By Joyce Kryszak
Williamsville, NY – Newly elected Congresswoman Kathy Hochul called it the ultimate irony. At the opening of her district office in Williamsville Thursday Hochul said it's certainly ironic that scandal precipitated her election - and now another scandal engulfs Democrats.
Constituents who came to meet Hochul at her new office lavished her with praise. Integrity, sincerity, honorable. Those were a only few of the nice words heard from constituents such as Tony Sammarco from Lockport. He told Hochul her presence in Congress is sorely needed.
Sammarco was eluding to the scandal that ushered out former Congressman Chris Lee. And the new one swirling around Congressman Anthony Weiner of New York. Hochul said Weiner should have to answer for his behavior.
Hochul says providing the best possible constituent services is her first priority, and that is exactly what she did Thursday, officially openning her district office for business.
About a dozen constituents and supporters were there to greet the Congresswoman when the doors opened.
Hochul said serving the needs of those who elected her is her first priority. And she is ready to hit the ground running.
"We're delighted to take over the space that was left behind before, so we're pretty much up and running. We've got a fax machine, computers and our desks and we're just going to be staffing up very shortly to make sure we can handle all the constituent issues and represent our people as best we can," said Hochul.
While in Washington, Hochul said she talked personally with President Obama telling him the specific needs of the 26th district and reaffirmed her commitment to protecting Medicare.
You can contact Hochul and her staff at the Willimasville distict office on the fourth floor at 325 Essjay Road. The local phone number is 634-2324.