This letter is written in response to the July 25 letter by Paula Blankenship (“Give me specifics”) that stated no one could give an example of John Boehner helping an individual. I have an excellent example.
I was diagnosed with a seizure disorder in my mid-20s. I lost my factory job because it was too dangerous to work in this position with my medical problem. I had a wife and baby girl at home, and no one would help me. I was refused welfare or any housing assistance as I had been employed recently and didn’t meet their guidelines. I was unable to support my family and unable to work in the area in which I had training.
In desperation, I called John Boehner’s office and explained my predicament. I was treated with respect. I was told that I was a perfect example of someone the system should help.
Mr. Boehner’s office called the welfare office and spoke to someone there. I immediately received a call from my case worker and was told that they made a mistake and I would get assistance, food stamps, housing assistance and — best of all — retraining. I was on government assistance for less than two years.
My retraining enabled me to get a good job in a safe environment and I have been a taxpaying citizen ably supporting his own family for more than 20 years — because of Mr. Boehner.
The system worked because of him. He didn’t have to get involved in my situation but he did and for that he will always have my support.
It is very easy to get carried away by emotion when politics are involved; hyperbole and exaggeration are the result. Ms. Blankenship’s letter is a good example of that.
Mark Sprowles
Middletown
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