Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has announced her first town hall meeting since taking office; however, critics are taking issue with the plan.
Tenney's campaign for re-election announced the town hall for next Tuesday, September 19 at Nicole's of Camden. The event listing says that tickets and advanced RSVP are required to attend the event; however, anyone living in the 22nd Congressional District can register to attend.
Her opponent in next year's election, Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, issued a statement questioning her tactics.
"It is suspicious that a question and answer session with the Congresswoman would not be sponsored by her official office, so that people attending who need help with a federal agency can receive assistance at the event by caseworkers," Brindisi's statement said. "A campaign-sponsored event is simply not the same thing. In addition, attendees may even be screened for party affiliation or other means, since this is a campaign event."
Tenney acknowledges they are looking to keep protesters out, but says, "Unfortunately, paid field organizers from the New York Democratic Party are already working overtime to organize protesters to disrupt the event and prevent a constructive dialogue. These protesters do not want to productively discuss the issues with Rep. Tenney. Instead, they want to use the town hall as a platform for self-promotion."
The event will be open to the press, and Spectrum News will be there.