Frelinghuysen Says He'll Visit Communities, But Does Not Confirm Town Hall Meeting

WAYNE, NJ — Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen said that he would continue to visit communities in the 11th District, but would not confirm he would hold a town hall-style meeting — despite the congressman saying earlier this month that he would be "happy to" hold such a meeting.

Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) told Patch that he would continue to visit all 54 communities in the district and listen to people's concerns, but did not comment on whether he would hold a town hall meeting.

The 12th-term congressman said it has always been his practice to do such things. He has not held a town hall in four years.

RELATED: 'Yep, I'd Be Happy To': Frelinghuysen Seemingly Agrees To Hold In-Person Town Hall

Local activist group NJ 11th For Change has held town halls without Frelinghuysen, using a cardboard cutout in his place.

Frelinghuysen was filmed at the White Meadow Lake Festival in Rockaway recently saying that he would "be happy to" host a town hall meeting.

Woodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark in a letter to Frelinghuysen Monday offered the use of the municipal council chamber or suggested such a meeting take place at Passaic Valley Regional High School in Little Falls.

Kazmark's staff organized several town hall meetings, both for state Senator Kevin O'Toole and Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. (NJ-9).

"The need for elected officials to engage directly, and in person, with constituents is critical to being in touch with their concerns, ideas and opinions," Kazmark said in his letter. "Our job is to be their voice at each level of government and that begins with listening to our residents."

He said he would host more telephone town halls, "so I can engage with as many people simultaneously."

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Photo: Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen/Congressional photo