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Rep. Robert Pittenger hosts telephone town hall Thursday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Rep. Robert Pittenger (NC-09) hosted a live, interactive telephone town hall meeting Thursday.

Pittenger said he emailed invitations to 113,631 constituents to ensure an inclusive, diverse and community-wide event. Callers were able to directly ask Pittenger questions, share their comments or concerns and hear other constituents from across the 9th Congressional District.

“We welcome the dialogue,” Pittenger said. “We've had many town halls through the years and we'll continue to have town halls, but right now you have people who are frankly disrupting democracy.”

More than 6,000 people participated, according to the congressman's office.

Only one person was allowed to speak at a time and several were frustrated the town hall wasn't face-to-face.

“In the future, I'd like to look you right in the eye and ask you these questions,” one caller said during the telephone town hall.

The congressman defended his accessibility.

“I probably had more town halls during the four years I've been in Congress than most any member of Congress, I enjoy them. I enjoy the engagement,” Pittenger said.

Pittenger was challenged with 12 different questions over the span of an hour with issues ranging from immigration to taxes and health care reform.

"I do listen to you,” Pittenger said. “I've heard many of you tonight. I've heard your sincere concerns.

Pittenger also made sure to point out he was only elected representative from the Charlotte area who scheduled any form of town hall during this congressional break.

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