As a resident of Butler, I write to express my growing concern regarding U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly’s ongoing avoidance of in-person town meetings in our community.

Town halls are an essential pillar of representative democracy — a chance for elected officials to hear directly from their constituents, answer questions and demonstrate accountability. Yet, for too long, Rep. Kelly has opted for telephone forums or carefully controlled events rather than engaging face-to-face with the people he serves.

It’s fair to ask: What is Rep. Kelly afraid of?

Is it the prospect of confronting tough questions about pressing issues like health care cuts, the Epstein files, insider trading or the “Big Bad Bill?” Is it the possibility of hearing dissenting voices and genuine concerns that cannot be filtered or screened?

A competent representative should welcome the full spectrum of public feedback, not shy away from it.

The citizens of Butler are more than capable of civil dialogue and deserve the respect of in-person engagement. Avoiding such meetings erodes trust and gives the unsettling impression that our representative is unwilling — or unable — to defend his record and decisions.

I urge Rep. Kelly to remember his duty to the people of Butler and hold an open, unscripted town hall here in the near future.

We deserve to be heard — not just managed.

Vincent Sanzotti, Center Township