Demonstration at Reichert's office

Another demonstration took place at Congressman Dave Reichert's office on Wednesday afternoon. This is the third demonstration in the last month over various issues.

Wednesday's event, organized by MoveOn, Washington CAN, Working Washington and ChangeNation, was to highlight the jobs issue. More than 70 people showed up, according to coordinator Rich Stolz.

According to the group, "Unemployment in Rep. Reichert’s district is at 10 percent and has been increasing. Nearly 20 percent of people in Washington (or one out of every five people) are either unemployed, looking for more work, or have stopped looking for work. Rep. Reichert’s constituents will be ready to share their stories of how joblessness has hurt them, hurt their families, and hurt their communities."

Islanders and non-Island residents gathered near Reichert's office at noon, some coming specifically for the event and others joining the cause after seeing the group on the sidewalk.

Island resident SaraLee Kane said she has attended several MoveOn events and came to Wednesday's demonstration because she's concerned that there is not enough awareness about what is happening to the general public.

Another Island resident, Ellen Jeffcott, who has lived here for 37 years, said she feels Reichert has become a puppet for the Republican cause and that she doesn't see enough independent thinking from him or concern for the local people, even though they are who he is representing.

Contact Mercer Island Reporter Reporter Megan Managan at mmanagan@mi-reporter.com or (206) 232-1215 ext. 5054.

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