LETTERS: MODEL OF CONSISTENCY

To the editor:

When I heard the news of the passing of Congressman Bill Emerson, I felt as though I had lost a member of my immediate family. Since I moved to Southeast Missouri some eight years ago, Bill Emerson has been very much a presence in my life.

I have never known an elected legislator, no matter the level, who more clearly represented the expressed views of his constituents. He gave us a very clear voice in Washington. He was a man who was the model of consistency. What he said in Cape Girardeau was the same thing he said in Washington. Many times, congressmen and senators say one thing at home and quite another when they get inside the Beltway. With Bill, what you saw and heard at home was what you got in D.C.

A few years ago, I was a member of a delegation that went to Washington to contact senators and representatives relative to several items of legislation affecting Postal Service supervisors. Some of the items were quite complex. When we called upon Congressman Emerson, he amazed the delegation with his complete knowledge of the issues. He received us with great hospitality. Throughout our somewhat lengthy visit, he and his staff were extremely gracious. I was in Washington several times as a member of such delegations. Bill Emerson always made time for us unless he was tied up in legislative matters in the House chamber. The same could not be said for some other representatives and senators.

I cannot imagine what the future holds for the 8th Congressional District. I do know that we are the poorer for Bill Emerson's passing. We shall not see the likes of him again. We are better for having known him. I cherish the memory.

JERRY MITCHELL

Jackson