Queens Tribune
 
....August 21, 11:00 AM
 
Congressman Takes Office On The Road

Eileen Weinblatt speaks to U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner.

By Emilie Schneider

Residents, who are unable to visit the district offices of U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Kew Gardens), had an opportunity to speak to him during his mobile office tour on Monday.

Standing in front of his “Weinermobile,” parked near the Key Food Supermarket in Fresh Meadows, Weiner answered people’s questions ranging from flooding problems, to the rising cost of health care and school tuition. His staff members wore t-shirts bearing the question, “How Can Congressman Anthony Weiner Help You?” They also passed out fliers on the corner to passersby and took down their information so Weiner could address their concerns.

For Eileen Weinblatt, who lives on Parsons Boulevard, this was an opportunity to hear what Weiner had to say on certain issues.

“I’m interested in hearing what he has to say,” Weinblatt said. “I heard he may be thinking of running for mayor and I am wondering if what he has to say is different than what we have now.”

She spoke to Weiner about her husband who takes a large amount of medication to keep him healthy and since most of the brands are not generic, they are very expensive. For three months the drugs cost $375, which they have to pay because her husband fell into the Donut Hole of Medicare’s Part D prescription drug plan. The Donut Hole is a coverage gap between the initial limit and the catastrophic limit.

“I like the fact that he [Weiner] understands that,” Weinblatt said. “His own father even fell into the Donut Hole this year and he understands the problem.”

Providing this opportunity for constituents is important to Weiner, who said his job is removing barriers between citizens and government. The “Weinermobile” is for his constituents who are not able to visit his office or who might not think to do it.

In addition to the stop in Fresh Meadows, Weiner visited Rego Park, and is continually adding stops to his mobile office tour.

“When I ran for mayor last time I walked through parks and the boardwalk and Union Square. Meeting voters is what I like doing,” he said. “I would probably keep doing this even if I was elected mayor. This is what government is supposed to do.”

Even in the sweltering heat, the elderly speak to the congressman.

Seminerio Steps Down, Pleads Guilty

Hundreds Get In Line For Handful Of Jobs

Man Caught On Video Trashing Political Signs

Hiram Claims Reform, Dems Disagree

City Geese Removal Not Linked To Trash

Public Art Installation Destroyed By Vandals

Facing Foreclosure? Find Help With 311

Judge OKs Vantage Tenants’ Lawsuit

Iranian Election Votes Cast In Queens

Centers Saved But Programs Face Cut

COBRA Coverage May Be Extended

BP Offers Guide On Immigrant Aid

Mayoral Control Saga Winding Down

Back To School After Graduation?

Amigos Strike Back: Albany In Chaos After Monday’s Coup

Boro Loses A Soldier Serving In Afghanistan

Maloney Poll Shows Edge Over Gillibrand

Jamaica High School On the Rebound

Hearings Set For Waste Transfer Station

Sanitation Commish Defending Trash Plan

Vantage Response System Earns Praise

Avella’s Existence Doubles Thompson’s $$

Queens School Ready For The Bronx