We had an unexpected drop-in by our Congressman, Marc Molinaro, on Friday. Despite the last-minute nature of the meeting, we were able to gather a small group of housing stakeholders to have a discussion about prospective local, state and federal actions to ease the housing crisis.
We had a free exchange of ideas. Rep. Molinaro was attentive, genuinely steeped in local issues and knowledgeable about resources. One does not need to be politically aligned to engage in respectful dialogue.
The congressman was particularly helpful to one of our family partners, who faces support challenges as she prepares to occupy a new Habitat home next year.
I’ve had more direct political interaction over the past year than I ever have before. I have found most of our elected representatives open and willing to listen, especially when met outside of the microscope of public forums.
Direct engagement and advocacy is very different than the bread-and-circuses so many of our online and media-driven conversations seem to descend into.
It gives a reason to be cheerful that we can make effective change on the ground where we live, even as the national discourse devolves.
Ho, ho, hope! 🎄🎄🎄