Rep. Langevin moves 'town hall' meeting to larger venue

Published Aug. 17, 2009 at 10:33 p.m.

WARWICK, R.I. -- Congressman James R. Langevin has changed the location for this week's public "town hall" meeting, planning for a large turnout as many constituents get their first opportunity to speak with a member of Congress about the explosive health-care debate.

The meeting is now scheduled for Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at Warwick City Hall. It was initially planned for the police station.

"It's for space reasons," Langevin spokeswoman Joy Fox said. "The police station holds about 100; the city council chamber holds about 300 people. Since we have no idea what to expect, we thought the City Council chambers may be more comfortable."

While there is no set agenda for the meeting, Langevin's office expects health care to play prominently in the discussion.

At similar town hall meetings across the country, protesters have heckled and booed members of Congress, warning of "death panels" and flashing signs such as "No Nazi Health Care."

Langevin said he hopes to dispel much of the misinformation.

"I'm not afraid of a tough challenge," he said. "I never have been. And I'm looking forward to interacting with my constituents on this issue."

The rest of Rhode Island's delegation has mixed plans to handle the issue while on their August break from Congress.

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