SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Constituents of New York's 24th Congressional District want to be heard.
"I think there's a lot of tensions between people and the government," Syracuse resident Brett Keegan said.
But they say in a time of tension, Republican Congressman John Katko, their voice in Washington, isn't listening.
"We need to have John Katko talk to us," Syracuse resident Stephanie Ladd said. "That is his job. He is our representative, we are his constituents."
Dozens brought that message to Katko's office Wednesday, and then marched it through downtown. But for Republican representatives, town halls have prompted strong opposition. Congressman Tom Reed has hosted several. He has been booed and protested, but confronted the crowds. Others, like Claudia Tenney and Katko, have not hosted town halls.
"I think it's very good to come together and to be able to discuss different issues, to clarify where everybody is at," Syracuse resident Pat Keegan said. "I think everybody walks away from the table with a better understanding of other people's opinions."
In his first campaign, Katko criticized his opponent for not meeting with the public. Katko said his office responds to tens of thousands of constituent letters, emails and phone calls. But he adds that groups have aligned with the national 'indivisible' movement -- one that calls for people to go to town halls, spread out to give an impression of consensus, boo Congressmen or refuse to give up the microphone. But protesters said plenty of them just want to express their concern.
"I know many people, including myself, who, we might be politically active, but predominantly, we see ourselves as constituent and not outside aggravators," Brett Keegan said.
TWC News received a statement from Katko's office Wednesday afternoon. He said his office is always willing to meet with constituents, and that he will continue to engage with people from all across his district.