Congressman hopeful Roy Herron visits Camden

The focus of Roy Herron's visit to Camden on Monday was the need for jobs. After Herron recognized elected officials who were at the meeting he got right into the high unemployment rate Benton County is experiencing.

According to Herron, unemployment is at 13 percent across the district. He states that his number one priority is bringing in jobs.

Herron, a candidate for John Tanner's U.S. House of Representatives seat, stated that the country cannot keep exporting jobs to foreign countries. For an example he used Henry I Siegel. The H.I. S. plant that was formerly located in Bruceton hired several people and provided an income for many families. Bruceton lost the plant because moving to Mexico would result in the plant paying cheaper wages. Later the plant moved from Mexico to the Pacific Rim for the same reason.

He stressed the importance of making changes in Washington, D.C.

"We owe more debt to foreign countries than at any other time in our history, but better days are coming and we are going to get there," Herron said. "We need to find ways to keep industry here."

Herron allowed those present to ask questions and make comments. When one man started telling him how far back the problems go, Herron said "There is plenty of blame to go around but we have to get beyond it."

He said it was important to remember that we are Americans first and we want a better future without putting our children further in debt. He emphasized the need to cut spending and to educate the citizens so they will be prepared for jobs in the 21st century.

One citizen was concerned that the retirees did not receive a cost of living raise but congressmen and other people working in government did.

Herron said he would not refuse a raise but he would put the money back into his district if elected. He also expressed a desire to see the insurance system changed. For an example he used to know a man who had cancer 18 years ago, but had remained cancer free since. No insurance company will give him insurance because of his previous cancer.

After Herron finished taking questions, lunch was served to those present. Herron stayed and talked personally with many of the guests before having to leave for another appointment.