By Kirsten J. Barnes
Communications Director Bishop for Congress

Congressman Sanford Bishop Jr. spent four weeks in the Second Congressional District of Georgia visiting constituents of the 32 counties he represents.

Bishop used speaking engagements, tours and visits to discuss his accomplishments and those of the Democratic-controlled 110th Congress, speaking about issues such as the economy, education and national defense through subjects such as the Farm Bill; the new G.I. Bill, gas prices, drilling, bio-fuels, health care, tomato farming, and improvements along Lake Seminole.

“I came today to give a brief update as to what’s going on in Congress,” Congressman Bishop told more than 100 people attending the Rotary Club of Bainbridge, Ga., during one of more than two dozen stops made by Congressman Bishop. “This district work period is no vacation for me.”

Although constituents were interested in several subjects facing our nation, Congressman Bishop understood that one issue is affecting everyone in the district.

“The elephant in the room everywhere I go is gas prices,” Congressman Bishop said. “I anticipate that the American people will continue to beat up on us in Congress to act on gas prices. While the price of oil has dropped in the last few weeks, it still places an extreme burden on families and the economy. I think the American people have tried hard to economize, but we can only tighten our belts so much.”

Congressman Bishop told constituents he is “pro environmentally friendly drilling” even in ANWAR.

“I’m for drilling everywhere,” he said.

Congressman Bishop urged his constituents to get involved and become advocates for change in his district and advised them not to hesitate to call on him for support.

“Politicians, I don’t care what level, respond to the people they hear from, from the people who put them in office,” Congressman Bishop said. “It behooves us to be close enough, accessible enough and to listen to the people who put us in the seats and so I say to you that I’m here during this so called vacation, but more appropriately our district work period to listen to you and to give you a report, but most importantly to inform myself so that when I go back to Washington the first week in September I will be armed and informed with information that I’ve gained from you about your desires, your needs, your aims and your aspirations, so that I can then take those and make them my priorities and I can help to utilize the political process and to make those things happen for you.”

After the meeting, Congressman Bishop talked to individuals about their concerns.

“I think it’s a great thing when we have our elected officials to come to our meetings and speak to us,” said Ken Bailey, president of the Rotary Club of Bainbridge. “It helps them accomplish their goals by letting them dispense some information.”

Before leaving Bainbridge, Congressman Bishop visited two area public schools, Bainbridge High Westside Performance Learning Center and Hutto Middle School.

At Bainbridge High Congressman Bishop delivered a $45,000 check from the U.S. Department of Justice grant which will provide the students with a video laboratory so that students can produce educational films for local elementary, middle and high school students concerning behavior and choices.

“The Department of Justice awards grants to institutions and organizations that construct the time of our young people. When young people have their time properly constructed they stay out of trouble and they don’t get involved in the criminal justice system. This is a win-win for students, our communities, our schools and our families,” Congressman Bishop said.

Before attending a Town Hall meeting in Cairo, Congressman Bishop also went to Cairo High School where he presented a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition to Dylan Dixon, a student who helped save the life of an elderly neighbor trapped in a burning home.

Congressman Bishop said he was impressed with Dylan’s actions and wanted to deliver the Congressional Recognition himself.

While at the school, Congressman Bishop spoke to Erin White’s World History Class, where he told students how he launched his political career in high school as a class representative and later, as president of the Student Council.

Congressman Bishop toured Grady General Hospital in Cairo, where he spoke with management, staff and employees about quality of care issues for Southwest Georgia.