Giffords meets constituents face to face in Green Valley

Taking a seat, and then patiently waiting their turn to speak with U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, more than 100 area residents turned out to her 11th “Congress on Your Corner” on Saturday.

The location was in front of the Safeway on Continental Road, where the Democratic lawmaker and constituents discussed issues one on one. Topics presented varied from individual concerns to those of general welfare and included local, state and national matters.

Shura Wallin of Good Samaritans was there early, got the first seat and spoke to Giffords about human rights issues and migrants. She said some migrants had been detained without food for 12 hours; and reported water being available but no cups.

After speaking with Giffords, Wallin said, “She’s willing to meet with the Samaritans and other humanitarian groups but wants some documentation; we can provide that.”

Barry Dank of Tubac brought graphic photos of the pileup of trash surrounding the Santiago Community II in the Barrio de Tubac that backs up to the De Anza Trail. Looking at the photos, Giffords was visibly stunned and said, “Oh, my gosh!”

“Homeowners are living in a trash dump… we’re concerned about the breeding of mosquitoes and the fumes from the trash… Santa Cruz County hadn’t acted upon complaints… there’s a need for health inspections,” Dank told her.

He invited the congresswoman to come in person to see for herself and told the Green Valley News, “We need someone like her to be involved.” Giffords said she will be in touch with the “appropriate people.”

Mary Headley asked about a 10 percent decrease in Medicare payments and Giffords, aware of the problem, said some doctors are dropping Medicare patients. Congress has extended the decrease until June 2008 and hopefully will extend it further, Giffords told Headley.

Lea Fergus of Tubac asked about ways to reduce auto pollution so that Southern Arizona doesn’t become like Phoenix. Giffords said automakers need to create more energy-efficient cars and said a new bill calling for a minimum standard of 35 miles per gallon should help. Fergus and Giffords agreed that not everyone needs an SUV or a large car, that they’re not practical.

Fergus left and returned a while later with a vase of red roses and Gerber daisies for Giffords. “She’s just adorable,” Fergus said.

Some of the other topics constituents raised included the NAFTA Superhighway, Veterans Administration problems, polarization of both Houses of Congress, the shortage of water, the Tucson freeway bypass issue, delayed checks for veterans affected by Agent Orange, people whose medical payment problems fall through the cracks, solar energy and immigration and border security.

Regarding border security Giffords told one constituent, “There’s a lot of blame to cast about why border issues haven’t been resolved.”

Real estate broker Lonnie Borgmann spoke of his opposition to the checkpoint and told Giffords it’s a problem; the checkpoint should be at the border.

When returning to Green Valley after showing homes in Tubac to Canadians he said they have to show their passports and question it. “If the dam broke at the border you don’t go downstream to fix it,” Borgmann told Giffords.

Voting theorist Arnie Urken spoke with Giffords about the Holt Bill, a bill to support more spending for elections and said voters need more time when casting their ballot. When Giffords jokingly asked him who would win the election, Urken shot back with, “I need more data.”

After speaking with the congresswoman, those constituents who had matters requiring further study met with one of Giffords’ staffers for follow up.

District Director Ron Barber said the number who showed up for this 11th 'Congress on Your Corner' was the average of 100 to 120. “Issues run across the board, staffers are taking information,” he said.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.