If you’ve always wanted to ask a Congressman or a Senator why our government is the way it is, then today is your chance. Sen. Richard Shelby will be in town for a public meeting with county residents.

Sen. Shelby does this every year, and I have always enjoyed the meetings.

One year, the event was held at Clanton City Hall. Last year, he visited Helen Jenkins Chapel in Thorsby. Although his foot was in a cast, he still made the trip to Chilton County.

Today, he will meet residents at Helen’s Place. This is an excellent opportunity for everyone to meet Sen. Shelby and ask him questions about the federal government. If you have concerns about the federal economic stimulus package, you will have the chance to ask him about what it means for us. Sen. Shelby did oppose the stimulus package, and I’m sure that is going to be one of the topics he will bring up.

Each year, our senior senator always makes the trek around the state to see residents in all 67 counties, and I applaud him for doing that. I think this is one reason why he has been so successful maintaining his seat, being in office since 1986.

Sen. Shelby has represented us well and has important committee assignments. He is a ranking member of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and a ranking member of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee. In addition, he is a senior member of the full Appropriations Committee and the Special Committee on Aging.

Even though Sen. Shelby may not touch on your main concern, he will answer questions about issues that are on your mind.

This is a good way to get involved in our community. While Sen. Shelby deals with a lot of national and international policy, he also must act on what his constituents’ needs are, especially if he wants to be reelected.

If you’re free around lunchtime today, why not drop by and see our senator? It should be an interesting experience.