U.S. Representative Mike Rogers knows that communication is a two-way street.
That is why Rogers, who represents Michigan’s 8th district that includes part of Orion Township, led a series of ‘Community Conversations,? one of which took place at Orion Township hall on Jan. 25th.
‘We usually walk away with as much information as we give,? Rogers said of the conversations.
The community members in attendance just hope such opportunities for face-to-face time with their representative becomes the norm.
The congressman began by talking about the current state of gas prices, and devoted much of the hour to that, as well as information about wire tap policy.
Rogers noted that there were 195 oil refineries in the U.S. in 1986, and and just 78 today.
‘We haven’t had a new refinery in 20 years,? he said, noting that there are two new developments in the works in the south.
The 25-30 township residents in attendance chimed in with questions almost immediately as the session had no trouble transitioning into more of a discussion.
Rogers addressed issues on Alaska and overseas oil before he was asked about wire tapping.
A former FBI agent, Rogers serves on the permanent select committee on intelligence in the House.
Rogers said that overseas wire tap regulations are different than those in place here in the U.S.
He credited sophisticated terrorists as the reason such differences exist.
Rogers said that the way information has been leaked gives valuable information to our enemies.
‘I don’t want to draw a map and tell the bad guys what we do know and what we don’t know,? Rogers said.
The congressman said it may be important to keep some information from the public in order to protect the safety of the country.
Orion Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk directed the discussion back to more local issues by addressing the development issues on M-24.
Residents also addressed the ethical and financial future of the U.S., and asked multiple questions on lobbyist reform.
Rogers said he is proposing a bill that will deal with such concerns.
‘An independent committee said it was the toughest one that’s been proposed,? Rogers said of his bill.
Some audience members also addressed concerns about not seeing their representatives enough, saying they spend more time with lobbyists than they do their own constituents.
‘It’s too bad we can’t get these guys in here more often,? Dywasuk said afterwards.
Dywasuk acknowledged that our representatives do have busy schedules and said he is thankful to get whatever time they can spare.
Rogers encouraged residents to take up issues with him at his regular office hours across the 8th district.
Rogers holds office hours at the Orion Township offices on the first Monday of every month.