U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner held the first of three town hall meetings in Escambia County Thursday morning at Atmore City Hall.

During his hour-long meeting with Atmore residents, Bonner addressed current issues including the nation’s economy, Bush-era tax cuts that are in danger of expiration, and laws and funding pertaining to law enforcement.

“The president said Friday he felt the private sector was doing fine,” Bonner said. “How many peoplein Atmore, by a show of hands, think the agree with the president that the private sector is okay,” Bonner asked to a motionless room.

Bonner also spent a brief period of his visit addressing concerns and answering questions from locals in attendance.

Escambia County Sheriff Grover Smith and United Bank CEO Bob Jones were among several locals who questioned the congressman on issues that Washington’s decision making process will impact all the way to local levels.

“The local government has been tasked with fulfilling obligations set upon us by the state legislature and by the congress” Smith said referencing Alabama’ recent immigration law that threatens to fine officers not correctly enforcing the law.

Bonner said both the local drug trade and the problems Alabama’s immigration laws have caused need to be addressed.

Bonner also spoke briefly about the possible lame duck session that would give the Obama administration the chance to force through issues with one more push should he fail to win reelection in November.

Following his visit to Atmore, Bonner also held town hall meetings in both the Pollard community and East Brewton..