Opinion

Weekly call keeps lines open to Lincoln

Friday, February 1, 2002

The Legislative Committee of the McCook Chamber of Commerce is off to another rousing start, thanks in large part to the cooperation of State Sen. Tom Baker of Trenton.

Every week through the heart of the legislative session, Sen. Baker spends an hour on the phone with the legislative committee. He starts with a report on legislative happenings, then opens the meeting up to questions.

Thanks to modern technology, Sen. Baker comes through loud and clear on the speaker phone, and the responses from McCook are heard with equal clarity at Sen. Baker's office in Lincoln.

The exchange of information is a valuable service, both for Sen. Baker and the McCook area.

From the community's standpoint, the weekly meeting -- which begins each Thursday morning at 8 -- gives committee members the senator's undivided attention. Often speaking for others, the members bring up issues of concern in this area, whether the subject be taxes, education, redistricting or public service problems.

The weekly telephone talk is also helpful to Sen. Baker, providing feedback from the citizens of the 44th District.

Although the meeting is arranged and conducted by the McCook Chamber of Commerce, anyone can participate. In the past, residents of Maywood, Stratton, Trenton, Indianola and other Southwest Nebraska communities have driven to McCook on Thursday mornings to ask Sen. Baker about specific concerns.

The invitation to participate remains open. Whether you just want to listen or have an issue to bring up, you are encouraged to be at the Chamber office at 8 a.m. Thursday.

You not only will have have the ear of this district's senator, but you will learn a lot about legislation in the process.

To find out more about the weekly meetings, give the moderator, Larry Eisenmenger, a call at (308) 345-6055, or talk with Marie Owen at the Chamber office, (308) 345-3200.

And if you miss breakfast at home, don't worry. Marie and the Chamber staff will have a pot of hot coffee and a box of fresh rolls waiting for you in the Chamber meeting room.

The weekly conference call is a two-way line of communication which is helping both the district and senator stay up-to-date on issues of concern to this area. We salute Sen. Baker and committee members for their efforts, and encourage other interested citizens to join them for the weekly legislative discussions.

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