Senator Wyden addresses concerns of Oregon residents at packed town halls

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — In response to the sweeping executive actions President Donald Trump has been taking, hundreds of people showed up at Oregon Senator Ron Wyden’s two town halls, held in Washington and Columbia counties Saturday afternoon.

It was a packed house at Poynter Middle School in Hillsboro, with some even being turned away.

Many of those in attendance expressed concern about job cuts and how our local lawmakers can get involved.

The overflow from the first town hall had many coming to Scappoose Middle School to get their questions answered by the senator.

Some standing in line told KOIN 6 News their fears with the current administration is what brought them there.

“I’m very interested in knowing what concerned citizens can do constructively to make things better in the current administration,” said Susan Phillips, a Washington County resident.

“I just kind of want to come here and see what he’s got to say and what his opinion is on what’s going on in government,” said Mitchell Makuch.

Topics covered included veteran benefits and Social Security. The latter of which concerns Oregon voter Gary Van Zandt.

“I’m 67 now and I have my entire life put in that system. I’m on Medicare now,” he said. “And finally, it’s decent health care coverage. What’s being done to protect that?”

People of all ages gathered in the auditorium, packing it to around 90% capacity.

Senator Wyden says these town hall meetings are a part of him keeping his promise to visit all 36 counties in Oregon.