EMERSON MOBILE OFFICE MAKES MONTHLY VISITS

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson's mobile office recently visited at the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, 125 E. Main. It's a monthly occurrence.

Mobile office director Jayson Clark acts as a liaison between her constituents and Emerson and answers questions, listens to ideas and grievances and enables people to get help from federal and state agencies.

If constituents want to discuss issues or express concerns about the IRS, Department of Education, Social Security, child support, property rights, environmentalism or veteran affairs, they can visit Emerson's mobile office next month.

Clark states that he's never gotten any really angry people at the mobile office in the two years he's worked in this position. People do come in with complaints, but for the most part Clark thinks people are satisfied with the work Emerson does.

Norman Vandiver, a Jackson resident, came to the April 5 office stop to tell of his objection to taxes being raised and the unfairness of taxes to senior citizens who often live on limited incomes.

Vandiver, a World War II veteran, was exposed to radiation in the war and has had health problems as a result. He had to work with limitations and ultimately could no longer work.

Because he lives on a limited income and no longer has children in school, he objects to having to pay school taxes. Vandiver does not object to the basics of providing an education, yet he thinks there are a lot of luxuries factored in that are not necessary for a good education. It makes him angry when he sees only two children riding a school bus.

Instead of taxes going up, Vandiver thinks they should be frozen at the amount he paid when his last child was in school.

Clark listened to Vandiver and will pass along his concerns to Emerson.