BERNARDSVILLE – Town halls have been a tough subject for Tom Kean Jr.
He has not held an in-person gathering since beginning his congressional term in 2023, despite loud demands to do so from some of his CD-7 constituents.
Now things have gotten even more stressful. Speaker Mike Johnson has asked GOP House members to eschew live town halls because of a hostile response.
Kean, however, has scheduled a telephone town hall for March 26 at 6:30 p.m.
“During the town hall, I’ll provide you with an update on my recent work in Congress and answer questions directly from constituents,” the congressman said in a release.
Kean’s looming town hall was announced just prior to another protest Thursday that began at the local train station and continued with a march to the congressman’s office a few blocks away.
Such gatherings are becoming common.
Speakers reviewed federal cutbacks and urged Kean to stand up to President Trump on behalf of his district.
One not so subtle sign suggested the congressman is missing a “spine.”
One of the speakers, Laura Waddell, health program director at New Jersey Citizen Action, was asked about the town hall.
“We are not impressed,” she said.
Another rally attendee called Kaen’s town hall “a farce.”
I recall a telephone town hall the congressman held during his first term. There were no challenging questions and Kean’s answers appeared scripted.
Whether the one forthcoming is going to be different remains to be seen.
After marching to Kean’s office, some of the participants entered the office two at a time to make their views known.
Others stood outside.
At its height, there were close to 200 people amassed on both sides of Claremont Road. At one point, they chanted:
“When Trump says ‘cutback,’ we say fight back.”
One wonders how many of those people will get to ask Kean a question next week.
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Tom Kean Jr., a prominent figure in New Jersey politics, is currently facing criticism from constituents over his recent actions and decisions. Kean, who is a member of the New Jersey Senate, has been a controversial figure in the state for years, but the recent backlash from his constituents has put him in a difficult position.
One of the main reasons for the criticism against Kean is his handling of various issues that are important to the people of New Jersey. Many constituents feel that Kean has not been representing their interests effectively and has instead been prioritizing his own political agenda. This has led to frustration and anger among many residents who feel that their voices are not being heard by their elected representative.
In addition to his handling of important issues, Kean has also faced criticism for his lack of transparency and accountability. Many constituents feel that Kean has not been open and honest about his actions and decisions, leading to further distrust and dissatisfaction among the public.
Furthermore, Kean’s close ties to special interest groups and lobbyists have also raised concerns among constituents. Many believe that Kean is more interested in serving the interests of these groups rather than the needs of the people he was elected to represent.
Despite the criticism, Kean remains a powerful figure in New Jersey politics and has a strong base of support. However, if he wants to regain the trust and respect of his constituents, he will need to address their concerns and work towards being a more transparent and accountable representative.
In conclusion, Tom Kean Jr. is currently facing criticism from constituents over his handling of important issues, lack of transparency, and close ties to special interest groups. If he wants to maintain his position in New Jersey politics, he will need to address these concerns and work towards being a more effective and accountable representative for the people of New Jersey.
