LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
I am writing in response to
Ron Miller's opinion piece on Congressman Steny Hoyer that ran on October 28, 2009.
I've known Congressman Hoyer for nearly 20 years, and during that entire time he has always put the needs of his neighbors in Southern Maryland first and foremost in everything that he has done. Congressman Hoyer has always represented the interests of the 5th Congressional District with extreme diligence, care, insight, and class. To suggest otherwise ignores his impeccable record of service and support for the people of Southern Maryland, and indeed the entire nation.
Mr. Miller states that the Congressman only cares about Patuxent River Naval Air Station because of the votes it gets him. Miller provides absolutely no evidence to support that claim and if we look to the Congressman's record, it is through his efforts in securing essential funding that Patuxent River Naval Air Station is universally recognized as the premier research, development test and evaluation facility for aviation in the world. With Congressman Hoyer, it's not about votes, it's about assuring that our Military has all the tools it needs to test the effectiveness and safety of aircraft and everything that our military personnel need to keep them safe and to be successful in their work. We are very fortunate to have a Congressman who has the vision to look ahead for every opportunity to strengthen Pax River and who time and time again personally goes to the Pentagon to successfully advocate for programs that will further its mission. In the process, thousands of good paying jobs are created and sustained, not only for the people who work there, but for those who are employed by the many other businesses in the community so important to assuring the well being of a growing community.
The proof is in the pudding. Congressman Hoyer gets elected time and again because he delivers what the people in Southern Maryland want - good jobs, an economy that is doing well even in the face of our state and nation's economic difficulties, and because they know that he is a national leader who never forgets where he lives and the people that are his neighbors.
Mr. Miller's attack on the Congressman is baseless and desperate. His evidence is lacking and his own political stripes are all too evident. When you look at the facts, it's obvious that Congressman Hoyer is truly a representative of his constituents and makes every effort to support them, listen to them, and advocate for them. It's no wonder that he will continue to be our Congressman.
Joe Anderson
Drayden
Note: Mr. Anderson served as a St. Mary’s County Commissioner from 1998-2002 as a Democrat.