This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I am writing in response to Courtney Tanner's well-written article on Rep. Jason Chaffetz's participation in the Feb. 10 town hall meeting at Brighton High School. Although I generally do not agree with Chaffetz, I would like to thank him for taking part in the event.
A person in his position deals with conflict on a daily basis, but he is still a human being with normal human sensitivities. Standing in front of a crowd of 1,000 "hostile and harassing" people for 75 minutes of "tense exchanges," with another 1,500 people who were denied admittance due to fire code restrictions yelling and jeering from outside would be intensely ego-assaultive to anyone.
Based on Tanner's report, my inference is that Chaffetz remained poised and responded honestly and in a forthright manner to questions. He was consistent in his political orientation and did not pander. I wish it were not so, but I agree with Salt Lake City Councilman Charlie Luke's comment that the harassment Chaffetz faced "ensured Chaffetz's re-election for as long as he chooses to run."
I may not concur with the representative, but I do respect and appreciate his moxie, and I hope the event was ultimately productive for all present.
Mary Jane Ruggles Dow
Millcreek