Gilchrest, Chief of Staff Honored
Gilchrest, Chief of Staff Honored For Fighting Lyme Disease
The Star Democrat
September 16, 2007
By Ted Bond, Staff Writer
GRASONVILLE — Congressman Wayne Gilchrest, R-Md.-1st, received two certificates at Annie’s Paramount Steak and Seafood House Thursday evening for working to increase federal support for those with Lyme disease.
He received one certificate of appreciation from the Lyme Disease Education and Support Groups of Maryland and one from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society.
His chief of staff, Tony Caligiuri, also received a certificate of appreciation from the Lyme Disease Education and Support Groups of Maryland.
“They’ve led the country with Lyme disease legislation. They’ve always supported (us) with everything we need …” said Lucy Barnes, director of the Lyme Disease Education and Support Groups of Maryland.
The presentation was made before Gilchrest spoke to a group of about 50 people gathered at Annie’s for a dinner hosted by the Chesapeake Republican Women. Queen Anne’s County Commission President Eric Wargotz and Maryland Del. Richard Sossi, R-36-Queen Anne’s, also were present.
Gilchrest touched on issues he expects to be discussed this fall.
“I want to frame the issues with what I feel is my sense of America — where are we now, where did we come from, and where are we going?” he said.
He said the cornerstone of the country is integrity.
Gilchrest said he does not support immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq, but rather a gradual withdrawal with focus on improving diplomatic relations with neighboring countries in the Middle East.
He also discussed his support of an energy bill to explore alternative fuels to reduce reliance on foreign oil and a cap and trade bill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He said he supports health care reforms that are affordable for the federal government.
Gilchrest voiced his objection to No Child Left Behind because it trains students to take a federal test. He also stated that, while immigration will not be an issue this fall, it is such a large problem that it needs several pieces of legislation, not one all-encompassing panacea, to fix it.