Senator Ron Wyden holds his first town hall of the year in Madras; high school students take part

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Senator Ron Wyden came to Central Oregon Wednesday for his first town hall meeting of the new year, held at the Madras Performing Arts Center, with Madras High School students among those in attendance.

High School senior Landon Dunten said, "It feels really fun just to have someone that has real sway over our government just in our town."

Madras Mayor Mike Lepin and members of law enforcement also turned out.

Afterward, Wyden said, "There was not a bad question in the house. There were a lot of important comments."

Attendees were given tickets, which were then drawn for the chance to ask a question.

A Madras High senior asked about security at schools. 

Dunten said, "I think it is important that every senator do this sort of thing, where they come down and actually talk to your constituents, because when you're on social media and you see someone saying that's something you disagree with, you just see them as their enemy."

Wyden suggested that social media platforms need to weed out posts which can incite people. He referenced an internet protection law, which ensures the creators of content like a tweet or video are legally responsible for it. 

Others in the audience also asked about agriculture, mental health care and foreign policy. 

Wyden said later, "There is a tremendous concern about mental health services in rural communities. We're particularly working to make sure that students at this school have better access through the Medicaid program."

 From Madras Senator Wyden headed to Sherman County for another town hall. He plans to have seven this week, and at least 36 - one in each county - during 2024.