Pocono News Section

Meeting Stops Amid Controversy

Meeting Stops Amid Controversy - Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 5:47PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Thursday, Aug 6, 2009 @ 05:47pm EST
MILFORD, PIKE COUNTY- A staff member for congressman Chris Carney walked out of a meeting full of angry voters. It happened Tuesday night in Milford.

Carney's staff member said he could talk about anything, just not in front of the media. That upset the crowd and Bonnie McCaffery of Hawley got the whole thing on videotape.

Pike County voters had harsh words for a congressman Chris Carney staff member. "You need to sit here and you need to listen to us," said some people at the meeting.

McCaffery said, "They were upset that they wouldn't be spoken to in front of a camera."

This confrontation happened during a private meeting with voters in Carney's district. Arguments erupted after the staff member asked for cameras to be shut off. "I would be happy to listen to all your concerns but I can't do it in front of the press,Ó said CarneyÕs staff member to the meeting crowd.

McCaffery said people wanted answers about important issues, mainly health care reform. "It's hot right now because it's going to be voted on and we want our opinion heard before they vote. They need to hear what we think and what our choices are because they are supposed to represent us," said one guest.

Congressman Carney's office says that's what this staff member was prepared to do. A spokesman told Eyewitness News the meetings are held privately, one on one with voters to help resolve matters like social security and Medicare troubles.

The spokesman also said, "It's unfortunate some in this crowd denied their neighbors access to this type of meeting. A town hall meeting is a more appropriate setting for a public question and answer session."

McCaffery says she's just surprised her video has taken off. She posted it on YouTube, where it has about 1,600 views on Thursday.

Carney's spokesman says this could have been an organized rally against federal health care reform proposed by Democrats.

There have been several town hall meetings interrupted across the country when the topic is about health care.