On Feb. 15, U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Dallas and Athens, hosted the first telephone town hall meeting for 5^th District residents, referred to as a “tele-town hall,” according to a release from Hensarling’s office. 

Hensarling said new technology allows members of Congress to communicate more effectively and personally with constituents.  He also noted that more than 6,000 households participated in the district’s first tele-town hall.

“The new technology allows me to speak and listen directly to families and residents throughout the 5^th District,” said Hensarling, who was able to take direct questions from call participants.  “One of my top responsibilities is to hear the concerns of folks across the 5^th District, and the tele-town hall allows me to listen directly to them about the issues that are most important in their lives.”

The tele-town hall meeting gave constituents- who may not be able to attend a town hall meeting in person- the opportunity to voice any opinions or concerns to Congressman Hensarling over the phone.  In total, approximately 15,000 calls were made to six counties in the 5^th District.  If the phone was answered, residents were invited by Hensarling to stay on the line to join the town hall.  If they chose to do so, they were connected to the live town hall meeting, where they had the opportunity to ask Hensarling questions or just listen. 

“I was really pleased by the opportunity offered by the new technology.  It allows me to have conversations with constituents in a way that, prior to this, was simply impossible.  It also maximizes the number of people that can express their thoughts and concerns to me,” Hensarling said.  “The more people that I hear from, the better representative I can be.  I really am looking forward to the next one.”

Hensarling called households from Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson, Kaufman, Van Zandt and Wood Counties.  Families and individuals from Palestine, Forney, Kemp, Chandler, Gun Barrel City, Kaufman, Malakoff, Grand Saline, Eustace, Canton, Mineola, Quitman, Frankston, and Wills Point asked questions.