Don Young refuses invitation to town hall meetings.

[Blue_In_AK]

From Benson for Congress:

Rep. Young refuses to be interviewed by Voters

Anchorage – Late on Tuesday August 22, 2006, the Benson for Congress campaign emailed an invitation Rep. Don Young's campaign to invite the congressman to a series of Town Hall meetings. On Thursday August 23, 2006 the Benson Campaign received a phone call from Rep. Young campaign manager Steve Dougherty with a response of "NO".

The invitation was to give both campaigns the chance to meet with voters of Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks in a Town Hall Meeting format in order for voters to ask each candidate questions.

Mr. Dougherty stated that Congressman Young will continue his "tradition" of only participating in the KAKM debate.

"We feel that the Alaskan people have been left out once again of the election process. They are not being allowed the opportunity to speak to their elected official and have their questions answered", stated Kris J. Pierce, Diane Benson's campaign manager.

The election process is an opportunity for the employers of public officials to "interview" the potential employees. How can anyone apply for job without being interviewed by the people you are to serve? How can our government be for the people and by the people if it is the people that are being left out in the cold?

"Why is Don Young hiding out and refusing to face the voters? Don Young has a lot to answer for, and he should debate Diane Benson. The voters deserve to hear these candidates discuss the issues," said Jake Metcalfe, Alaska Democratic Party chair.

"We urge Alaskans that want to interview its prospective employees to call and write Rep. Young and ask him why he feels that he does not feel it is necessary to be interviewed by the people of this great state", continued Pierce.

Diane Benson is ready, willing and able to be interviewed by the people of Alaska and is ready to be the next employee for Alaskans.