Senator Tom Coburn Holds Town Hall Meeting In Pryor

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

PRYOR, OK -- U.S. Senator Tom Coburn is using his Easter recess from Congress to meet face-to-face with Oklahomans across the state.

Coburn is holding a series of town halls this week and Thursday he was in Pryor and Miami.

Close to 100 people met in Pryor at the Mid-America Industrial Park Expo Center to hear Coburn speak - and make themselves heard.

3/31/2010 Related story: Senator Coburn Town Halls Continue Thursday In Pryor And Miami

The questions ranged from veterans care to the United States postal service. It's no surprise that the future of the country was on Oklahomans' minds.

"I think we are all concerned about that," said Ted Jones of Claremore. "Really concerned about the future of our country. I'm concerned about our debt!"

"Our government seems to think we are stupid," said Carol Hall of Adair. "They seem to think well, you don't know what you need. We know what you need so we'll tell you. We are not stupid!

Coburn says no matter where he goes in Oklahoma, the concerns remain consistent throughout the Sooner State.

"The reoccurring theme is Washington is out of control," said Senator Tom Coburn at Thursday's Town Hall meeting. "People are worried about their future and the future of their children. And rightly so. "

The senator says it's part of his obligation as an elected representative for Oklahoma to put himself out there and be available.

The informal and intimate meeting lasted an hour. Both questions from the audience and Coburn's answers occasionally drew applause.

Coburn's next stop is in Guthrie on Monday, April 5.