There’s 150 people crowded into the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce … and all eyes are on U.S. Representative Tom Graves (R-GA). It was Jasper’s turn on the circuit as the Congressman makes his rounds across the 9th District holding a series of Town Hall meetings. The midday meeting was crammed with concerned citizens. They filled the seats and stood along the back and side walls listening to the Congressman take questions on a variety of topics and concerns. The dominant concern for all citizens, though, was the economy.

Graves began the meeting with a brief summary of his work in Washington, reviewed a survey and then fielded questions from his constituents. In his summary, he stressed he did not vote for House Speaker John Boehner’s (R-OH) budget deal and later he was commended for staunchly supporting the “Cut, Cap, and Balance” plan.

Also, his survey outlined a host of unpopular statistics, such as, “By the end of 2012, the total federal debt is projected to be approximately 100 percent of the U.S. GDP (Gross Domestic Product),” and “Which of the following will the federal government spend the most on in the 2010 U.S. federal budget?” Answer: “Healthcare (Medicare/Medicaid).”

When time came for citizens to ask the congressman questions, a line of constituents stretched along the wall waiting for the microphone. Although citizens voiced a variety of questions, most questions focused on the economy. Jasper Citizen Wayne Barron asked if the new federal budget would get overturned so it would not affect the military budget. Graves said that currently the level of military budget cuts is uncertain, but he thinks the decision will be postponed. Citizens George Burch and Eric Lurie voiced concerns about over-regulation, particularly by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Graves said that congress is currently working on legislation to counter over-reaching by federal regulatory agencies that impact businesses, like the EPA, where “Congress has to approve that rule or regulation” before it is signed into law. Other citizens asked about welfare reform and possible social unrest, like in London, due to entitlement programs.

Curiously, one topic not discussed at yesterday’s Town Hall was redistricting. For months now, Congressman Graves has relentlessly supported the reapportionment of his own 9th district. Advocates of the new 9th district argue that the new alignment will be more conducive to commerce and, as such, could improve local economies, a point that seemingly could have addressed many of citizens’ economic concerns. Yesterday’s Town Hall Meeting came on the same day as the special session at the state legislature. The main purpose of the session is to discuss reapportionment and will run all week.