Local Congressman Pete Stark visited the San Lorenzo library for the first time last Saturday to discuss his political positions and listen to citizen concerns and questions.

This was one of two town hall meetings this past weekend that comes less than five months before election primaries for Congress. Pete Stark is up for re-election for his 21st term.

Stark claimed it was not a political meeting, though he outlined his politics to an audience that concerned health care reform, economy, Keystone XL pipeline and defense budget.

Stark criticized conservatives on health care reform, stating that the current health reform will better the citizens of Americans. He cites young people now have greater health benefits because of newly implemented health coverage until the age of 26.

Stark also outlined his concern for economic recovery, calling Washington out. He cites that they claim we have “great job growth, but I don’t see it.” Stark refers to the 4,000 layoffs when Toyota moved their factory to South Carolina from the Bay Area as an example of the current economic crises.

Running off of his economic position, Stark applauded the cuts into the defense budget and gave his opinion concerning the Keystone XL pipeline.

“We can tax this pipeline and that would be very valuable to our schools and communities,” said Stark.

Stark answered questions from the audience whose concerns ranged from health care reform to job growth. Stark offered little to no solutions to problems he discussed and issues people brought up but instead defined issues.

“We know what the damn problems are but what we aren’t hearing from Congress is solutions,” exclaimed one citizen who is a local liberal and Tea Party participant.
Stark didn’t give a response.

Lawrence Abbott, volunteer for MoveOn.org, expressed his opinion of Stark.

“He doesn’t really answer people’s questions sometimes; he did that to me this time,” explained Abbott. “But he does make an effort to speak to the people and make himself available to the public through regular meetings. That is something a lot of political figures don’t do anymore.”

Abbott said he would vote for Stark if no other candidates swayed him otherwise citing Stark’s experience as a powerful quality to his congressional eligibility.

San Lorenzo citizen Catherine Kavasch, 34, was critical of Stark’s long political history and age in Congress.

“He has been there so long. I think it’s a liability to have him in office that long even if he does have experience,” said Kavasch.

Kavasch said she will be keeping an eye out for any up-and-comers that are willing to challenge Stark.

Stark will be running against Dublin councilman Eric Swalwell for the newly drawn 15th Congressional District.