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The 2nd Congressional District is larger than any state east of the Mississippi River. That’s right, state. So it is welcome news that U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., is opening a regional office in La Grande to complement ones already up and running in Medford and Bend.
The move will allow Northeast Oregon constituents better access to the congressman and his staff and improve the odds that local problems of a federal nature will get solved in a timely manner.
The new office at 1211 Washington Ave., directly across from the post office, features a state-of-the-art video conferencing link between all of Walden’s offices. The La Grande office is staffed by Colby Marshall, who in addition to being Walden’s Eastern Oregon connection, also serves as policy adviser on agriculture and natural resource issues.
The congressman has a huge challenge and responsibility. The vast district was built on a strong foundation of agriculture and natural resources. Today new opportunities abound in such areas as technology, energy and telecommunications. Walden has been up to the challenge to date, and probably keeps in better contact with his district than just about any congressman. He travels cross country most weekends, which helps him remember who butters his bread and who is holding him accountable for playing a constructive role in national policy-making.
Access to a congressman is important. Too often these days people are apathetic and alienated toward the federal government and lawmaking. Too often, it seems, lobbyists and big-money interests seem to have all the access. Individuals, whether rich or poor or in between, need to feel as if they can make a difference and their grass-roots voices are being heard, that their pocketbook issues matter.
Opening an office in La Grande further cements the importance of the community and the value of Eastern Oregon University to the region. Students will get valuable experience in politics working in Walden’s office. Having the office in La Grande will ensure that local voices are heard in Washington, D.C.
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Opinion 
