SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Hannah Shaffer, a South Lake Tahoe mother and business owner, has issued a call to her U.S. Representative, Kevin Kiley. She, along with other residents throughout Kiley’s third district, say they want him to meet his constituents in a town hall setting during the upcoming congressional recess.
The Town Hall is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, at 6 p.m. in the Lake Tahoe Community College Aspen and Board room in South Lake Tahoe.
It is unknown if Rep. Kiley is aware of the meeting, but Shaffer and a growing grassroots group calling themselves “Concerned Citizens of District 3” have invited him through an online event request form and made numerous phone calls to his office.
“Like many members in our community, I’ve been trying to reach Kevin Kiley’s office about serious concerns, including cuts to U.S. Forest Service protections and to critical human support programs and stripping away rights from women, minorities, LGBTQ+, and other communities. I know I’m not alone – so many neighbors are asking for a District 3 town hall with Kevin Kiley. But it feels like Representative Kiley doesn’t want to hear from the people he is paid to represent and serve. Our community deserves to be heard – that’s our right.”
Shaffer said she starts calling Kiley’s office as soon as she drops off her kids at school and resumes again in the afternoon.
“I’ve called and have pleaded with whomever answers the phone to ask Rep. Kiley to defend the people and places in our District,” added Shaffer. “I’ve heard nothing but crickets in return. While our fundamental rights and democracy are being eroded, I feel ignored.“
Shaffer and fellow Concerned Citizens of the 3rd District plan to hold the community forum regardless of whether Rep. Kiley accepts.
The chair of the House GOP’s campaign arm told Republican lawmakers Tuesday to stop holding in-person town halls amid a wave of angry backlash over the cuts undertaken by President Donald Trump’s administration, according to Politico. Mike Johnson, the Republican House speaker, has also told Republicans to stop holding public events.
A staffer at Rep. Kiley’s Nevada City office held office hours on Monday, and an estimated 350-400 residents showed up. Approximately one-quarter of those in line at the office had a chance to be heard by the staffer before office hours were over.
“Federal employees who have lost their jobs due to cuts by Elon Musk’s DOGE will be invited to share their stories and request help from Rep. Kiley. The public will have the opportunity to share their viewpoints as well,” said Shaffer.
An email was sent to Rep. Kiley’s representative to see if he planned on attending. They have not yet responded, but this story will be updated when a comment has been received.