Word From Washington

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

As a newly elected member of Congress, I wanted to take a moment to reintroduce myself to my new employers: the hard-working taxpayers of Northeast Ohio.

My name is Dave Joyce and on Nov. 6 of last year, I was elected by the citizens of Ohio's 14th district to serve as your representative.

As the son of a World War II veteran from a middle-class Irish family in Geauga County, I never expected to become a member of Congress. And although I realize I've joined a group with a 14 percent approval rating, being elected to serve the people of Northeast Ohio has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

Over the last several weeks I've been on a listening tour in the district, during which I've met with educators, students, small business owners, health care experts, local elected officials and hard-working taxpayers. One thing that I hear over and over again is, "Why can't Congress get anything done?"

That's a great question and I want my constituents to know that I plan on working with anyone, and everyone, to bring jobs to our area – regardless of party lines.

I'm someone who still believes in the American Dream that, if you work hard and play by the rules, you can get ahead. Part of my job is restoring this notion and making sure that Washington is helping – not hurting – Ohioans achieve that American Dream.

One of the most important aspects of my job is making sure that I'm hearing from you. I encourage all constituents to share any comments, observations, or requests for assistance with my Twinsburg, Painesville or D.C. offices. We have trained staff there ready to assist you with flags, help with a federal agency, passports, Capitol tours and many other services.

Also, please visit my website at joyce.house.gov. This is my 24-hour online office and we're happy to address any requests made there as well. There you'll also find links to my Twitter and Facebook accounts, which you'll hopefully find useful in providing timely updates on what's going on in the district and D.C.

The more I hear from you, the better I can serve you.

I look forward to meeting with many of you, and working for all of you, in the years to come. It's an honor to serve our area and I assure you that I'll work hard every day for the people of Ohio's 14th district to find common sense and practical solutions. Something that I think all of us can agree is sorely missing from Washington D.C. these days.

Dave Joyce

@RepDaveJoyce

facebook.com/RepDaveJoyce

440-352-3939