Himes hits fitness circuit to tout effect of stimulus package

Connecticut Post, Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Rep. Jim Himes got a physical-fitness stimulus package Monday, powering through a punishing cardio session of spinning, stair climbing and calisthenics at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich.

Consider the workout the organization's way of saying thanks for the federal stimulus money the freshman congressman helped deliver during tough times.

The Horseneck Lane facility received a $42,500 grant as part of the $787 billion economic stimulus package, which Himes, D-Conn., voted for in the House of Representatives last year. Himes is seeking re-election this year.

Without the federal cash, the club would have had to lay off at least one staff member as demand for its free services was spiking because of the downturn, according to Executive Director Bob DeAngelo.

DeAngelo led the congressman's 10-minute workout Monday that included 20 jumping jacks, 20 push ups, a race up and down the club's stairwell with more than a dozen cheering youngsters, and a spin session on one of the exercise bikes alongside the Greenwich High School football team captain.

"I'm gonna be feeling that tonight," Himes said of the workout as he caught his breath.

Himes visit also included a tour of the club ice rink, swimming pool and study spaces as well as a question-answer session with teenage members on topics ranging from the war in Afghanistan to federal health care legislation.

Asked what he thought of President Barack Obama, Himes said he was a fan.

"Whatever you think of ... his policies, it is the privilege of my lifetime to be serving in Washington when we have the first African-American president," Himes said.

Himes also reiterated his support for Obama's plan to overhaul health care, saying the controversial legislation was a vital first step toward ensuring coverage for the uninsured and controlling health care costs for employers.

His position on the war in Afghanistan was less clear cut. While he believes it's necessary to prevent the country from becoming a haven for terrorists, Himes voiced concerns about the mounting cost to taxpayers.

"Let me do some quick mental math there, 10 million dollars in Afghanistan is about 45 minutes of operations," said Himes. "That's a huge amount of money." Himes said the war is costing about $100 billion a year.

GHS football team captain Camryn Ferrara, 17, later said he enjoyed learning about the lawmaker's views.

"It was cool to talk to the person who represents us," said Ferrara, who was named the club's "Athlete of the Year" last spring.

Fellow GHS senior Shane Whittle, 17, was glad the lawmaker was up for an impromptu workout.

"It's important to encourage physical fitness with young kids," he said. "If you build it up at a young age it will stick with them when they're older."