Womack visits Gravette

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

— U.S. Representative Steve Womack made a brief visit in Gravette May 10 to meet with Gravette Mayor Byron Warren and other local constituents. Decatur Mayor Charles Linam and James Boston, Decatur Public Works Director, were also present at the meeting in Gravette City Hall.

Womack, who is the Third Congressional District’s new Representative, told the group some of the activities of Congress during his first four months in office. He also toured several places in Gravette as time allotted for the stop allowed.

Womack said the first quarter of this year’s Congressional session was spent finalizing the nation’s 2011 budget, anaction carried over from last year’s Congress. The aim now, he explained, is to tackle the 2012 budget which should be approved later this year.

“Our aim (the Republican party) is to cut spending to the pre-stimulus amount. . . .with the priority of creating the right kind of jobs without increasing taxes.”

Touching on the increasing price of gasoline, Womack said, “There is a plentiful supply of oil available but the Administration’s policies are not allowing it to be developed (such as curtailing drilling in the Gulf). Rome is burning while gas prices go up,”he said.

“We’re overpowered with government regulations,” the Congressman said, noting the President’s programs mean increased taxes and more regulations. “I believe the best way we can help you (the American people) is to get the heck out of your way.”

Referring to foreign affairs, he said, “I don’t want to bash the president but he is completely devoid of a foreign policy.” Describing President Obama, Womack said, “My personal opinion is his motive is to make as many people as possible dependent on the government to better his chances of getting reelected.”

Womack, accompanied by his aide Jeff Thacker, briefly toured the Gravette Historical Museum, including the newly completed exhibit hall as well as the Gravette Public Library and the Boys and Girls Club. He also saw the work underway refurbishing the new municipal swimming pool.

News, Pages 8 on 05/25/2011