Congressman Robert Hurt is spending the week touring the 5 th District and talking to constituents. On Wednesday, he visited Danville and Southern Virginia Vehicle Motion Labs at Virginia International Raceway. Hurt said he prefers meeting with businesses and fifth district residents in one-on-one settings.
He visited SoVa Motion because many new developments are being done there and it could have an impact on the local economy.
“This has all sorts of prospects for jobs,” said Hurt, who added that he likes knowing what is going on in the region. Hurt has been to many local businesses and gone on tours of new developing industries many times since he was first elected in 2010.
Local Democrats have been critical of Hurt’s efforts to reach out to people in the 5 th District. Danville Democratic chairman Chris Daniel has said that Hurt rarely conducts community forums the public can come to ask questions.
Former Democratic Congressman Tom Perriello was known for large community forums in every city and county where constituents were invited to come and discuss issues. However, Hurt said he gets a lot more out of going to visit people one on one.
“That is style, not substance,” said Hurt, comparing his district meetings with Perriello’s. “My style is not to get up and give a speech all the time.”
Hurt has had public forums before, including last month at the Institute of Advanced Learning and Research, where constituents were invited to ask questions.
The congressman said he receives thousands of emails, calls and faxes and responds to every one, preferring sitting down with people as the more meaningful way to discuss issues.
He said the best way for people to get their questions or concerns heard is by going through his website — hurt.house.gov, where there is a link to “Email Robert.” The slowest way to hear back is usually through the mail. Hurt also has a Danville office at 308 Craghead Street.
“I want the feedback,” Hurt said.
Holland reports for the Danville Register & Bee.
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