U.S. Congressman Pat Tiberi (R-OH) visited the Lexington Senior Civic Center on Thursday, sharing a brief message with the attendees and allowing an opportunity for people to approach him with their concerns and comments.
The congressman noted what a privilege it is to represent them and commended Lexington Mayor Eugene Parkison for his leadership. “This mayor has done a lot of great things for this community, including his leadership with respect to [the senior center], and how he makes a difference in peoples’ lives.”
He said that unlike a mayor who has a lot of authority, “In Washington it’s really hard to get things done because there are 435 of us, and that’s just the House…one of the best things about coming out to communities like Lexington, and Bellville, and Ontario is when you have leadership in a mayor who actually gets things done, and that’s really satisfying to see.”
During his speech, Tiberi pointed out District Representative Lucas Crumley, who was also in attendance, saying that Crumley frequents the senior center on a regular basis and if anyone has any issues they may approach him or Tiberi himself to assist in the situation.
“If you watch the T.V. or listen to the radio, everything is kind of Washington-focused…just as important, and one of the reasons why I ran in the first place is the other part of the job, which is called constituent services. You’re constituents; we serve you if you have a problem with the federal government, and so don’t be shy about contacting us and asking us what we can do to help you if have a problem,” Tiberi stated.
Government officials including Mayors Darrell Banks of Bellville and Marilyn John of Shelby, Lexington Councilmen Bob Jarvis and Tony Vero, and Judge Brent Robinson attended the event.
Many regulars of the senior center also showed up, taking advantage of the congressman’s visit to address any concerns that they may have.
Marilyn Fisher of Lexington said she wanted to speak with the congressman to express a concern of hers with regard to social security.
Both Bob Grose and Jim Hoffman approached Tiberi to speak about separate concerns they have as it relates to veterans.
“I think he’s doing a good job,” Grose said. “He seems to be on our side with helping the veterans out.”
Tiberi noted, “There’s no more important issue for me than making sure our veterans get the care that they need and the care that they deserve.”
Resident of Mansfield, Rick Sayers, said that he appreciated Tiberi coming to the senior center. “I was happy that he took the time to come out here and talk with the seniors and hear about whatever issues they may be facing,” he said.
Similar feelings were shared by Denise Zanni, legal attorney with Legal Aid of Western Ohio, who provides free legal services to those at the senior center. “In relation to the work that I do, I think it’s good that [Tiberi] is getting out into the senior community and hearing about different issues.”
“In Washington it’s really hard to get things done because there are 435 of us, and that’s just the House…one of the best things about coming out to communities like Lexington, and Bellville, and Ontario is when you have leadership in a mayor who actually gets things done, and that’s really satisfying to see,” said Congressman Tiberi.
