Butterfield rep fields questions
By Matthew Whittle
Published in News on March 22, 2009 2:00 AM
A representative from Congressman G.K. Butterfield's Wilson field office met with more than 30 people in Goldsboro Friday to discuss constituent issues. Most of the concerns voiced, said caseworker Rosena Ricks, involved veteran's and Social Security claims and disability issues.
"We send a congressional inquiry with the request, and that lets them know the congressman is interested in the case," she said. "We also help them find out the status of the claims because it is a long process."
Other concerns were about the stimulus funding and other legislative issues.
"We take their information and give it to the legislative office and they answer them," she said.
However, she said, many of those questions and comments -- particularly about how the stimulus money will ultimately be spent locally -- were actually ones that should be directed to state and local officials. In those cases, they provided the necessary contact information.
Ms. Ricks even had a few people come to City Hall to ask for help getting their mortgage rates lowered, and while she admitted that there isn't much the federal government can do in individual cases, she did tell them that they would "assist any way we can with their request."
Overall, though, she said, it was a "pretty typical" and "very productive" day -- something Butterfield tries to offer every two months.
People unable to attend the session Friday, can call (252) 237-9816.