Himes Calls Constituent for Their Perspective

The Norwalk Hour: Letter to the Editor, Tuesday, May 11, 2010

To the Editor:

I, like a lot of people, am frustrated with the current situation regarding bank failures, health insurance, increased taxes and other challenges that make our life a little harder each day. So, a short while ago, I wrote to our elected officials in Congress and the Senate to voice my thoughts. All except one went unanswered. The one that I did get a reply from was from Congressman Jim Himes. It seemed like a canned letter with some personalization in it, but I was pleased to see any response as it seemed like no one in government was listening.

Much to my surprise, this past Sunday I was driving in my car when I received a call from Congressman Jim Himes. I had put my phone number in my letters in case anyone ever wanted to hear more about my opinions. I pulled off of I-95 and put the phone on speaker so my wife could join in on the conversation. Congressman Himes spent what seemed like 10 to 15 minutes with us on the phone asking our thoughts and telling us what he was doing to help us locally as well as what might impact the country as a whole. He did not rush us off the call and was genuinely engaged with us.

It is really impressive that the congressman took time out of his Sunday to call one of his constituents and I am so excited to see a member of the legislative branch of the government who is listening to the people. One congressman is not going to fix all the problems we have, but it is nice to know that he is trying. It would be nice if some of our other government officials would take a lesson from Jim Himes and get connected with the people they represent.

Kevin Dailey

Norwalk