Sigmon vows to open offices in each county

NEWTON—Congressional candidate Lance Sigmon is promising voters that he will open at least one office in each of the 10 counties of the 10th District if he is successful in unseating incumbent Rep. Patrick McHenry in the May 6 Republican primary.

Explaining his plan “to bring the services of the U.S. congressman’s office closer to the people he serves,” the Newton attorney said he thinks the plan will be manageable “and within my operating budget through cooperation with local officials.”

Currently our congressman has three offices in the district—his main office in Hickory, plus satellite offices in Spruce Pine and Shelby.

Sigmon said he doesn’t expect any significant increases in the staff or expenses, “but I believe it’s important to bring constituent services to each neighborhood on a regular basis.”

The retired Air Force officer said he planned to ask some city or county governments to make “a small room with a desk, a table and a couple of chairs” available on a regular basis to allow local citizens to meet with their congressional staff.

“We will provide a laptop mobile computer and cell phone for our staff,” Sigmon explained, “so we don’t think we are asking too much from local governments. Everywhere I go in the district—and I’ve been to each county at least five times—people tell me they want more personalized service from their congressman.”

“Many people have told me,” Sigmon said, “how much trouble they have getting a response to their questions or concerns from the congressman’s office.  I have especially heard this complaint from veterans seeking benefits they are entitled to after serving our country.”

Most of the offices, he said, would be part-time offices except for the main 10th District office. “Still, even if part-time, the offices will each have regularly scheduled hours and will bring congressional services to the people - giving people a staff member who they can interact with directly instead of relying on phone or e-mail.

“One of the basic services that a congressman should provide is assistance to the people home,” he added. “I can help deliver constituent services to those who need them, including assistance in preparing grant applications for local agencies and non-profit organizations.”

The candidate retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel in 2005 and moved with his family back to Catawba County.

All I know is everytime I needed something from Congressman McHenry, he delivered very quickly.  Medals for my wife’s Grandfather who served in WWII and provided a personal tour of the Capital for me and my family in 2005.  Great job Congressman McHenry, keep up the good work.  This madness of attacks will be over on May 6th.

“Michael” must be one of Cong. McHenry’s cohorts to claim he helps out so much. I’ve had PLENTY of issues I needed his help with, and I’ve never even so much as received a letter from his Constituent Services group. I was polite and nice and tried to be as “easy” as possible, but not only have I been ignored, I was told I was being “harassing”. Riiiight.

Jim,
Just like all others who hate McHenry, and I’m not saying you don’t have a reason, you claim I am a “cohort of McHenry” because I told the truth of what he did for me and my family?  Then what would that make you?  I assume you are telling the truth that he didn’t perform to your satisfaction and I take you at your word.  He and his staff did a wonderfull job for me and I will always give credit where it is due.

Thanks you very much.

Jim, your situation is par for the course with McHenry.  When you see the posts here and in other blogs about how much help he is, you can bet that they are written by McHenry staffers.  He is well known for having staffers do this to cover up his failures...or at least try to.  The way you were treated is the same way most folks in the far western counties of the district have been treated since he was first elected.  He only comes around at election time or to get his picture in the paper presenting a grant check made possible by the efforts of someone else.  McHenry cares about his own political advancement...nothing else.  The residents of the Tenth Congressional District deserve better than the total embarrassment we have now for our congressman.

I have a friend who has contacted Mchenry’s office at least 7 times, between e-mails and phone calls.  They will not respond to her requests for assistance.  She asked to make an appointment to speak to him when he’s in town.  Still no response.  She’s contacted his local offices and his DC office.  Her dad needs help with VA services, and is not able to do it on his own.  Its very sad.

Tenth District Resident above apparently doesn’t have a name. 

Sigmon lost the debate in disgraceful fashion Saturday at the Tenth District Debate between him and McHenry.

However, McHenry was gracious in that he said he would support the Republican nomination and make a donation to his campaign should he not win.

Sigmon said he wouldn’t support the Republican nominee so I guess he is supporting a liberal Democrat after May 6th.  Good Republican that Sigmon.

Michael, I imagine there will be plenty of good Republicans supporting Johnson in the fall should McHenry win the primary...especially in the western end of the district.  If you want to see where McHenry’s support lies, go to his website and click on “Endorsements”...then tell me how many names you see from Avery and Mitchell Counties.  That should give you a clue regarding how he has treated the folks here...which are some of the strongest Republicans in the nation.  On the other hand, since you are most likely a McHenry staffer I imagine you already know that he has instructed his people to ignore those counties because he “does not need their support to win”.

I was at the 10th District debate on Saturday, and I disagree totally with Michael’s representation of the results. 

As an unaffiliated voter, I attended to decide whether to pull the Republican or Democratic ticket on Tuesday.  I think McHenry was obviously playing to the Republican crowd when he said that he would support Sigmon if Sigmon won the nomination.  It wasn’t gracious - it was gutless and dishonest.  Sigmon was honest - said he was a Christian and would not be able to support him. He also specifically said that he would not support the Democrats either.

Maybe that was not the “Politically Correct” thing to do - but I have much more admiration for someone who is not afraid to speak his mind than someone who tries to please everyone.

I was also amazed at the rudeness of the McHenry supporters during Sigmon’s comments. 

As an unaffiliated voter - I don’t necessarily want someone who blindly follows the “party” line - I want someone who can think for himself and is not afraid to speak up.  Sigmon has my vote.

MICHAEL: I don’t know who you are, of course, but I find it interesting that you are ONE respondent who found McHenry helpful, while several others have the opposite view. And for the record, I saw that debate Saturday, and Lance stomped McHenry’s butt...on the issues and on character. And, where’s the logic in the way you guys seem to think? McHenry said in today’s paper how he WOULD support Lance because he wants the 10th to be represented by a CONSERVATIVE...yet you insult Lance by calling him a liberal. Is that the best you can do?

Mr. Benfield,

I saw you there in all your tasteless glory.  Your fist in the air with your thumb pointed down every time McHenry spoke.  I don’t believe you are a good example for Sigmon to be following.  I respect the views of everyone here, but it seems that everyone gets very offended when you don’t go along with their personal stories and have a personal story of your own.  Good day, and let the voting begin then we will see where the PEOPLE of the 10th district stand on this issue.

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