JOHN WALLER, Staff Writer
Saturday, January 26
MANCHESTER — Local shoppers got a chance to discuss more important issues than paper or plastic in the check-out line on Friday.

Vermont's U.S. Rep. Peter Welch set up shop at Shaw's Supermarket during the afternoon to hear what his constituents had to say about the state of Vermont and the nation in an informal setting. Welch, a Democrat, said he has been going around the state since he was elected in 2006 for the informal events he calls, "Congress in Your Community."

"It's a way of keeping in touch with Vermonters," he said. "Getting to know what's on their mind ... I find it one of the best things I do; it's grassroots politics at its best."

Last winter, constituents usually started talking immediately about the Iraq War, said Welch, who returned from the war zone two weeks ago. But now, he said conversation usually turns toward the economy, specifically fuel bills, job security and, appropriately, grocery bills.

In Manchester, he said people talked to him about affordability. "I talked to people who grew up here but can't afford to move back in town," he said.

Resident Andrew Tarantino, who owns A Safe Place Self-Storage and who has lived in town for 34 years, told the congressman he did not support the $150 billion economic stimulus package that was announced Thursday and would offer rebates of $300 to $1,200 per household.

"I don't think the money will have any long-term economic benefits," he said.

Tarantino said he would rather have seen a large chunk of the money go to Vermont and then have the interest on that money help reduce the state's property tax in future years. He said he also would have rather have seen the money go toward the state's infrastructure, education fund or toward making college more affordable.

Other residents brought up more local concerns.

Fred Siegel,  a retired resident,  told Welch there is a shortage of primary care doctors in Manchester because it is not as profitable for doctors to come to rural areas. Siegel said he does not want to have to go to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center every time he has a cold.

Steve Nichols, a member of the Manchester Select Board, stopped by to explain some of the challenges facing the town, and Dorset Town Manager Peter Webster dropped by to talk about the Manchester Challenge and other energy issues facing Vermont.

Paul Myers, a resident of Peru, said he would like to see the federal government stimulate energy-efficient industries in the state.

Welch was also told that Congress should not be wasting its time worrying about Major League Baseball. "We've got a war going on, people are homeless and jobless and millions are below the poverty line," said Robert Zeif, an avid baseball fan who thought Congress's priorities needed tweaking.

Welch agreed, saying that just because things are interesting to people does not mean Congress should get involved. Welch, who was in Fair Haven last week, will be meeting Vermonters in Randolph today.