Occupy Redlands Makes Another Attempt to Meet Rep. Lewis

On Monday, when Congressman Jerry Lewis’ staff returns to the representative’s Redlands office, they will see that Occupy Redlands added to the décor.

At least 50 protestors who made the three-quarter mile walk from Stell Coffee & Tea Company to Lewis’ (R-Redlands) office near Brookside Avenue and N. San Mateo Street on Saturday to deliver letters to the congressman’s office.

Occupy members sent Lewis’ office several requests for the meeting on Saturday. The congressman’s staff had warned protestors the office would be closed. Occupiers warned they were going to be there regardless.

Protesters found the representative’s office dark and locked.

So the letters were taped to the office window. Some contained questions for the congressman, while others had sharp criticism for him and his policies. One was a less than flattering haiku.

There is a growing sense they are being ignored, said Kent Marten, Occupy Redlands committee member.

“I feel like Jerry doesn’t hear us,” Marten said. “Jerry’s never heard us.”

Members of the local Occupy work Monday through Friday. They need for the congressman to make the effort to give them some Saturday hours, he said.

“Jerry works for us,” Marten said. “We need the office hours on Saturday. There is no more compromise. He knows we’re going to be here. We told him a month ago. If he doesn’t have someone there today, that just means he’s not listening.”

Representatives from Lewis’ office did recently respond to some of the group’s questions after he was reached by members of the media. They still demand to meet with him in person.

Protestors stood near the Lewis field office and read their letters aloud. They waved signs with the congressman’s photo. One featured him next to a pile of money.