Critics, supporters mobilize for McHenry town hall in Swannanoa

Photo by Max Cooper

Congressman Patrick McHenry will hold an Aug. 7 town hall meeting in Swannanoa to give an update on his recent legislative activities and hear from constituents.

The Republican is serving his fifth term representing the 10th District of North Carolina. But it’s only his first since that district was redrawn to include most of Asheville, a Democratic stronghold in an otherwise conservative area. And both Democratic and Republican activists are mobilizing to attend the event.

In a Facebook post, local Democrats are urging people to “hold him accountable.” Twenty-one are confirmed to attend, as of this writing. Activists were also reportedly handing out flyers at the Aug. 5 Mountain Moral Monday rally urging people to attend.

Meanwhile, the Buncombe County Republican Party sent out an email newsletter Aug. 6 urging subscribers “to show up and show your support.” A resident of Denver, N.C., McHenry’s official biography touts him as “a leader of the conservative movement in America.”

McHenry maintains a constituent service office in Black Mountain, and his Swannanoa meeting is just one in a series planned in each of the counties he represents.

“Policies implemented in Washington have a tremendous impact on the daily lives of citizens of Western North Carolina. I welcome the opportunity to speak with my constituents and address their individual concerns directly,” says McHenry in a press release about the events.

Additionally, the congressman’s staff will be available at the town hall to meet privately with constituents who have issues with federal agencies including Social Security, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Internal Revenue Service, according to the release.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the ArtSpace Charter School, located at 2030 U.S. Highway 70 in Swannanoa.

Earlier that day, McHenry will join local elected officials in presenting a firefighters assistance grant check to the Skyland Fire Department in Asheville. The presentation will take place at the Skyland Fire Department, 9 Miller Road, at 10:30 a.m.

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About Jake Frankel
Jake Frankel is an award-winning journalist who enjoys covering a wide range of topics, from politics and government to business, education and entertainment.

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