Staying on top of what is happening on the ground, in the community, is an imperative for good representation. Listening and hands-on connection with local residents keeps our needs top of mind in Washington, Hartford, or Town Hall. Gathering input from constituents is critical to good decision-making. Of course, everyone has a voice and an opinion. Taking them into account is a matter of listening and acting, leavened with information, experience, values and judgment.
Congressman Jim Himes continues to demonstrate the approachableness, intelligence and moderation that got him elected in 2008, then re-elected 2 times hence. The latest election (2012) demonstrates an increasing base of support across the district as well as within Ridgefield; he is the first Democrat to win a plurality for Congress in Ridgefield, in significantly more than 25 years!
Jim earns citizens’ respect and their votes with his service and accessibility on the ground. In the past, Congressional representatives appeared in Ridgefield infrequently, for fundraising, occasional meetings with the First Selectman, and ceremonial visits, and had their staff handle constituent contact and interaction. That’s not Jim’s style, nor his philosophy about representation. We benefit accordingly.
Congressman Himes has been in Ridgefield a number of times this year to meet with local leaders and gather input from constituents. In early January, he toured Founder’s Hall and met with seniors taking part in activities at the facility. On that same trip, the Congressman met with First Selectman Rudy Marconi to check in on hurricane-relief, gun violence prevention efforts, and local initiatives lead by the First Selectman. He also met with our fire chief, Heather Burford and made a visit to our firehouse, (although many of the firefighters were responding to a call at that time). Numerous past visits to the VFW, numerous walks along Main Street and Copp’s Hill to visit with local business leaders, meetings with the library leadership and local parents, demonstrate not only the scope of his involvement, but also his commitment to our town. He is up to speed, and current.
Most impressively, last month Congressman Himes joined Team 26 cyclists riding from Newtown to Washington to advocate for gun violence prevention legislation, on the first leg of their trip from Newtown to Ridgefield. Good for him that he has the stamina to make the ride. Good for us that he’s committed mind, body and soul to gun safety. He welcomed Team 26 along with the rest of the Connecticut delegation when they arrived in Washington four days later.
We are a diverse society, with the right to voice our points of view, and to make them clear to our representatives. 100% agreement will never be achieved, neither with Congressman Hime’s positions, nor those of others. But Ridgefield’s voice and direct contact with our Congressman has never been better. And that is what makes our democracy better, as well as great.
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The author is a 25+ year resident of Ridgefield and chairs the Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee which supplies this column.