Post-Tribune, Merrillville, Ind., Jerry Davich column
"He made a tremendous difference in my son's life, and my family's life," said Good, of
This is a familiar refrain I hear from readers who end up contacting the
Visclosky, who's been in office for 31 years, prides himself on "constituents' services."
"Ultimately, public service is about serving people," he told me during a phone call from
His office receives, on average, 35 requests a week for various forms of assistance from constituents, who total roughly 710,000 in the
They all seem to know Visclosky's name, phone number and
One case manager,
Over the past 20 years in the journalism business, hundreds of
While that may be true, it doesn't mean Visclosky's office helps everyone who contacts it, totaling roughly 2,000 requests each year. He also offers no guarantee of a desired outcome, which he reminded me twice during our phone chat and what I noticed on his website.
"While Pete cannot require federal agencies to decide matters in your favor, he can ensure that your inquiry/request receives appropriate consideration," the site states.
He typically tells disappointed constituents, "We have done whatever we possibly can, and all we can do is our very best."
Visclosky told me, "Some people continue to be angry but that's part of public service, too."
The number of formal requests each year ebbs and flows with the local economy. During the recession, his office handled more requests from out-of-work residents.
His office estimates a "high level of success" in regard to its thousands of requests over the years, though staff members don't keep tabs on such data, Visclosky said.
"Our high level of success is a compliment to my staff, not to me," said Visclosky, a Gary native who resides in
Last Saturday morning, a married couple approached Visclosky at a grocery store to thank him for his assistance with their request. He said such face-to-face greetings, for good or bad, are part of public service.
However, there are certain things Visclosky cannot do for his constituents, such as act as an attorney or offer legal assistance in any way. Or, due to constitutional separation of powers, judicial matters do not fall under his jurisdiction as a congressman. Examples of such judicial matters include deportation proceedings or any case before immigration courts, divorce, child custody, civil disputes and criminal trials.
Visclosky told me he is not able to comment on any individual case for confidentiality reasons. Constituents must first provide their written consent before each request is investigated.
"This took away his physicians and surgeons that our son desperately needed at that time," she told me. "We shared our story with Pete and he came through on his promise to help my son get his appeal approved and have the surgery he needed."
Visclosky's office mailed letters to the insurance provider on Jonah's behalf and his surgery was later approved.
"We're convinced that
Critics of Visclosky claim his congressional role in D.C. should focus on transformational projects in this area, national issues and
"He is a congressman, not a local civil servant. His elected job is a national one," said
The Rev.
Critics have claimed for years that Visclosky's job should be aimed specifically at federal issues, policies and legislation. That's true, and his supporters insist he does this, too. But there's no better way to secure a vote than to help someone in need. Voters remember who helped them in a pinch when no one else would step up.
"My husband had tried for six years to get a proof of citizenship and then we finally got Visclosky involved," said
If you have a problem and feel that Visclosky's office can help, call (219) 795-1844 or visit http://visclosky.civicapp.us/.
Contact
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