U.S. SENATOR
JOHN BOOZMAN
Elected officials are entrusted by the public to represent their interests and fight for them. Throughout our nation’s history, we’ve seen public figures take different approaches and embody different styles of public service. I’d like to take a moment to share with you what I see as my number one job as one of your United States Senators: helping you.
As the late Arkansas Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt demonstrated, public service means more than just showing up to vote on legislation or appearing at local festivals, parades and public events to meet and greet voters. Those things are important, but there is another aspect of representation that goes on behind the scenes that can sometimes make a world of difference in someone’s life. I’m referring to the concept of “constituent service” that Congressman Hammerschmidt excelled at and which I have made it my goal to emulate for citizens across our state.
One of the mottos I have always carried with me during my time as an elected official is “to use the power of the office for good.” I’ve used this phrase to help foster a culture among my staff about the importance of serving and fighting for constituents. Our goal is always to be as helpful as possible whenever Arkansans turn to my office for assistance.
It’s important to note that this commitment to serve you transcends political parties, labels and ideologies. Whether or not we agree on a bill or a policy matter, it’s my job to be your advocate when you need a question answered or you’re having a problem with a federal agency.
Some of the most common forms of constituent service, or casework as it is sometimes referred to, are reaching out to federal departments and agencies like the IRS, Department of Veterans Affairs or the Social Security Administration when constituents have questions or concerns that are not being addressed. I take these situations seriously because I believe that your government should be accountable to you. Sometimes it unfortunately takes an inquiry or request from my office to force the bureaucracy to act.
While I will continue pushing to streamline bureaucratic institutions and promote efficiency within the federal government, I remain committed as ever to being a voice for you if you’re facing a problem that I can help with.
There are lots of ways to reach out and let me know how I can help. You can visit my website or contact any of my offices across the state. Another way for you to share your input or take the first step in alerting me to the trouble you’re having is to visit one of my mobile office events which are designed to bring my staff and our resources to you if you can’t make it to us.
I frequently host mobile offices throughout the state, and there are five coming up in Madison, Phillips, Little River, Van Buren and Lincoln counties during the week of November 12th. Please reach out to my office for more information about these events or with questions about any other ways that I can help you. I will continue my efforts to provide unmatched assistance to Arkansans for as long as I hold public office and encourage you to take me up on the offer to fight for you.