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Town Hall Meeting


I'm a great believer in Democracy in action.  Even though I disagreed with much of  what Tea Party activists said  at town hall meetings and the cranky way it was said, I liked that they came to the public forum.  Yesterday , National People's Action demonstrators in Washington were chanting "What does democracy look like? This is what democracy looks like." Again, another public forum.  

This morning I got email from Rep. Jaime Pederson saying that he will be having a town hall meeting here in Seattle at:

43rd Legislative District Town Hall
Saturday, March 12, 2-3:30 p.m.
Seattle First Baptist Church
1111 Harvard Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122

Speaking of foreclosures Pederson claims as one of his legislative accompolishments doing something about it. He says, "During the past two years, more than 77,000 families have lost their homes to foreclosure in Washington.  Another 40,000 are seriously delinquent and at risk. We also know that some big banks have not followed the rules regarding foreclosure. One of our highest priorities this year in the House Judiciary Committee, which I chair, was to increase protection for families who are facing foreclosure.  I am delighted to report that the House passed the Foreclosure Fairness Act of 2011, House Bill 1362, which encourages banks and homeowners to work collaboratively to explore alternatives to foreclosure so that families can stay in their homes whenever possible. The banking industry has agreed to a substantial new fee to pay for housing counselors to help homeowners understand their range of options. And if banks fail to play by the rules, the bill provides enforcement mechanisms, including application of the Consumer Protection Act and mandatory mediation"  If you want to contact Rep. Pedersen :Jamie.Pedersen@leg.wa.gov


I may go and tell Rep Pederson, thanks for the bill, but it's not enough, more is needed.  What more can we do? And I may speak of those that have been demonstrating in Washington.  I may also talk about high unemployment   and ask him to do more about that. I urge you also to consider going and "sounding off. "  




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