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Paul Mitchell 12:16 p.m. ET March 11, 2017

U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove, speaks at a town hall meeting about controversial Republican proposals in Congress and actions by President Donald Trump on health care, immigration and the environment, on February 21, 2017, in Mariposa, Calif.(Photo: Mark Z. Barabak/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Substantive dialogue brings real solutions that achieve success.

Having an open dialogue between people of all beliefs is important but to truly make an impact it must also be a meaningful and respectful dialogue.

Sadly, this is not the reality we have seen time and time again as recent town hall events around the country, meant for any and all constituents, have devolved into rowdy media events.

Those whose aim is to disrupt, or to be the loudest, drown out those who want to participate in their government constructively through peaceful dialogue.

There is a difference between those who share their earnest concerns in a civil manner and those aiming to disrupt the free exchange of ideas by shouting down those with whom they disagree. Sharing ideas in a respectful manner is what democracy looks like.

Before taking office as the member of Congress for Michigans 10th Congressional District, I had spent a career in private business creating jobs. I was not a politician and I learned in business that shouting matches and meaningless theater achieve nothing. Calm, sober, substantive conversations and hard work are the only ways to find real solutions to challenges. I will work no differently in Congress than I did in private business. Focus on effectiveness and listen closely to anyone wishing to work with you to find solutions.

During my campaign, I participated in more than 700 community events. I answered questions about my position on issues such as Obamacare, tax reform and immigration.

By providing voters with clear statements of policy and by connecting with them in person, my campaign achieved convincing victories in both a hard-fought primary and the general election.

My congressional website and Facebook page reflect the same approach: Share with voters how I am keeping the policy promises I made during the election.

I am committed to having real and ongoing dialogue with constituents throughout my time in Congress. I urge all of my constituents to keep informing me of their views and positions, as they have been, and I will do my best to fight for better policies and better legislative outcomes.

U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell

10th Congressional District

Dryden

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Excerpt from:
Respect, democracy go hand in hand - Detroit Free Press