The crowd that greeted U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson for a town hall meeting Wednesday at Altamaha Technical College in Jesup was mostly supportive of the Republican politicians, voicing concerns rather than anger.

Residents asked Georgia’s senators how they propose to create jobs and stimulate the economy, and which social programs they would cut.

Former Walthourville Mayor Henry Frasier attended to find out why Chambliss and Isakson voted the way they did on the recent bill to raise the federal government’s debt ceiling and to see if they can avoid further political infighting and work with Democrats to solve the nation’s problems. Chambliss voted against raising the deficit and Isakson voted for it.

“Will we go through the same process or work together to get something done?” Fraiser asked.

Both senators said they are willing to “reach across the aisle” and work with Democrats to solve the country’s ills, with job creation at the top of the list. However, both reiterated budget cuts must be made, suggesting there was duplication of services among social programs and therefore some could be eliminated.

Isakson and Chambliss outlined their plan to get America back on track. They said the government’s regulations on industry are too rigid, and easing those regulations would incentivize businesses to invest in projects and begin hiring again.

Read more in the Aug. 20 edition of the News.