Government spending and the Affordable Care Act fueled the discussion at the town hall meeting held Monday evening at the Ontario Town Hall on Stumbo Road. The meeting was hosted by U. S. Congressman Bob Gibbs.
“I believe in a free market system, free enterprise,” said Gibbs in his introduction as he addressed the citizens and media who were present at the town hall meeting. He added,”…government should not be taking more taxes than they should, nor should they be spending more than they should.”
Congressman Gibbs laid the groundwork for discussion as he touched on issues he believed to to be of concern and relevance to the American people. The tragedy at Benghazi and the more recent IRS scandal were mentioned by Gibbs as examples of what he felt were abuses and never should have happened.
“Government should be held more accountable,” said Gibbs. The topic of spending included the 17 trillion dollars in debt and what Gibbs described as ‘discretionary and non-discretionary spending’.
“Mandatory spending is on auto-pilot,” commented Gibbs as he explained that the Farm Bill includes Food Stamps. Though he acknowledged reform is necessary, there is a process that must be followed.
Ed Schmidt, a local citizen, spoke up with concerns he had regarding abuse of the food stamp program and over spending of the government. “People are so fed up,” Schmidt said.
Gibbs acknowledged the concerns of abuse and spending in regards to food stamps and welfare and added that he believed there should a form of categorical eligibility implemented to offset the abuses.
Gibbs said,”The house controls the house not Washington.”
Tax reform fueled a heated discussion in which Schmidt commented, ”There should be a flat tax.”
In response to his concern, Gibbs acknowledged the comment and stated, “There should be a system that encourages investment and initiatives to grow the economy,” said Gibbs.
Scott Kyler of Ontario shared his concerns of the Affordable Care Act, often referred to as “Obamacare,” with a story about a homeless man who was interviewed on television.
When the man was informed by the interviewer that he would be fined $2,500 if he did not obtain coverage, the homeless man responded that he did not have $2,500 and what did the government think they would do? He posed the question,”Are they gonna put me in jail?,” said the homeless man.
The interview and the man’s comments sparked the question Kyler directed to Gibbs, “There are millions of people who do not have a dime, what is the government gonna do, put them all in jail?,” Kyler said.
“Obamacare is a disaster that’s already unraveling,” stated Gibbs. “It’s a train wreck that’s coming,” he added. “No Republicans voted for it,” he said.
Discussion of natural resources, specifically liquid natural gas was opened by local resident Maureen Collins. Collins shared concerns that potential resources were being neglected that would strengthen the economy and possibly create a situation of self reliance. “ We could be energy independent in this country if we wanted,” said Collins.
Gibbs responded, “ We can be an exporter of L/G (liquid natural gas), it’s a huge opportunity. It could provide jobs,” he added. “The more trade we do, everybody is better off,” Gibbs said.
At the close of discussions, Gibbs thanked those who participated in the discussion and encouraged them and all concerned citizens to become involved, aware, and educated in the issues that concern them. He also encouraged them to take action and contact those in leadership roles with questions and ideas. Then can change be effected.
“Government should not be taking more taxes than they should, nor should they be spending more than they should,” said Congressman Bob Gibbs.
