This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
What's the big fuss about town hall meetings?
Sen. Orrin Hatch announced on Facebook recently that he "had a great town hall in Ivins at the Southern Utah Veterans Home." Hmm. A town hall at a private nursing home? Then, he posted, "Really enjoyed my second town hall meeting of the recess today with about 700 Utahns to cap off a great visit to Qualtrics in Provo." Hmm. A town hall at a private software company?
Google to the rescue: "A town hall meeting is an informal public meeting between citizens and public figures. They are often used by politicians during campaigns or when important issues arise."
There's nothing "public" about a private nursing home or a corporation. Would I have been allowed in? Would you? I think not. Sorry, senator, those don't count. Your constituents still await a public town hall.
Joanne Slotnik
Salt Lake City