Rep. Bilirakis Opens New Plant City Office

Rep. Bilirakis Opens New Plant City Office
By Tamas Mondovics
U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL.), representing Florida’s 9th Congressional District, welcomed Plant City officials and county government representatives earlier this month to celebrate the grand opening of his new congressional district office in Plant City.During a brief speech to the close to 50 in attendance, Bilirakis explained the purpose of the new office, which is now located at 110 W Reynolds Street, Suite 101 Plant City, inside the Young and Moody Building. “One of the most important things I do as a U.S. Representative is assist people with federal issues, and every year my congressional office helps thousands of individuals cut through red tape,” said Bilirakis. “I hope residents of Eastern Hillsborough County will use the new Plant City office as a resource whenever they need information, assistance or wish to share their views.” Bilirakis said that the new Plant City office (one of two offices in his district, the other located 35111 US Highway 19 North, Suite 301. Palm Harbor) stands ready to help individuals in need of assistance with a myriad of federal issues, including, but not limited to: Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, grant information, and expediting passports.But, the Congressman also took a moment to mention his focus and concern of some of the most pressing issues including the current healthcare reform, immigration issues, unemployment and the uncertainty of the future of small businesses, which he said could be strengthened by some incentives such as tax breaks. Plant City Mayor Rick Lott expressed his appreciation to Bilirakis for his decision of opening the new office in Plant City. “Congressman Bilirakis always works in our behalf and try to help us and our city,” Lott said.  Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham (District 4) was also pleased with the location of the new office.“This is where my roots are,” Higginbotham said. “The Congressman opening his new office here in Plant City means a lot to me and those it will serve.” In closing, Bilirakis specifically commented on the fact that although it is an election year, the new location is not a campaign office.“My trade mark is being approachable,” he said as he concluded by saying, “It’s not about the reelection but working hard in the best interest of the United States of America. This office will help to better serve the constituents of Eastern Hillsborough County.”