I’m desperately searching for Congressman Laurel Lee

When my husband and I decided to attend the “Mobile Office Hour” of US representatives, we weren’t expecting to meet her in person. But we wanted to get some ideas about her position on issues relating to us. Ultimately, the Tampa Bay Times editorial board approved Rep. Laurel Lee in 2024 in the 15th Congressional District, celebrating his ability to tackle issues in a bipartisan way and his response to voters. We are optimistic and there may be room for dialogue on important changes that affect all Americans.

We were unlucky.

After being guided to the meeting room at Pasco-Hernando Community College, we exchanged fun things with friendly aides. We have begun to raise concerns. Rep. Lee spoke about disaster preparedness and response. So, how does she feel about the new de Cats in the National Maritime and Atmospheric Administration and the potential threat to the Federal Emergency Management Agency?

The young woman smiled and cut off us. She did: President Donald Trump has been elected an order to secure our borders and increase the efficiency of our government.

Great, we said. But what does Rep. Lee think? Well, she supports his inspiring leadership. I understand, but is there anything he’s doing? Is there sunlight between his views and her? Apparently that’s not the case. But we can sign up for her newsletter and find out where she is standing.

Was she planning on holding a public event where we could talk to her in person, as Congress had finished the session at that point? No, there was no plan.

Did she know the town hall scheduled for the Temple Terrace later that week? Well, yes, but that’s not official, and of course she wouldn’t go. She is a very busy woman.

Last November, the Times editorial board recommended Lee to Democrat Pat Kemp, a highly qualified candidate, saying she was a “better fit” to the diverse 15th District. The board praised Lee’s work as Florida Secretary, writing that he successfully oversaw trouble-free elections in 2020, and was “a constructive voice on cybersecurity, elections and government surveillance issues.”

In fact, on March 6, Congress members proudly posted, “We have introduced DHS Intelligence and Analytics Surveillance and Transparency Act to ensure proper handling of sensitive data and protect the rights of Americans.” So we asked, is she worried about the intrusion of doge into every aspect of the government, or the deliberate weakening of protection against cyber threats in the administration?

We got another side step: Rep. Lee stands with the president’s commitment to reducing waste and fraud, as voters demand.

Remembering that lawyer and former judge Lee posted a photo of new Attorney General Pam Bondi in support of the administration’s “restores the integrity of our judicial system,” she wonders she is worried about Trump’s attack on the judge and his flop of his rule of law? Was she worried that Bondi would behave more like his personal concept than people’s lawyers?

Sign up for her newsletter and it all becomes clear.

The Times concluded its support by saying that Lee “worked across partisan aisles to keep Congress a functional institution and did a good job of staying in touch with her members.”

That was the case.

We attended Temple Terras Town Hall with about 200 neighbors. This was not a hostile or unruly crowd, but an orderly arrangement of people speaking their minds to representatives of their absence. Veterans were worried about cutting back on the Department of Veterans Affairs. Retired NOAA officials laid out how the cuts affect the hurricane warning system. Teachers described the threats to history and the ability to properly teach citizens. Parents pointed to the eruption of health agencies and the denial of science. Citizens expressed concern about the potential impact of tariffs on retirement accounts. Some previously worked with Rep. Lee, but found herself willing to hear other voices in search of a bipartisan solution – they were perplexed by her distinctive denial.

When the economy crashes around us, only Congress can do something. It starts with individual representatives like Lee calling the courage to express their views. Even if it breaks a little with Trump, Elon Musk and their ofseecious administration, it breaks a little. Lee is a smart and capable woman. She’s not Marjorie Taylor Green or Lauren Boebert. I can’t believe she’s not worried when she’s parroting with the fox and News Max.

In a follow-up email to her conversation with staff, Lee (or her AI Alter-Ego) said, “I’m ready to go to work… I enjoy getting in touch with members like you.”

Maybe she’s on the right side of history as she contemplates the recent crowd of her constituents protesting in Wesley Chapel and Tampa. Maybe she’ll consider climbing from under Trump’s bloated shadows, getting to work, and reconnecting with the citizens she represents.

perhaps.

Elizabeth Bird is a retired educator at Temple Terrace. Her website is www.lizbirdwrites.com