Rep. Jenkins visits Fort Scott Tuesday

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Fort Scott residents' voices were heard as U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Kan., came to town Tuesday.

The congresswoman stopped in Fort Scott while on the Memorial Day Work Period. The purpose of the visit was to talk to residents about their concerns with the current state of the United States and learn about the challenges people are facing.

"When we have a week, we like to get out and about the district and find out what's on people's minds," Jenkins said. "This is a great opportunity for me to do more in-depth listening."

Jenkins visited Mid-Continental Restoration Co. Inc., Mercy Health Center, and Citizens Bank, N.A. She said the majority of her time was spent listening to the worker's concerns about the nation's economy and how their lives are affected and how they will be affected in the future. She added that people are frustrated with the government and suffer from "bailout fatigue" as big industries continue to receive bailout money.

"These are real issues in Washington (D.C.) that are effecting lives here at home," Jenkins said. "I feel (residents) have a genuine concern that right now the nation is going in the wrong direction."

Jenkins said the budget which was just passed by congress included a $1.5 trillion tax increase as well spending to double and public debt to triple within 10 years.

"I hear (residents') frustration. I, too, am not pleased with the direction the nation is going," Jenkins said. "You can't continue to run a nation this way."

Another topic of discussion was the completion of the expansion of U.S. Highway 69 into a four-lane highway. Jenkins said she is "cautiously optimistic" the project will be completed. She added she is looking for every possible funding opportunity including a highway reauthorization bill which will be debated before the end of the year.

Jenkins' said work periods are held for one week and occur every 5-6 weeks. The goal of the work periods is get in tough with the people she represents.

"I can't do my job unless I know what people want me to go to Washington to do," Jenkins said. "The only way to do that is get out and about and listen to people."