LOGANSPORT — William and Dorothy Fox needed to talk about the property tax problems and the trail systems.

Brian and Margo Sears were hoping to discuss some cost-of-living concerns.

The Howell family just wanted the chance to meet a congressman.

Congressman Joe Donnelly held a Congress On Your Corner event Friday at Martin’s Supermarket to give the Second District constituents the opportunity to talk with him one-on-one about any topic on their minds. He sat down with about 20 people during the afternoon and spoke about issues ranging from Social Security and veterans benefits to tax concerns.

“We want everyone to have this chance so they don’t have to come down to my office and they don’t have to come to Washington, D.C.,” said Donnelly. “I want them to know that I’m available to them basically at their local coffee shop.

“It’s my job to serve the people of the district and that’s what I’m trying to do here today.”

Donnelly has already held several similar events throughout the district, including one in Kokomo just a couple weeks ago. This was his first time doing Congress On Your Corner in Logansport and he said he was pleased with the turnout.

Most people, like the Foxes and the Sears, came to Martin’s specifically to talk to Donnelly. Others, like the Howell family, were just doing their regular shopping and took the rare opportunity to meet an elected official.

The Foxes, who live in Royal Center, recently heard about the grant money going toward the Panhandle Pathway trail project, which will run from Logansport up to Winamac. They also spoke with Donnelly about the proposed increases in property taxes.

It was the first time the couple had ever met the congressman and they were pleased with what he had to say.

“I hope he can get something done,” said William Fox. “It’s pretty hard for one guy to get everything done.”

The Sears, who live in Logansport, are a working-class family with children just a few years removed from college. After reading about the event, they came to Martin’s to talk to Donnelly about ways to afford a good education for their children while still paying for the family’s daily necessities.

They were happy to hear about cuts in the interest rates for college loans that will help them better afford the tuition.

“We talked to him about the fact that we’re working class and we’re making more money now than we ever did in our lives, but it doesn’t go as far,” said Margo Sears. “... When you vote for somebody, you’d like to get to know them.”

Though people often come to Donnelly frustrated over complex issues, he said the mood at Friday’s Congress On Your Corner was light and informative.

“They just want help,” said Donnelly. “They’re very happy to see their congressman sitting down with them over coffee. It’s something they enjoy and it’s something I very, very much enjoy.

“This gives me a chance to get the real pulse of the district. I do get more wisdom here than I do in Washington and it helps me to be a better representative for the district when I am in Washington.”

Carla Knapp can be contacted at (574) 732-5150 or via e-mail at carla.knapp@pharostribune.com