More than 1,600 southwest Michigan residents were able to share with me their priorities for the future during a recent tele-town hall meeting.

Throughout my time in the state Legislature, I have hosted a series of these telephone conference calls as one of many ways I can be accessible to constituents of the 21st Senate District.

The best thing about using this tele-town hall technology is that it provides a forum to talk with thousands of hardworking families and job providers about what we have been doing and hear from them about their goals and concerns.

It was wonderful to answer many smart questions from residents and to get real-time feedback about how we can continue to improve our state.

During the latest town hall, eight people asked me direct questions on a series of important issues facing our state and region, including auto insurance rates, school vouchers, criminal sentencing and public transportation.

Residents also actively participated by submitting responses to five poll questions on auto insurance rates, veterans issues and their families.

Based on the results of this town hall, it’s clear that pocketbook issues and preparing our children for success are still top priorities for southwest Michigan families — and for me as well.

When asked what the most important issue to them was, 30 percent of respondents said auto insurance rates, 25 percent said education and 20 percent said Second Amendment rights.

The shift in focus from worries about jobs to discussions about reducing family costs and enhancing our way of life is a positive sign, and an illustration of how much we’ve achieved to improve our economy and help create new opportunities.

I believe that listening to the people you represent is a vital and irreplaceable part of being a good public servant. I want to thank everyone who participated in the successful tele-town hall, and I encourage those who could not participate to contact my office and share their priorities.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents Southwest Michigan.