I will try to keep this short and to the point. Bobby is not too Bright. Why is he afraid to meet and deal with the public? I was un-fortunate enough to be asked to participate (listen) in one of his “telephone town hall meetings.” It is either a telephone meeting or a town hall meeting — it can’t be both. But, it is a controlled way to avoid direct meetings with the voting public.

The Star-News’ caption on Wednesday’s photo of Mr. Bright was “Having a healthy discussion.” For those few people that he might have met in that “sterile” environment at the hospital, the caption may be true. It may also be true at the other controlled meetings with industry, government officials, military officials, or other contrived meetings to garner face time in the press.

I have no great issues with Mr. Bright’s performance as a sitting, voting congressman. I do have problems with the wide perception that he is afraid to face “the people.”

Early during the congressional break, efforts were made to determine when and how the general public — “the people” — would be allowed to provide him direct and important input as to their wishes. There was never a commitment to participate in true town hall meetings. This is still a “representative democracy” and “the people” that wish to be heard should be afforded the courtesy by Mr. Bright.

The powerful and privileged few that he has met may indeed be a perfect barometer of the feelings of the “people” of his district. He won’t know until election time. I encourage him to talk to them and us. Please don’t shut us out of the process and ignore us.

As a concerned citizen of his district, I implore him to be bold and run the risk of meeting and talking to just plain ole John Q. Public. If he does not, he runs the risk of being a “one termer.” Flip that switch Bobby — brighten up.

Kylan Lewis

Andalusia