rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/petition/tell-congressman-lawler-open-your-town-halls-to-the-press?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-petition-area-tell-congressman-lawler-open-your-town-halls-to-the-press' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Common Cause New York https://actionnetwork.org/groups/common-cause-new-york https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/petitions/photos/000/471/777/normal/Tell_Congressman_Lawler_(2).png Congressman Mike Lawler represents the Hudson Valley in New York’s 17th Congressional District which includes Rockland County, Putnam County, and portions of Westchester and Duchess Counties. After facing public pressure, Representative Lawler recently began holding town halls in his district to speak to his constituents. Common Cause New York applauds the Congressman for taking a step toward opening up communication with the public. However, these town halls have been closed to the media. Representative Lawler’s team have prevented media outlets from recording, taking photos, or asking questions at events. They even make clear in their event advertisements that the press is not welcome to attend. The press plays a critical role in maintaining communication and transparency between our elected officials and the public. Press presence at Congressional town halls is a standard and necessary bridge between representatives and their constituents. Congressman Lawler must open his town halls to members of the media. https://act.commoncause.org/petitions/tell-congressman-lawler-open-your-town-halls-to-the-press