"Many of you have written to my office to voice your opinions on issues, some have called or e-mailed, and others are able to simply stop by one of our district offices in Prescott, Hot Springs, El Dorado, or Pine Bluff to visit with me or a member of my staff.  But because our district is so large geographically, it can be difficult for those of you who don’t live near one of these offices to get what you need.  That’s why I’m bringing my office on the road.

"Over the next few weeks, I am hosting a series of community office hours where you can come in and meet with me or a member of our district staff about what’s on your mind.  Whether you’d like to voice your opinion about a federal issue, or if you need assistance with social security or veterans’ benefits or any area where my staff may be of help, you are welcome to drop in and see us.

"This week, I plan to host office hours in Hamburg, Eudora, Monticello, Star City, Rison, and Camden.  Office hours have already been held in Little River, Columbia, Polk, Scott, and Logan Counties, and there will be a lot more over the next few weeks, so check your local paper or call one of my district offices to make sure you meet up with us.

"We look forward to visiting with you in your hometowns, and as always welcome your comments and suggestions on federal issues that affect your daily lives.  When it comes time for me to press that “yea” or “nay” button in the House of Representatives, I want to do so knowing that vote is in your best interest."

Monday, August 11
Ashley County Courthouse in Hamburg, 1:00 pm
Commerce Center in Eudora, 4:00 pm

Tuesday, August 12
Drew County Courthouse in Monticello, 2:00 pm

Wednesday, August 13
Community Center in Star City, 1:00 pm
Cleveland County Courthouse in Rison, 3:30 pm

Friday, August 15
Ouachita County Courthouse in Camden, 10:45 am

PHOTO: Ross visits with constituents at Community Office Hours in Booneville

“I am especially proud of this group of interns,” Ross said.  “These three students are bright, gifted, and promising products of our Arkansas public schools, and they have been enthusiastic about their duties as interns.  Our office internships are designed to teach our students about the importance of public service through their work in our Congressional office.  This experience in our nation’s capital has been educational and rewarding for them, and I know these three students will have great success in their future endeavors.”

Mary Ellen Bost, daughter of James and Grace Bost, is a 2000 graduate of Pine Bluff High School.  She is currently a senior at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, pursuing a degree in Broadcast Journalism.  She is an active member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and will graduate in May 2004.  Bost served as Ross’s press intern, and assisted with preparation for press conferences, district work period events, and production and distribution of Ross’s monthly cable show.

Jared Hux is a graduate of Junction City High School and will graduate in May 2004 with a degree in Agricultural Business Management from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.  The son of Kevin and Kaye Hux is quite active in his college, participating in fundraisers, recruiting sessions, commencement services, and other activities as a Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture Ambassador.  Hux is also an active member of the Agricultural Business Club, and plans to pursue a master’s degree in Agricultural Business after graduation.

Russell Niemyer is the son of Charles and Doris Niemyer of Ross’s hometown, Prescott.  Niemyer is a 2000 graduate of Prescott High School, and is currently a student at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, where he is a Music major also working on a minor in History.  He is active in the ASU music department and in the Student Government Association as the College of Fine Arts Senator.  Niemyer hopes to attend law school after graduation and to work in the political arena supporting the arts and education.

Information on Congressman Ross’s internship program is available at www.house.gov/ross or by calling (800) 223-2220.