[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 145 (Tuesday, November 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             CITIZEN INPUT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2002

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, throughout the 6 years I have represented 
them in Congress, the people of Colorado have shared with me their 
thoughtful insights, beliefs, and dreams for a better state and country 
in a variety of ways. In writing, by telephone, by e-mail and through 
personal visits, I have enjoyed the input of tens of thousands of 
Coloradans.
  These efforts have been indispensable in my efforts to accurately and 
completely represent my state in the Congress, and I am grateful to 
every citizen who has ever taken the time to contribute their best 
judgment toward resolving the important issues of the day. Thanks to 
them, I have learned much about often complex issues, about the country 
and about Colorado.
  Through these letters, e-mails, and telephone calls my constituents 
have expressed the values of hard-working families. Consistently, the 
themes of less government intervention, more personal freedom, and 
opportunity for prosperity have been the most vivid expressed by those 
who have contacted me. It is clear that Coloradans are a self-reliant 
and outspoken people for whom faith, integrity and an honest day's wage 
form the foundation of a thriving community.
  In particular, I am grateful for the personal artifacts included with 
so many letters. Items such as pictures, pins, and books truly exhibit 
the character of the individuals I am elected to serve. These are among 
the things that have made the greatest impression on me while serving 
in Congress.
  In addition, I am thankful for all the people who have ever attended 
my weekly breakfast town meetings in Larimer County, CO. Each Monday 
morning they share their hopes and expectations with me, on legislation 
and politics. I have found the attendees to be dynamic and sincere. 
They come from around Colorado, and quite often, other states. They are 
never timid about stating their opinions, which have been a valuable 
resource for me. In fact, my work at the nation's capital always 
reflects the ideas and comments expressed during these meetings.
  Surely, among the most significant duties of a U.S. Representative is 
aiding individuals in fighting the red tape of insensitive government 
agencies. During my time in Congress, I have had the privilege to help 
thousands of people who came to me for help. Some common examples 
include cases of ensuring veterans receive benefits promised in 
exchange for their years of dedicated service, assisting Social 
Security recipients in getting monthly checks, helping entrepreneurs 
fight the Internal Revenue Service, assisting farmers in getting 
drought relief, and helping immigrants become legal U.S. citizens.
  Regardless of the issues confronting the Congress, fighting for 
Coloradans is the most gratifying work. I am thankful for the people of 
Colorado who contacted me for help. Serving in this great Congress to 
represent the values of Colorado has truly been an honor. Those 
Coloradans who volunteer their opinions have contributed to a solid 
record for which I am most proud. My voice has been theirs as I have 
endeavored to be nothing more than a reflection of my constituency. I 
will forever remain in their debt. They are the best of America.

                          ____________________