By Shoba Dasari for Wahpeton Daily News
Constituents in Breckenridge had the opportunity to share concern and ask questions directly to congressional staff from the office of U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach, (Minnesota 7th District, Republican), during “mobile office hours” recently at the Breckenridge Public Library.
The event was led by Jake Borud, district outreach representative and Mandy Heffron, district outreach and communications representative. The mobile office hours provided access to federal services and offered a space for residents to voice issues ranging from policy concerns to casework assistance.
Fischbach’s staff members said they want to be accessible to constituents outside of the offices in Willmar and Moorehead and emphasized the importance of being present and listening to concerns.
One Breckenridge resident, Gary Welharticky, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to speak with staff, noting that while he had “no complaints about the staff,” he voiced serious concerns about issues in Washington, D.C.
“All the cuts to essential programs, the whipsaw action of tariffs and how our international standing has declined. It’s disappointing,” Welharticky said. “Government should be a service, not a profit-making venture. We need to focus on people's needs, not cutting Medicaid and Social Security and hurting everybody .”
Welharticky also raised concerns about climate changes and long-term shift of wealth towards the top 1% adding, “Because we only have one opportunity. We can't miss on that.”
Breckenridge Mayor Russ Wilson also engaged with the staff, highlighting several federal issues that impact Breckenridge directly.
“If we can get some answers on our levee certification, it'll save some folks money on flood insurance,” he said. “If we can find some grant funding or money for infrastructure, it brings us much closer to a new development for housing and some commercial.”
Wilson also raised alarm over proposed reductions in aid to local government.
“I just read this morning that they're dropping that 3.1%. And small cities like ours — that's usually 50% of the budgets or more — will be forced to cut. And you can't cut services, you have to cut people,” he said. “We don't want to do that because we need everybody we got.”
The Fischbach staff said they meet regularly with residents across Minnesota’s expansive 7th Congressional District, which stretches from the Canadian border to nearly the Iowa border. These visits help ensure the citizens have direct contact with staff for help with federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security, Veteran Affairs, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Farm Service Agency.
The event saw a steady turnout and offered a forum for dialogue between the public and Fischbach’s office. According to the Fischbach’s office staff, each person who shares their information will receive a follow-up response. Mobile office hours are held monthly throughout the district.
