Rep. Jo Ann Davis, R-1st, is sending staffers to various parts of her district to hear the concerns of constituents. FILE/REBECCA SELL/THE FREE LANCE-STAR Visit the Photo Place

Davis' office holds listening sessions

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Rep. Davis' office addresses Stafford residents' concerns

Date published: 8/7/2007

BY BEN SELLERS

Whether you're planning a trip to the doctor's office or the Caribbean, Rep. Jo Ann Davis can help.

The First District Republican will send her district director, Joe Schumacher, to meet with constituents today at the Porter Branch of the Stafford County Public Library, said Davis' chief of staff, Chris Connelly.

The meeting gives district residents the chance to voice concerns or seek assistance in dealing with federal agencies like immigration, Social Security and Medicare, said Connelly.

"Right now, with new rules put in for passports, the passport issue has been a very big issue," he said.

Since January plane passengers are required to show passports when traveling to other countries in the Western Hemisphere.

"There's a backlog now in distributing them that's kept our staff very busy," said Connelly.

The district-wide meetings happen each month. Davis' representatives visit Stafford every second Tuesday, as well as Fauquier County's Bealeton Library every first Tuesday of the month.

Though Fredericksburg-area residents may prefer to visit Davis' district office, off State Route 3, the field visits are intended to reach out to more distant constituents, said Connelly.

"Even though the congresswoman has three district offices, folks might have a hard time getting to [them]," he said.

"We want to make it as accessible as possible, so we bring it to them."

The two-hour meeting may bring anywhere from a handful to "quite a few" petitioners. Connelly encouraged those planning to attend to call ahead.

WHAT: Congressional case workers for Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-1st) meet with Stafford County constituents. WHERE: Stafford County Public Library, Porter Branch, 2001 Parkway Blvd. WHEN: Today, 1 to 3 p.m. WHY: To address concerns or assist in dealing with federal agencies. COST: Free INFO: 202/225-4261 WEB: house.gov/joann davis

Date published: 8/7/2007