AUBURN - The line of city leaders, legislators, supporters and various nonprofit organization heads stretched the length of a long third-floor hall at 17 E. Genesee St.
Jason Rearick / The Citizen
U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri chuckles with one of his constituents during the open house at his new office at 17 E. Genesee St., Auburn.
U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri chuckles with one of his constituents during the open house at his new office at 17 E. Genesee St., Auburn.
From a former mayor to sitting city councilors to a man circulating a petition for impeachment of the president, several dozens showed up to talk with freshman U.S. Rep. Michael A. Arcuri, D-Utica, at the opening of his regional office Tuesday afternoon.
He might not have all the answers, but he is willing to listen, Arcuri said during a short break from the receiving line.
The office space and Arcuri staffer Crystal Purcell will serve as a full-time sounding board for constituents.
The congressman said he is most frequently approached about the Iraq War, which he opposes.
“I was against it primarily because you shouldn't go in somewhere without a plan of how to get out,” Arcuri said. “We are ill prepared for any situations that develop around the world because we are so thinly stretched.”
He supports a phased withdrawal of troops instead of President George W. Bush's escalation proposal. At the same time, Arcuri said he wants to maintain funding for the troops.
Arcuri likened his fiscal policy to his conservative predecessor, longtime Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford. Federal policy on Native American gambling and land claims, increased grant funding and economic development are key issues for constituents in Cayuga County, he said.
“I like to tie economic development to energy development,” Arcuri said, referencing alternative sources like wind and biofuels. “I think they are the future for us in terms of keeping our area strong and keeping our country strong.”
The congressman will spend the remainder of the week touring the 11 counties in the 24th Congressional District. The regional office is open daily.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
He might not have all the answers, but he is willing to listen, Arcuri said during a short break from the receiving line.
The office space and Arcuri staffer Crystal Purcell will serve as a full-time sounding board for constituents.
The congressman said he is most frequently approached about the Iraq War, which he opposes.
“I was against it primarily because you shouldn't go in somewhere without a plan of how to get out,” Arcuri said. “We are ill prepared for any situations that develop around the world because we are so thinly stretched.”
He supports a phased withdrawal of troops instead of President George W. Bush's escalation proposal. At the same time, Arcuri said he wants to maintain funding for the troops.
Arcuri likened his fiscal policy to his conservative predecessor, longtime Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford. Federal policy on Native American gambling and land claims, increased grant funding and economic development are key issues for constituents in Cayuga County, he said.
“I like to tie economic development to energy development,” Arcuri said, referencing alternative sources like wind and biofuels. “I think they are the future for us in terms of keeping our area strong and keeping our country strong.”
The congressman will spend the remainder of the week touring the 11 counties in the 24th Congressional District. The regional office is open daily.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
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