Garamendi takes on hot issues at Marysville town hall

During a town hall meeting on Saturday in Marysville, US Rep. John Garamendi fielded dozens of constituents' questions, addressing issues ranging from gun control and military veterans' support to health care, job growth and the war in Afghanistan.

"There are thousands of issues, and everyone has their most important issue," Garamendi said.

Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, spoke to a crowd of more than 100 at the Lee Burrows Center for the Arts on E Street.

Michael Andrews of Yuba City was pleased with the opportunity to hear the congressman's views, although he didn't agree with most of Garamendi's ideas, including the idea that Democrats and Republicans could come together on important issues.

"The sense that those sides will get together is a nice one, but I don't buy it," said Andrews, a retired doctor. "We're so far apart on spending in this country, I don't see them ever coming together."

Andrews liked that Garamendi voiced his support for vocational job training and veteran's assistance.

Marysville's Karen Liggett wanted the congressman to address marijuana issues. "I want him to get legislation that would make it so anybody who sells marijuana gets charged with second-degree murder," she said.

Garamendi did not comment directly on Liggett's proposal, but suggested educating the public on the health risks associated with drug use would be a more effective approach to combating the problem.

The congressman once again mentioned wanting to help Beale Air Force Base rebuild a civil services structure recently razed by fire.

Garamendi also said American troops should be pulled out of Afghanistan.

"I think we ought to get out of Afghanistan in a big hurry," he said.

CONTACT Rob Parsons at rparsons@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4785. Find him on Facebook at /ADcrimebeat or on Twitter at @ADcrimebeat.