Senator Merkley hosts three Central Oregon Town Halls 

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) - Senator Jeff Merkley  held three town halls for Oregonians in Jefferson, Crook, and Deschutes counties on Saturday.

“There is nothing like holding town halls directly in the communities where Oregonians live and work to get to the heart of the ideas, issues, and priorities that matter most to them. That’s why I hold a town hall for every Oregon county, every year,” Merkley said. 

KTVZ's Tracee Tuesday attended the discussion held at the Performing Arts Center in Madras.

The meeting drew residents from Jefferson County, with a major focus on the recently approved Willow Project, a large oil-drilling initiative in Alaska. Senator Merkley voiced his opposition to the project.

Water rights also took center stage, as local farmers raised concerns about resource allocation.

Senator Merkley also hosted town halls in Sisters for residents Deschutes County, and Prineville for Crook County residents.

Oregon representative, Janelle Bynum co-hosted the Sisters town hall.