Noe Paramo: Taking his cue from Trump, Denham refuses to talk to us

I can’t remember a time in my decades living in the Central Valley when it’s been more important for elected officials to listen to their constituents. Thousands of us are concerned about issues like funding for health care, for our elderly and our children, the economic future of young adults and relief for people who have crushingly high medical expenses not covered by insurance.

This week Rep. Jeff Denham’s district office canceled a meeting with me and a group of concerned citizens just as the House is getting ready to push through tax reform with little public input or debate. When today’s meeting was canceled we decided to show up anyway to see if anyone in the office had time to talk with us. To say we didn’t feel welcome in our elected official’s office is an understatement.

I have been a Stanislaus County resident for more than 30 years. I have been a member of the Hispanic Advisory in the past, when my participation was valued on issues. It feels like the hostile, divisive atmosphere being promoted by the Washington administration is taking root here in the Valley. As taxpayers and residents of a democracy, Denham’s constituents deserve more.

This story was originally published November 16, 2017 at 12:58 PM with the headline "Noe Paramo: Taking his cue from Trump, Denham refuses to talk to us."