Despite the rain, more than 2,000 people poured into Toyota of El Cajon for a chance to speak with Sen. Joel Anderson at his annual Holiday Legislative Open House on Thursday, Nov. 21. Anderson said that this event has grown each year and that it provides his constituents the opportunity to speak with him, have photos taken and voice their concerns and needs in a personal atmosphere.
Despite the rain, more than 2,000 people poured into Toyota of El Cajon for a chance to speak with Sen. Joel Anderson at his annual Holiday Legislative Open House on Thursday, Nov. 21. Anderson said that this event has grown each year and that it provides his constituents the opportunity to speak with him, have photos taken and voice their concerns and needs in a personal atmosphere.
When people come and take this opportunity, Anderson said that all of his interns gather the ideas and there usually more than 1,000 ideas or concerns where many people feel the same. He said they take the top three to four ideas from the pool and begin working on them in whatever way necessary.
“If people participate in the democracy, then I know best how to represent them,” he said. “And the best way to get reelected is to do what the majority of the people like in your district.”
Anderson said he was grateful for everyone that attended the event and those that made it possible. He said the event began in his office at first, but each year has grown and they have had to find larger venues. Anderson said he was grateful that Gray and Greg Kaminsky allowed them to hold the event there, cleared the showroom floor for a wonderful evening of company, food and music.
He said many of the participants at the event are programs that always need help. One was the presence of part of the East County Youth Symphony, a program that provides instruments and professional training for underprivileged children, giving them an opportunity they might not have.
“They played beautiful music during the entire event,” said Anderson. “These kids are incredible and if it wasn’t for this program, these kids wouldn’t have any access to music.”
He said he has had many people “bedazzled” by these youth and wanting to know how to get involved.
“This is how we build a community,” said Anderson. “And that is real important to me. Many people don’t use this office to its full extent. They only focus on legislation and not realize that you can help build the community and focus on the people.”
