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Bergman stops, listens to protesters after meeting

ALPENA — It isn’t often you see a protest in Alpena, but there were several when1st Congressional District Rep. Jack Bergman was in town Wednesday.

Bergman was in Alpena to attend a private event hosted by Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce at Alpena Community College early in the morning and about 50 protesters were out before the sun was up waiting with signs in hand. After speaking at the college Bergman made his way to Alpena County Library to read to preschool students; a group of the protesters met him there.

Bergman stopped and initiated dialogue with about a dozen protesters and assured them of his conviction on issues such as education and the environment.

The conversation eased some of the animosity there was earlier in the day and some of the protesters said the engagement was a step in the right direction to a better relationship, despite a difference in opinions on certain issues.

Paul Mancine of Alpena said having Bergman listen and interact with them during a protest was something he respected and softened his stance a little from earlier.

“I think it was very important because face-to-face communication is the most effective communication there is between people,” Mancine said. “All we want is for him to listen to us and he did and I already feel more positive about him than I did before. Today was a success for both sides I believe.”

Outside the college there was a mix of concerns being voiced. Some protesters were seeking more communication with Bergman, while others expressed concern about environment issues and hate speech. The protests were peaceful and there were no disruptions to the event, or traffic moving to and from the college during the morning commute.

Judy Dawley of Alpena said she was motivated to protest because of the current direction of the United States and its safety. She said Bergman has an obligation to listen to concerns of his constituents and also to help keep President Trump in check.

“We have voted in many elections and sometimes we get the person we want and other times we haven’t. This is the first time I’ve ever been worried about the safety of our country,” Dawley said. “All of the worry is due to the president and I want our representative to hear us and our concerns about him and his agenda.”

Most of the protesters were critical of Bergman’s lack of engagement with his constituents so far in his first term. Kristen Dean, who protested outside ACC, said she joined the protest to ensure people’s thoughts, idea and concerns are being heard.

“In today’s political climate it is important for everyone to have their voice heard, especially with the current administration’s stance with the free press,” Dean said. “That is more important than ever, so we are going to make sure we are heard in any way that we can.”

Bergman has yet to hold a town hall-type event. Bergman said he intends to host more open events soon and looks forward to more dialogue with those who put him into office.

Patty Thomas of Harrisville was one of the protesters outside the library. She said it was her hope that he would take all of the concerns being expressed seriously. For her the impacts of fracking is an issue she wants Bergman to take seriously.

“We each brought handmade signs with concerns that we hope will send a messages to our congressman to pay attention to,” Thomas said. “We pay his salary and we would like him to be interested in the things that we want to represent us for.”

Mary Comar said she is afraid of what she considers hate being spread by President Trump and what the fallout will be in the nation.

“He has given license to hate. It is in the schools, in the cities and everywhere,” she said. “It is dividing us further, but we are here able to protest because of protesters that did so before us. I have had relatives that have fought in every war so we can stand here today and protest the things that are really killing us.”

Although the protests were peaceful, there was a significant law enforcement presence at both at the college and library. Bergman’s staff commissioned the police to provide protection and security oversight.

Undersheriff Terry King and several deputies, as well as Alpena Police Chief Joel Jett and an officer, were on hand to keep things cordial.

Mancine said he sent Bergman several not-so-subtle emails expressing concern about a lack of face-to-face time with concerned constituents. He said after talking to Bergman Wednesday he hopes a better relationship will develop.

“I actually apologized to him, because the emails were kind of pushy about him not meeting with the public,” Mancine said. “Communication is the key. We can disagree, but at least listen to what our concerns are and we can listen to him. I feel some progress toward that was made today.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.

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