Meet the Representatives

Residents interested in discussing current events and legislation with elected state representatives had the opportunity to do so tonight in D’iberville. News 25’s Kendra Turley takes us inside tonight’s interactive meeting at the recreation center.
One of the goals of the South Mississippi Tea Party is to educate and inform as many citizens as possible about our nation’s government and its elected officials. Phil Harding with the South Mississippi Tea Party said, “It is one thing to elect representatives of the people but if we don’t engage with them and let them know what we want and what we think then they’ll have nothing to go on.”
The organization held a live question and answer session via Skype at the D’iberville Recreation Center as a way to connect residents with government officials. Attendee Russell Latino said, “If you’re not informed about what’s happening in your government, it’s impossible for you to affect change in government. As a state that is last in a lot of things, if we’re ever going to get better, people have to be engaged in what’s happening in Jackson.”
Those who entered the doors were encouraged to write down specific questions for state Senators Michael Watson, Sean Tindell and Brice Wiggins to answer. Questions ranged from state-wide concerns, like voting procedures during elections, to more local concerns, such as a proposed increase in gas tax. “It’s fine to be excited about the presidential race. It’s fine to be excited about what you see happening at the US capitol but if you want to see real change in Mississippi then you need to be focused on what’s happening in Mississippi,” said Latino.
While those in the audience voiced more concerns than questions, the Tea Party tells News 25 tonight’s meeting was one step closer to bridging the gap between citizens and elected officials. “They go to Jackson or Washington or wherever and they’re influenced by the environment there and sort of end up in an echo chamber. So, we wanted them to hear our voices here in South Mississippi,” said Harding.

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