Randal Wallace

I was stunned last week when I learned of the impending retirement of Congressman Henry Brown. The general public has no idea what a loss this will be to our area. Henry Brown has been an extraordinary congressman for our area. All the while doing the job and getting results without the need to court T.V cameras all the time. He has lived up to the name “The Workhorse”

I know from experience the job he has done for the first district and for Myrtle Beach in particular. Every year I go to Washington D.C. to lobby congressman Brown and others for the needs of our city and area. We would discuss beach renourishment, ocean outfall projects, and I-73.  I also would attend the National League of Cities meeting where I serve on the steering committee for the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources committee.

My first year in office, I attended a workshop on how to effectively lobby your member of Congress. The entire class was about how your congressman will do just about anything not to have to talk in detail to you about your issue. They want to get you in and out of their office as fast as they can figure out how to do it. They also do not want to get stuck promising you anything.

So I walked over to Congressman Brown’s office armed with my new knowledge.  I knew not to ask about his wife , Billie, I knew not to let him talk about the pictures on the wall, not to allow staff to interrupt constantly. To get right down to business and get to the point.

I stepped into the front office and what do I hear with a thick Berkeley County accent. “Randal! Come on back!” Before I could ask a single question Congressman Brown goes through every issue I had without a note and without staff present to tell him anything. He had funding for this issue, he knew about that issue and of coarse he filled me in on I-73. It was amazing and before you knew it I asked “How is Ms. Billie”

He knew what I was there for and what I needed before I could even ask the question. That was Henry Brown. He also knew me and how interested I am in government. On another trip, I was whisked away to the capital itself. Through all the security and on the train. He let me stand outside the Chamber as he went into vote. I stood right by the door as Congressman after congressman walked into the chamber. He then took me upstairs and let me watch as a new congressman was sworn into office. Then off to a congressional reception we went and he introduced me to his colleagues. I have listened to others talk about how there congressman brushes them off. Not Henry Brown! I left Washington D.C. wide eyed and impressed with how great our country really is and more than a little impressed with OUR congressman Henry Brown.

Congressman Brown got the job done. He made sure we knew that Myrtle Beach and Horry County were priorities with him. He also made sure that ALL of his constituents knew that they were priorities as well. His office has helped thousands of residents in the first district with the help they needed in dealing with the Federal government.

The loss of Henry Brown as our congressman can not be overstated. It is vitally important that we elect someone that will take Myrtle Beach and Horry counties needs to heart, that will fight for us as well as all the district. Fight for us as Henry Brown has done. After looking at the entire field of potential candidates I already know who I think we should send up to Washington to fight for us.

Horry County’s own Representative Thad Viers I think would be the best choice. So if you see him I hope you will encourage him to run.

However, no matter who it is that steps into this void in the first congressional district. I have no doubt it will be a long time before we stop hearing ” Who ever is pretty good up there  BUT he is NO  Henry Brown”

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