U.S. Senator Michael Bennet paid Grand County residents a visit Tuesday, Aug. 13. Bennet and his staff hosted a public conversation at Granby Town Hall and people were invited to ask their representative questions.

Local, national and global topics were all addressed at the town hall.

At least one attendee criticized Bennet’s support of sending more funding to Ukraine as the country continues to battle with Russia. Bennet defended his choices by saying that he thinks “we’ve seen a very significant return on investment,” regarding the money sent to Ukraine. He continued to say that these efforts are in defense of democracy.

“My worry is that if we abandon it, that it just plays into Putin’s hands,” Bennet said.

Healthcare was another big topic at the town hall. Prior to taking questions, the senator began with a speech that addressed the state of health care in the United States and how it needs to be improved. At least two veterans spoke about their experiences with acquiring health services in Grand County. Bennet addressed the shortcomings in the health care system, saying that he hears about these struggles “every day.”

“I hear from human beings in our state that are fighting our health care system. Parents are trying to get mental health care for their kids and veterans who are trying to get their benefits that they are owed. Kids out in Western Slope who are trying to get mental health care in a mental health care desert,” Bennet said. “It shows how much scarcity there is in our health care system. It’s crazy.”

Grand Country Library District Executive Director Polly Gallagher asked for the senator’s support on federal funding that supports the Colorado State Library. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is a federal agency that provides library grants and is a primary supporter of the Colorado State Library. Funding for the agency is up next year for reauthorization.

Bennet thanked Gallagher for speaking and assured her that he “doesn’t have to be persuaded” to support the reauthorization, pointing to the fact that his mother was a librarian.

Other community leaders like Grand County EMS Chief Austin Wingate and Granby Water Superintendent Joshua Broady also brought up specific issues and requests in their professions to the senator.

The Uinta Basin Railway project was brought up by multiple residents, an issue that Bennet has publically pushed back on.

“I mean, there isn’t anybody along the corridor where this train would pass that thinks that it’s a good idea for us to be shipping this viscous fluid from Utah through Colorado, and anything could turn over,” Bennet said. “I think that is our responsibility.”

He continued to say that federal agricultural agencies have not handled this project well and that he’s working alongside U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper to continue to push back against the project.

After an hour of conversation, the town hall formally ended and Bennet gave many thanks to those who attended.

“I appreciate all of you. Thank you very much for taking time, and thanks for being here” Bennet said.