United States Congressman Visits Zanesville

Congressman Pat Tiberi (R) visited the Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce Tuesday.

During the meeting he fielded questions and concerns from a small group of community leaders. He touched on social security, energy regulations and the minimum wage. Tiberi said he enjoys having meetings like the one Tuesday because he feels government cannot run properly without hearing the citizens’ concerns.

"Listening to leaders in the community and job creators here at the chamber is always important in every community, and it kind of reaffirms what we’re trying to do in Washington, and that is trying to get job creators more tools for their toolbox to grow their businesses," Tiberi said.

He said bringing local businesses to the area is extremely important to foster economic growth. He believes that bringing in more jobs will bring a stronger economy than just raising the minimum wage.

"I think state minimum wage makes more sense than a federal minimum wage," Tiberi said. "At the end of the day you can’t raise a family on even $10.10 an hour, right?"

Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour is something President Obama has made strides to accomplish. The two other candidates in the race for the 12th district, Green Party member Bob Hart and democrat David Tibbs spoke at the candidates forum in Zanesville Sunday.