STUART, Fla. — On Friday, a large crowd gathered outside Rep. Brian Mast's office in downtown Stuart. Organizers told WPTV they’re upset over the massive cuts to federal programs and they demand a town hall to address their concerns.
Organizer Dana Straehley said they’re hoping to push Rep. Mast into preserving funding levels for federal programs such as Social Security and veteran services.
WATCH: Residents worried about federal cuts push Rep. Mast for answers
Tammi Bostwitz was in the crowd and said they would just like an opportunity to speak with the congressman.
“All we’re asking for is a town hall,” said Bostwitz. “Talk to us, talk with us, we live here.”
The protest started at the Lyric Theatre and Rep. Mast was speaking and listening to people in the crowd on a motorcycle.
A spokesperson for the congressman said prior to this, he was speaking to protesters about the most recent continuing resolution, and provided them with a copy of the bill text.
“I heard they were going to be here,” said Mast. “And was happy to come and answer questions.”
WPTV asked the congressman if he would do a town hall after the urging of protesters.
“We do them all the time and we will keep doing them,” said Mast. “Like after the hurricane we did three of them… we did them before November, we’ll keep doing 'em.”
As Rep. Mast left the Lyric Theatre, protesters marched to his office to gather.
Straehley said she’s worried about cuts to veteran services.
“Veterans like him, veterans like my son, do not deserve crumbling facilities and underfunded health care,” said Straehley.
Rita Noel was also in the crowd. She said her husband relies on veteran services and she’s worried about any cuts.
“It's very scary that to think of the service getting worse and him not being able to get the care that he needs,” said Noel.
Straehley said she hopes Friday will make the congressman speak to them soon.
“I think he had to hear some of it,” said Straehley. “Whether he responds is another question.”
