He spoke with each resident for approximately 10 minutes.
During the August congressional recess, Gingrey, who represents District 11, including Calhoun, has been tour-ing the nine counties under his representation.
Individuals were given the opportunity to privately address their opinions and views on current topics, seek his advice or ask him questions about his stance on issues.
Jesse Vaughn, chairman of the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce community development and government affairs committee, said he spoke to Gingrey about the continuation of the Union Grove interchange at Interstate 75.
Vaughn explained that this project, which is funded by federal, state and local dollars, was launched more than a decade ago and has been on hold for sometime.
Vaughn mentioned that Gordon County has received $13 million from the federal government on the project, and was grateful for Gingrey’s support.
“He (Gingrey) told us that they haven’t given up on it and that he’s determined to influence the majority since it falls within his district,” Vaughn said.
He said that talking to Gingrey gave him confidence about the progress of the interchange.
“It will help create better access to roads,” Vaughn said, adding that it will also attract more jobs.
The timetable for the beginning of construction on the interchange is 2013, Vaughn said.
“We’ll have to obtain the right of way and that can take a lot of time,” Vaughn said.
Larry Colston, a Vietnam veteran and a resident of Gordon County, matter-of-factly addressed his own health and patient care needs, and then told Gingrey that vets still need adequate health care services.
“I am a Vietnam veteran for the record. I have type II diabetes and prostrate cancer (that) I had removed,” Col-ston said.
“The Vietnam Veterans Association are pushing a bill and I want to encourage you and all of the Georgia resi-dents and congressman representatives to vote for this act,” he added.
Gingrey reassured Colston that members of Congress agree on veterans’ care and that vets have their support more than in almost any other area.
“Veterans benefits are something that members of Congress pretty much agree on. I will promise you that I will look into this bill very closely,” Gingrey said.
But Gingrey ended by telling Colston that congress is short on funding for a bill, such as the one he mentioned.
“We do worry about 13 trillion dollars worth of debt and deficit this year,” Gingrey said.
Vicki Spence, director of United Way of Gordon County, explained that the local community is eligible for ap-proximately $178,000 federal dollars for homeless prevention rehousing, but cannot access the money directly.
Spence explained the challenges she faced and asked Gingrey for his help in handling this matter. Others came in with stories, questions and suggestions on bettering the community.
Gingrey will hold more listening sessions, and the next one is planned in Carroll County. Visit www.gingrey.house.gov for more information.
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