County needs on his agenda

Story by Jon Dinan
LIBERTY — February 5, 2013 - It was a packed house last Wednesday afternoon as District 19 Congressman Chris Gibson officially opened his Liberty District Office at 92 Sullivan Ave.
Gibson and his wife Mary Jo got up very close and personal to virtually every county official during the open house. First elected to the 20th district in 2010, Gibson ran for the 19th – formed after the congressional district realignment following the 2010 Census – and defeated Julian Schreibman last November.
Gibson, considered a moderate Republican, says he has developed a good sense for the needs of the area.
“Throughout the course of the campaign I’ve had a chance to visit Sullivan County quite often, to every town in fact, and had a chance to talk to many of the constituents here. Job creation is the number one priority among citizens here in Sullivan County,” he said. “Part of the reason we opened up this office is to be helpful to small businesses.”
Gibson favors using the recommendations of the 2010 Simpson-Bowles commission as a debt-reduction framework. In particular, he wants to address the rapid rise in Medicare costs and to stop borrowing from the Social Security trust fund.
“We want to stimulate capital in markets, by making credit accessible for entrepreneurs who are looking to expand and have a place to sell their goods beyond the United States,” Gibson said.
Gibson also offered his ideas for our school systems.
“Education is vitally important. We want roll to back some of the unfunded mandates in No Child Left Behind and more [funds] on providing support for career and technical training.
Gibson cited expanding access to broadband internet and improved cell phone coverage – among others – as issues that need to be addressed within the county.
“It’s incumbent, in an era of divided government that we find a way to be functional, to come together so that we can enact policies that help move the economy forward,” Gibson stated.
Liberty Office
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday
Mailing Address: PO Box 578, Ferndale, NY 12734
Phone: 747-9261
Fax: 747-9273
Casework: Office can assist with any help constituents need with the federal government, including veterans benefits, Social Security, Medicare, immigration, IRS, active duty, Reserve or National Guard issues, Service Academy Nominations, connections to state and local officials
Constituent Service Representatives
Paula Brown: Previously worked in the Delhi Office. For 15 years prior to joining Congressman Gibson's congressional staff in 2011, Paula owned and operated Catskill Country Market, a small business in Downsville. A lifetime Town of Colchester resident, is married to Steven C. Brown and they are raising their three children: TJ, Delaney and Steven.
Christine Schiff: Ulster County native moved to Sullivan County in 1991. Christine is married to Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff, and together they have raised four children: Reia, Lila, Dara and David. Christine sits on many boards throughout the community including ones relating to veterans, and her local knowledge of Sullivan County will assist the Congressman greatly in working on local issues.