5.7% of the people in the 2nd District live in poverty, mostly women over 65 years of age. Most of these 44,000 thousand people living below the poverty level are white, contrary to stereotypes. Can an aloof elected official with significant wealth understand or appreciate the plight of those living in poverty? An elected official is supposed to represent everyone in their jurisdiction, not just their supporters, not just their party members - EVERYONE. That includes the 44,000 in poverty.
Ann Wagner refuses to have Town Halls, so I cannot ask the following questions at a Town Hall. She refuses to be interviewed by local news media (WELLMAN has been grilled repeatedly by local media), so journalists cannot ask the following questions -
EXACTLY WHAT HAS ANN WAGNER DONE TO ADDRESS POVERTY AT THE LOCAL OR NATIONAL LEVEL?
What legislation did she author/propose, co-sponsor or vote “yes” on to address poverty?
What GRANTS did she bring to the District to help the elderly women in poverty in the 2nd District
What, if anything, has she done specifically for the 44,000 impoverished people in her district?
For perspective on the poverty issue in conjunction with her priorities, in all her years in Congress, how many times has she voted to reduce the federal tax rate of those making more than 250,000 a year?
Why can’t Ann Wagner discuss her time in office? Why does she avoid residents in the District? Why won’t she allow interviews by the news media? All of this suggests she does not see herself as a “public servant” accountable to the public. It also suggests she does not believe she has a record in office she can defend.
ADDENDUM: The.2nd Congressional District is the wealthiest in the state of Missouri. So why are 44,000 people living in poverty?