Cunningham takes on questions from both sides of the aisle at town hall meeting

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - South Carolina Congressman Joe Cunningham answered dozens of questions and took community input at a town hall meeting Saturday.

He says if people have questions or suggestions for him, he wants to hear them as often as he can.

The first-term congressman opened the microphone to questions Saturday at Summerville High School, letting both sides of the political spectrum in attendance ask anything they wanted. Around 100 people showed up in hopes of getting their chance to speak with Cunningham.

“That’s what we need: more of a healthy exchange of ideas a lot of viewpoints,” Cunningham says.

The event tackled in several hot-button issues. Most people were respectful when others were asking questions as there were only a few outbursts or interruptions that had to be addressed.

“I represent the district here,” Cunningham says. “It’s important to stay in tune with their concerns.”

Variations of needs in healthcare were questioned and Republican voters asked whether Cunningham believes President Donald Trump should be impeached. At least a dozen veterans collectively asked for help with Veteran’s Affairs funding.

Some who spent their morning with the congressman didn’t fully agree with his answers. Several people brought signs that blasted Cunningham and his views. They were asked to leave the signs outside of the school by security personnel. Cunningham says he is glad he got to hear from them, too, and was happy they attended.

“I welcome the healthy exchange of ideas. It’s great to hear from both sides of the spectrum. I’ll take it to Washington D.C. with me,” Cunningham says.

He says he plans to hold several more public events in the upcoming months like this one and hopes everyone who has a concern will speak up.

Copyright 2019 WCSC. All rights reserved.