Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Register and Bee
By Tiffany Holland
September 27, 2011
U.S. Rep. Robert Hurt, R-5th District, visited Danville on Monday to meet with residents in the district on an individual basis and hear their concerns.
This is part of his service to constituents, which Hurt said is his top priority.
Hurt was glad to be in Danville just to get a chance to visit with people and talk about what matters to them. Many, he said, come to his office to talk about federal issues affecting them or just to express their concern over certain political issues. But to the freshman congressman, this is the best part.
“All they have to do is send an email or a phone call,” said Hurt, who also said he can meet them face-to-face anytime.
One way Hurt tries to help constituents is by holding workshops on government services. On Monday, Hurt held a workshop on Social Security to help residents understand how to get benefits. Hurt’s staff and someone from the Social Security administration were on hand to help people with questions.
Hurt’s office also conducts constituent work days twice a month in different locations. This way his office can visit several areas of the 5th District and get in-touch with constituents on a personal level.
Several weeks ago, there was a workshop that was supposed to be held in Brunswick County. But when members of Hurt’s staff arrived in the municipal building they were going to use, the power was out due to damage suffered from Hurricane Irene. However, Hurt’s staff decided to stay anyway and participate in the outreach activities to give out water and supplies to needy people.
Hurt urges people in the community to call his staff if they have a concern he could help them with as their representative. He sometimes conducts roundtable meetings for large groups and is happy to meet people privately. He also has full time staff members who can work on issues if he is not immediately available.
What is the concern for most people that talk to him?
“Jobs,” said Hurt. “People are fired up about jobs.”
As the economy struggles, Hurt said he sees more and more people frustrated with the financial climate and the slow pace of improvement. While his constituents may be upset, most of them are respectful to him and just simply want to express their concern or talk about a certain issue, he said. But none of it is a hindrance to Hurt, who said he finds listening to his constituency helpful and encourages people to contact his office any time they need him.
Contact Hurt: Visit Hurt.house.gov and request a meeting or assistance; or call the local office in Danville at (434) 791-2596.
