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Congressman Maloney Meets With Local Constituents

BY JEFF WHITE

Newtown was just one stop on a busy Saturday for US Congressman James Maloney,

who held his "Neighborhood Office Hours" at Super Stop & Shop in Sand Hill

Plaza on Saturday, July 24. For one hour, the Fifth District Democratic

representative greeted shoppers and talked with other constituents about a

variety of issues and concerns.

"Really I have two jobs," said Congressman Maloney. "One is to be in

Washington to represent the views of the district. The second is to be here,

in the district, hearing a variety of concerns."

The issues that people brought to his attention ranged from World War II

veterans worried about their benefits to constituents with local environmental

and building concerns. Tara and Justin Hixon of Redding came to present the

congressman with a petition to thwart truck traffic on Route 107.

For many, Congressman Maloney's office hour provided an opportunity to put a

face with a name, to say hello, to make eye contact. "I think it's great,"

said one woman, who did not want her name used. "I think [his visit] makes

things personal. I like the one-on-one aspect."

Constituency outreach has been a staple for the Maloney camp for the past

three years. "Over three years ago when we would do this, no one knew who we

were," recalled J.J. Zak, one of Congressman Maloney's aides in the

congressional office.

"[Mr Maloney] is a strong believer of getting to the people," Mr Zak

continued. "These outings give people a chance to raise issues in person."

"If the congressional office can be of any assistance, then that's what we're

here for," added another aide, Leonard Romaniello.

And Congressman Maloney maintained that to the extent that is possible, he

follows through with people's requests. "We always try and get back with an

answer, and try to do something," he said.

As Fifth District representative, the congressman has 24 towns under his

responsibility. He gets to each town at least once a year, usually on

Saturdays, in between special ceremonies and meetings with interest groups.

Last Saturday was Congressman Maloney's first visit to Newtown this year.

Besides giving him the opportunity to reach out to his constituency,

Saturday's office hours gave the congressman a forum to discuss the new

legislation that he worked to introduce into the House of Representatives on

Wednesday, July 21. He described the legislation at a comprehensive,

pro-family, pro-growth, pro-reform tax relief package.

"This tax relief package addresses the needs of families, and the needs of

small businesses, while remaining committed to strengthening the Social

Security and Medicare programs," said Rep Maloney. "The package will not only

continue our strong economic growth, but ease the tax burden on families and

help simplify the tax system."

Residents from Newtown, Monroe, and Redding were among those who stopped by to

meet their congressman, drop off surveys, and present their problems. For

many, strong constituent outreach, like that of Rep Maloney, gives voters

their best opportunity to interact with their representatives.

"All issues that are brought to me are important. They're important to the

individuals," Congressman Maloney said.