Last week's article about a typical constituency week prompted a constituent to write a letter to the editor regarding the great staff I have working with me. She was right on! I often say to my staff or anyone else who will listen that they do all the hard work and I get all the credit.

PHOTO CREDIT - GuyLauzon.ca

Cornwall - Dec. 6, 2011 - Last week's article about a typical constituency week prompted a constituent to write a letter to the editor regarding the great staff I have working with me. She was right on! I often say to my staff or anyone else who will listen that they do all the hard work and I get all the credit.

Staff can make or break a Member of Parliament. Ninety five percent of constituents who call or visit an MP's office deal with the staff and not the MP. If the service is professional, courteous and timely, constituents leave the office with a good impression of their MP.

I am blessed with having the best staff any MP could possibly have. And all but one live in Stormont, Dundas & South Glengarry. During an average week my offices receive 250 in person visits, 500 phone calls and 2,000 emails and letters. They process 200 passport applications, dozens of EI, CPP, OAS and Disability Tax Credit inquiries. All of this service is provided promptly and with good humour.

Everywhere I go constituents compliment me on the service they receive from my staff. Further evidence of the great service they provide the constituents of SD&SG is the constant stream of candy and flowers dropped off at our offices by grateful constituents.

I want to sincerely thank Ann Brady for her letter to the editor reminding me of the wonderful staff I have. Sometimes I get caught up in the pressures of the moment and forget to acknowledge their great support and service. So to try to make up for my oversight, I would like to publicly thank Francine Lepage, Eric Duncan, Denise Jalbert, Sue Dingwall, Dani Tedesco, Kayleigh Heathcote, Ninetta Caparelli and the best volunteer ever, Claire Pelky for their dedication and loyalty.

Thank you for making me look so good!