Protesters congregated outside Representative Juan Ciscomani’s office Thursday morning to oppose the Arizona congressman’s federal policies – and they came with visual aids.
In the hot morning sun, about 15 protesters posed with various objects to protest what they see as the harmful effects of Ciscomani’s policies. Speaker Patrick Robles explained the symbolism.
“Around this podium, you see a shopping cart. That shopping cart signifies the rising cost of groceries,” he said. “And then you have a stroller, that signifies the rising cost of child care. And then you have a medical bed, which signifies the rising cost of health care. And we’re tired of it. We’re tired.”
In addition to Robles, middle school teacher Norma Jean Higuera and disability advocate Chad Durns spoke from the podium. Durns, who has multiple sclerosis, began his speech by acknowledging that his condition made it hard for him to work a steady job.
“Instead I must rely on my friends, my family, and what appears to be an ever less reliable government — a government where people like Ciscomani give us less and less all so that those who seem to have everything they could want can have even more,” he began. “Cuts to Medicaid, shutting down hospitals, giving our healthcare workers who already do so much for us just crumbs to survive on, it’s all so the rich can get richer.”
Afterward, the group, which included a young boy, marched up the stairs to Ciscomani’s office, where they took turns speaking into the intercom. Many were frustrated that the politician was not there in person to speak with them.
Ciscomani's office did not respond to AZPM's request for comment.
“Congressman Ciscomani should be embarrassed at not speaking to his constituents in a time when our democracy is at risk,” said Higuera. “We will remember this at the midterms.”
Weekly protests are planned to continue at Ciscomani’s office as the midterm elections get closer.
