Representative Randy Kuhl has added his voice to the group of local federal elected officials who oppose military involvement in Iran, at least at the moment.

"I don't think it is an option right now," Kuhl said Saturday after a town hall meeting in Henrietta. But Kuhl hinted that circumstances could change his mind. He said that if the Bush administration does consider a campaign in or against Iran, he hopes to see it justified to Congress.

During a recent town hall meeting in Webster, Representative Jim Walsh also stated his objections to a war with Iran. But like Kuhl, he did not rule it out entirely should things change.

Kuhl, a Republican, represents the 29th Congressional District, which stretches from the Southern Tier into parts of Ontario and Monroe Counties. He made an hour-long stop at Henrietta Town Hall on Saturday morning. At one point, he told the audience the visit was not a question and answer session, but rather a chance for him to hear from his constituents about issues they feel are important. "This is not a political debate," Kuhl said.

That exchange came after Pittsford resident and consumer advocate Judy Braiman asked about his feelings on increasing taxes for the wealthiest Americans. He turned the question back on her and cited the complexities of the tax code.

But he did answer select questions. He elaborated on his vote last week against the Employee Free Choice Act, saying it would strip employees of their ability to vote anonymously on whether to unionize. The bill, which was passed in the House on March 1, says that if the majority of workers in a unit sign authorization cards, an election does not need to be held.

He also responded to an audience member who asked why he isn't often quoted in local media. The Monroe County media have not been kind to him, he said. He holds regular conference calls from Washington, he said, but "the people of Monroe County choose not to participate."