elected officials to avoid the public!  The 10-person limit for public gatherings means the public is often left without a chance to give their opinions.

In the case of Senator Grassley, he described Tuesday afternoon's meeting at Decorah City Hall as another of his 'Town Halls.'  But a 'town hall' is defined as 'an event at which a politician or public official answers questions from members of the public.'  That wasn't the case on Tuesday, as you point out.

You deserve to be heard--whether it's by a U.S. Senator or by a city committee member.  The word 'coronavirus' shouldn't be used as a 'get out of jail free' card for politicians in any office."