A few months ago, four women from the Weatherby Lake area who are concerned about recent government actions, decided to form a group called Winning Women Wednesdays (WWW) in order to let their elected officials know what they expect from them. The group quickly grew to include more than 120 women from the Platte County area.
The group’s organizer, Lynn Roberts, said the group is concerned about the chaos of the current administration and how it will hurt the local community.
“We take action every week to let our elected officials know what we expect from them on issues like hungry kids, veterans losing jobs and services, cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security, higher costs due to excessive tariffs, and threats to our freedoms,” Roberts said.
WWW hosted a town hall March 19 at Weatherby Lake Community Center. The group had invited Rep. Sam Graves to attend, but he and his staff told the bi-partisan group that they did not feel safe to attend since it was a public event.
The group went ahead with the town hall and placed Graves’ photo on an empty chair and attendees addressed their concerns.
They expected a full house based on the RSVPs, and weren’t disappointed. The event ended up being standing room only despite the snowy, cold weather.
The citizens of the Missouri 6th District asked intelligent questions and told heart-wrenching stories. They begged the picture of Rep. Graves, the 25-year incumbent to pay attention to what is happening in Missouri - devastated families, veterans, hungry children, retired people, farmers.
“These people do not deserve a chainsaw, Rep. Graves, they deserve 90 minutes of your time and attention,” Roberts said. Graves has not held a town hall in Platte County since 2013.
Local residents from Platte County working in many different professions, asked questions at the town hall, that included a wide range of issues.
Marissa, a social worker, asked pointed questions about cuts from social services, concerns about people living on $6.40 a day, Social Security cuts, and if the rich are willing to pay their share. Kelly asked questions about Elon Musk and Vladimir Putin not being elected officials of the U.S., the economic crisis, where the checks and balances are currently, and specifically, what is Graves’ tipping point.
Ross, a school teacher for more than 30 years, stressed the importance of the U.S. Republic, repeating history, the U.S. playing checkers while Putin is playing chess and the need to do something now.
Elisa brought up points about Graves supporting the 1%, but none of whom live in his district, however, she said there are 34,000 federal employees in the region.
A veteran, Beth said that Graves is showing no respect to voters by attending no town halls, no returned calls and no response to emails, and asked if Graves is supporting Veterans Administration cuts. Terry, a teacher questioned election integrity, and Kat expressed concerns about cuts to fresh fruits and vegetables for schools and how it impacts food banks and farmers as well.
Denise discussed the current division and chaos in the country and the need to defend women’s rights and IVF, and Teresa, an artist and teacher, questioned how Graves sees the current President as relates to the rule of law, the courts and the Constitution.
Sandra said she was curious if Graves is going to speak up against the President and she discussed the need for a voice of reason and women’s rights.
Gina, a teacher, referenced a letter from Graves touting the ‘Golden Years,’ and pointed out that Graves is supposed to be responsible for all in his district, not just the Republicans.
Elise wanted to know why Graves can show up for ribbon cuttings but not town halls. She also wanted answers on the infrastructure, and issues with hospitals closing.
Sean, a Marine, questioned what Graves is doing about potholes, bad roads and planes falling from the sky, and how he was helping the district.
Pam, a three-decade employee of the federal aviation weather service, asked why, as chairman of transportation and infrastructure, Rep. Graves was not protecting the understaffed agencies that keep travelers safe.
Laura, a mother of two, asked how to explain to her children what is happening on the news about our country fighting our friends, bullying our neighbors, and abandoning our values.
Ashley Aune, who serves as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, representing the 14th District in the Northland of Kansas City, toldGraves that ‘we are watching.’ She also said that younger voters will stand up against a dictatorship.
Videographer, Noel Bass, recorded the town hall and his donated footage will be shared with social media and others.
The next WWW meeting will be on April 9, at a Weatherby Lake location to be announced, with special guest, Jess Piper from Blue Missouri.