Latest news with #IndivisibleAuburn-Opelika
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rep. Mike Rodgers no shows Opelika town hall
OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) — In East Alabama, frustration is growing over what some residents call a long silence from their elected representative. Thursday night, one organization decided to hold its own public meeting. Indivisible Auburn-Opelika invited community members to the Opelika public library. While, residents filled the room, one man was noticeably absent. Representative Mike Rogers was invited to the 'People's Town Hall,' but declined to attend. Some point to a statement by house speaker mike Johnson discouraging republicans from attending town halls. But organizers say Rogers' absence is nothing new. Indivisible Auburn – Opelika steering committee member, Lee McInnis, said, 'So as far as I can tell, Mike Rogers hasn't held a town hall meeting in eight years. So I don't think Mike Johnson saying anything would have necessarily dissuaded him from having. But I think it breaks the basic social contract that our elected representatives have. They were elected to represent the people of the third District of Alabama. If he is not going to meet with a broad spectrum of his constituents, he does not know what his constituents think and he does not know how to represent.' This event gave experts and community members alike a chance to speak on federal issues and their experiences, from healthcare to national security. Speakers also criticized Rogers' voting record, including his support for cutting Medicare and Medicaid and voting to overturn the 2020 election results after January 6. McInnis said, 'We wanted an opportunity to address Congressman Rogers to express to him our concerns about the direction the administration has been going in the first three months of its time in office, and to tell him that he does not necessarily have the support and concurrence of the entirety of the third Alabama Congressional District.' Organizers say a full video of the event will be sent to Congressman Rogers' office. Whether he watches or not, these residents say their message is clear. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Congressman Mike Rogers expected to be no-show at Opelika town hall
OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) – With an empty chair on stage reserved for Congressman Mike Rogers, dozens of East Alabama residents are expected to gather Thursday evening at the Opelika Public Library for a 'People's Town Hall' — an event organized by Indivisible Auburn-Opelika to give local voices a platform amid what organizers say is a lack of public engagement by their representative in Washington. Dr. Nicole Carter, a pediatrician who lives in Lee County, emphasized the importance of public and nonpartisan dialogue. 'Many of us in Alabama's 3rd Congressional District are worried about the decisions being made in D.C. and how they are impacting our families and our community. We had hoped to have Congressman Rogers join us for a town hall where we, his constituents, could ask real questions and share our concerns with him,' Dr. Carter told WRBL. Carrie Cole, Communications Director for Rep. Rogers, responded to WRBL's inquiry about the Congressman's absence: 'Congressman Rogers lives in the district and is in near-constant contact with his constituents and local leaders. The Democratic Party has encouraged activists to hold events that they have branded as 'town halls' in an effort to ambush Republican members of Congress. We welcome any constituents to contact any of our three offices.' Dr. Carter says she has tried to contact Congressman Rogers to express her concerns. 'I call his office nearly every single day. No response back.' As a pediatrician for two decades, public health and science policy — are areas she is eager to discuss with Congressman Rogers. Though Rep. Rogers (R-AL) declined the group's invitation to attend, organizers say the event will move forward with community speakers and an open mic session where constituents can share personal stories and pose questions they say deserve answers — particularly on issues ranging from health care to environmental policy to overseas military spending. The event will be livestreamed and, according to organizers, shared with Rep. Rogers' office. 'In his absence, we still hope to provide a nonpartisan, open forum for the community to gather and share their own stories and experiences,' said Dr. Carter. Rogers has represented Alabama's 3rd Congressional District since 2003, making him one of the more senior members of the House Republican Conference. He currently serves as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Whether or not Rep. Rogers responds to the video or the statements collected at Opelika's town hall remains to be seen. One message is clear: the conversation will continue — with or without him. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
