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Friday, March 29, 2024

Local offices, staff to anchor Rouzer’s service

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To stay responsive to the needs of the communities he represents, newly elected Republican Congressman David Rouzer will operate a district office in the New Hanover County Government Center.

Rouzer, who began officially representing North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District in Washington earlier this month, underlined his commitment to serving the citizens who elected him during a Jan. 26 visit to Wilmington, where he announced the location of his Wilmington district office and introduced staff members selected to work locally for him. Rouzer said he learned the importance of constituent service while working under U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C.

“That means if you have a problem, we have a problem,” Rouzer said to crowd of local leaders and supporters. “And that’s why I wanted to make sure we have an office here in Wilmington, and we’re really grateful to have it here at the local government complex.”

Also embracing elements that contributed to the success of his predecessor — Congressman Mike McIntyre, D-N.C., who represented the 7th Congressional District for almost 20 years — Rouzer announced the transition of McIntyre staffer Mary Ellen Simmons to his staff. Simmons won accolades from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association for her work with McIntyre.

“Mary Ellen has been a tremendous asset to our team already. That institutional knowledge is absolutely critical, so I’m very thankful to have Mary Ellen’s services,” Rouzer said.

Simmons, who came back from retirement to work part-time on Rouzer’s staff, will help groom deputy district director Chance Lambeth, who Rouzer said will be primarily focused on coastal issues.

“She knows so much, and has so many great contacts all throughout this district and among all the various agencies, particularly the Army Corps of Engineers,” Rouzer said, a statement to which Wrightsville Beach Mayor Pro Tem Darryl Mills nodded his head in affirmation from the front row.

Mills commended Rouzer’s choice of location and staff members for his Wilmington district office, which he said will help the congressman work with local leaders and citizens to accomplish goals.

“Personally, I’m pleased that he’s going to have an office this accessible to Wrightsville Beach, just down Eastwood Road,” Mills said. “It’s good he’s got McIntyre’s former assistant [Simmons] involved. She is very knowledgeable and she knows who to call.”

The office and staff will make it easier for leaders from Wrightsville Beach and other coastal communities to work with Rouzer in support of coastal infrastructure projects like beach renourishment and inlet dredging, Mills said, which the freshman congressman has identified as a priority along with terrestrial infrastructure and agriculture.

“We don’t take any of this for granted. He’s been very attentive to us, but the process is ongoing. Nothing’s really been accomplished yet, so our concerns remain and we will continue to be involved to make sure we get done for Wrightsville Beach what we need to get done,” Mills said.

Rouzer announced openings for two other district offices in Bolivia and Smithfield on Jan. 26. Office hours will be held in all 12 counties in the 7th Congressional District, he added. His Wilmington office is located in suite 113 of the county government center.

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