Economic success and frustration over media coverage were just two topics discussed Monday as Tim Walberg, U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 7th District, met with constituents at the Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s good to be with you, it’s always good to be in Hillsdale,” Walberg said. “I sure enjoyed having the opportunity to be with the chamber here.”
The event was initiated by the office of the congressman and then coordinated by Eric Potes, a member of the Board for the Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce.
“We thought it would be a great way for people to network and for us to hear about what’s going on,” Potes said.
Before arriving at the Chamber of Commerce office, Walberg visited with constituents at the Hillsdale County Fair. He also met with businesses all across his district, including Cobra Motorcycles, a Hillsdale-based motorcycle dealer, and a local dairy farmer.
Walberg discussed recent success in Washington that will have lasting effects on the State of Michigan. He mentioned economic growth in Michigan, record low unemployment rates, health care, trade, and finally the impact of tax cuts and “Tax Cuts 2.0” which Walberg says will help small businesses.
During Walberg’s conversation with constituents, Craig Connor, president of Hillsdale County National Bank, described his dealings with the tax cuts.
“At our bank we are doing so much better because of that tax cut and the savings are being passed on to shareholders in form of dividends,” Connor told Walberg, “employees are doing better and the bank’s earnings are doing better. That concept that the tax cut will be paid for I think is valid.”
Constituent Richard Moore said that some of his concerns are focused on safety and defense, as well as assuring that tax dollars return to Michigan, specifically in regards to infrastructure in Hillsdale. Moore said that Walberg’s message on the economy resonated with him, “but we need to get the word out there, because the general public doesn’t get that news,” Moore said.
Walberg expressed his equal frustration with news outlets like “Fox News” and “CNN.” He called for a free and fair press.
“They are not talking about what really impacts the citizens and what has taken place all across the board,” Walberg said. “I believe in a free press, that’s the beauty of America; we could have difference of opinion, but we don’t have difference in facts.”
