jessica.kerman@heraldbulletin.com
ALEXANDRIA — Children, teenagers and adults crowded around the podium for a town hall meeting hosted by Rep. Mike Pence, R- Indiana, in the Alexandria Community Center on Thursday morning.
In one of several stops Pence made in his district this week, he addressed several issues on the minds of his constituents in Alexandria.
From gas prices to relations with China, Pence candidly answered questions from the audience.
“We do town meetings every month somewhere,” he said. “As Mrs. (Karen) Pence puts it, these are my antidote to Potomac Fever.”
A woman from the audience asked about gas prices and why they fluctuate so much.
“Gasoline is a commodity,” Pence answered. “It responds to supply and demand.”
Pence said he would like to see less dependence on imported fuel and less regulation on local supply.
“That’s a very real impact on families,” he said. “Hopefully, after a new administration comes in, we can get something done.”
Pence said the political nature of Congress right now hinders its ability to pass legislation.
For example, Pence said he has drafted an immigration bill that would reinforce border security issues, create solutions for employers who use foreign workers and require long-term foreigners to learn English.
“After the presidential election, hopefully, we can get things done,” he said. “I’m going to stay on it. There’s no reversing this pickup truck.”
Much of the conversation Thursday leaned on government relations with China.
“Our relationship with China is the greatest challenge in the 21st century,” Pence said.
Pence, who is the leading Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee, said he wanted to go to China to investigate the situation there. However, he said, he would not go while the Olympics are there.
“Just like it shouldn’t have happened in Berlin,” he said. “It shouldn’t happen in Beijing.”
Local News
7:04 p.m.: UPDATE: Pence meets with Alexandria residents
- Local News
-
-
Anderson man dies at Monroe Reservoir; 3 others arrested
Memorial Day weekend took a tragic turn Saturday evening as an Anderson man visiting Monroe Reservoir died. Three other Anderson men were arrested later that day following the death of Matthew Hosier, 29.
-
Getting Together: Silence not golden for this library program
Certain rules govern almost all libraries: be quiet, don’t mar the pages and absolutely no food or drinks on the premises. But a small group of patrons wait until after hours, lock themselves in the back room of the Alexandria-Monroe Public Library, eat popcorn, drink soda and loudly scoff as they watch bad movies.
-
Veteran receiving Bronze Star 68 years late
An Army veteran will be awarded a Bronze Star on Memorial Day — 68 years after he was originally supposed to receive it.
-
Memorial Day activities set
For Memorial Day weekend, here’s a list of activities to participate in.
-
Arrest Log: May 28
Arrests made by Madison County law enforcement on Saturday, based on Madison County Jail records. Charges are recommended by arresting officers, but are not final until the Madison County prosecutor reviews the case and files official charges.
- Conservation officers arrest Anderson boater on alcohol charge
-
What's Where: May 28
Local activities are scheduled Monday.
-
Handicapped murder convict alleges prison discrimination
Since October 2006, Donald Lock has been confined to a wheel chair because of a degenerative bone disease. He has spent time at correctional facilities throughout the state, but it wasn’t until he was transferred to Pendleton earlier this year that he said he felt his disability was ignored.
-
Arrest log: May 27
The following arrest log appears in the Sunday edition of The Herald Bulletin.
-
Parents at Little League say coach took money
Parents of the North Anderson Little League filed a complaint with police against a former coach who they say stole fundraiser money.
- More Local News Headlines
-
