Congressman Bob Gibbs Introduces Unprecedented Constituent Outreach Program

January 26, 2011

Contact: Catherine Gatewood (202) 225-6265

WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Bob Gibbstoday introduced his unprecedented constituent outreach initiative that will be a first-of-its-kind program to meet with constituents in their own communities.  He also announced the openingof his district office in Zanesville, Ohio.

“The 18th district is literally the size of New Jersey which, in the past, has left constituents feeling like they didn’t receive the services they needed from their Member of Congress,” said Gibbs.  “One of my promises in the campaign was to be more accessible and our outreach program will make sure we hear the priorities of each community.

“As wethought about how to provide the highest quality assistance to residents in all 16 counties, it made sense to go against the status-quo.  Rather than having three physical locations that would still require my constituents to travel up to an hour to visit, I am sending my staff out into each community to hold open office hours.

“Our goal is to go directly to our constituents instead of making them come to us,” said Gibbs.  “This is an aggressive yet necessary plan if I am to be accessible to residents in all parts of our enormous district, and not just the larger counties.   Now people in the more remote areas will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with members of my staff at locations that are more convenient for them.”

Gibbs’ constituent outreach program will place staff in each of the 16 counties for official office hours at least once per month.   Additional hours will be added throughout the quarter based on population and need.   

During these office hours, Congressman Gibbs’ staff will be available to provide constituents with the same assistance they would receive had they traveled to the Zanesville office.   This includes help with a variety of services and issues, including Medicare, Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Internal Revenue Service issues, and matters regarding federal legislation.

The outreach schedule and other community forums, such as Town Halls, will posted in the local newspapers, on Congressman Gibbs’ official website, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTubepages, as well as via his E-Newsletter. 

In addition to this constituent outreach program, the district office officially opens on January 31.  The Congressman invites members of the general public and the media to the office for an “open house” on Thursday, February 3rd from 6:30-8:30 p.m.   

“This open house will be a good opportunity for me to visit with constituents and for people to get acquainted with my district staff,” said Gibbs. “I’m looking forward to the feedback from the district on the progress we have already made in our first few weeks in Washington.” 

Contact information for the Zanesville District Office:

1166 Military Road

Suite B

Zanesville, Ohio 43701

Phone: (740) 452-2279

Fax: (740) 452-2557

Hours: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Starting in February, Congressman Gibbs’ staff will begin holding satellite office hours at the following locations and times:

 Congressman Gibbs has hired the following district staff:

Susan Brinker – District Director

Dallas Gerber - Field Representative

Shanna Schlabach – Field Representative/Case Worker

Ashley McDonald - Case Worker

Darrell Kick - Field Representative

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