Mark Humphrey and Robert Chacon
On the morning of a devastating terrorist attack in London, Rep. Adam
Schiff paid a visit to the Glendale Farmer's Market at Brand
Boulevard and Wilson Avenue, where constituents were eager to hear
his thoughts on the morning's events and related issues.
Schiff has been visiting farmer's markets within his district,
which includes Glendale, Burbank and Pasadena, for three months now.
"Generally, two types of people come here: those who are aware
that I'll be here and come with questions on specific issues, and
those who don't know I'm coming and tend to ask a broader range of
questions," Schiff said.
Schiff answered questions at a booth and also proceeded to walk
around the farmer's market, introducing himself to shoppers and
shaking hands with vendors.
Constituents at the farmer's market generally asked Schiff about
foreign and international concerns such as the morning's bombings in
London, which killed 37, and the ongoing conflict in Iraq.
"Every voice for peace adds to the clamor to stop the madness in
Iraq," said La Crescenta resident Sharon Weisman, who came to see
Schiff.
Attendees also asked Schiff for his thoughts on a wide swath of
domestic issues, including but not limited to the Patriot Act and the
Supreme Court seat recently vacated Sandra Day O'Connor.
"Ideally, we would like to get someone [on the Supreme Court] with
the same pragmatism as Sandra Day O'Connor," Schiff told inquisitive
constituents. "We'd also like to see someone selected who everyone
supports. After all, Sandra Day O'Connor was confirmed by a 99-0
vote."
Not everyone was satisfied with the answers that Schiff gave.
"I've talked to people [in the Middle East] who have told me that
the way the Americans are treating the Iraqi people is terrible,"
said Glendale resident Irena Varjabedian, who came to ask about
holding a town hall meeting to discuss Iraq. "The congressman did not
agree with what I had to say, unfortunately," Varjabedian said.
Schiff, though, is aware that it is difficult to please everyone.
"Every farmer's market offers a different sort of interaction; no
two are the same," Schiff said. "Really, it's a nice opportunity for
people to come buy some fresh produce and get to meet their
representative while they're at it."
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