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Judging by his visit, Carter cares
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Congressman John Carter made it by the Hill Country News office Monday to visit about what's going on in the Hill Country as well as Washington. We talked about the price of gasoline and the effect it is having on small businessmen like me.
We discussed national and local issues. Most of the time Carter and I agree, especially locally. He believes we need to open up the restricted areas of the country for oil exploration and so do I. He would like to see the country go to more nuclear power. Ditto! He thinks we should develop more alternative energy sources. Once again we agree.
Another possible idea is lowering the speed limits, and we might not be together but we were close. In the old days the speed limit was 55 mph except on interstates. Lowering speed limits will probably help reduce oil consumption in this country, but there are some areas where 55 mph won't work, like West Texas. Carter felt some reduction in speed limits might be coming, though he was sure he would vote against it.
Carter confirmed what we have all been hearing, that speculators are indeed driving up the price of oil and of course if this turns out to be right the prices might go down just as fast as they have gone up. Carter said the increased demand from China and India means it is unlikely we will see cheap gasoline again in our life times.
Our final agreement was on toll roads. We both like the idea of getting from one part of the county to the other with relative ease.
Carter was shocked by the turnout at the Round Rock Fourth of July celebration. Cedar Park's was its largest ever and so was Leander's according to News staffer Bill Robison who attended the fireworks at Crystal Falls. Carter attributed the high turnouts to high gas prices as well, saying more people are taking “stay-cations” and were home to attend the local events.
Having your U.S. Congressman come by for an hour-long visit is not something most newspapers experience. This wasn't the first time John Carter has spent an hour with the Hill Country News. For this and many more reasons it proves we are lucky to have someone representing us who actually cares what we think.
Judge, we enjoyed the visit!
Reader Comments
Strongly Anti-Carter wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:37 AM:
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Cedar Parker wrote on Jul 18, 2008 4:55 PM:
Any politician seeking votes will stop in and chew the fat. Heck I have been in the HCN offices on occasion. But Carter just wants votes and photo-ops.
We need change. I respect the 'Judge', but unless he gets off his fat behind and actually starts doing something for his constituents, instead of his party, all he has become is a political hack, and needs to be replaced.
Yes, replaced, even if it means voting for a newcomer like Brian Ruiz we will be better off.
The last stunt I remember Carter doing was showing up at a Habitat for Humanity build, and not picking up a hammer, but mugging for photos, and then leaving while the rest of us worked on the project.
We need someone with humility, and a straightforward voting record that balances party and heart. Not a pompous politician who remains you of the Who's song 'Summertime Blues'.
Sorry Judge, you don't have my vote this time around. "