Congressman Sean Casten stands in the center of Hodgkins Mayor Ernest Millsap, and other village officials. (Photos by Carol McGowan)

Congressman Sean Casten stands in the center of Hodgkins Mayor Ernest Millsap, and other village officials. (Photos by Carol McGowan)

Casten tour makes stop in Hodgkins, Willow Springs

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By Carol McGowan

U.S. Rep. Sean Casten met with Hodgkins Mayor Ernest Millsap and other village officials and employees on February 15 as part of a tour he’s doing to get to meet mayors and people in the southwest suburban portion of the new 6th District.

Millsap talkes with Casten

Hodgkins Mayor Ernest Millsap (right) speaks with Rep. Sean Casten.

In a recent interview, Casten said he planned outings to area communities and upcoming town hall meetings.

Casten retained about 23 percent of the old 6th District. Much of the southwest suburbs he now represents had been part of Marie Newman’s 3rd District. Casten defeated Newman in a hotly contested primary election last year.

Casten’s visit to Hodgkins was one of many stops he will be making to become familiar with area municipalities and local issues.

After a 30-minute meeting in the Hodgkins board room, Casten and his staff joined Millsap and others for lunch at Buck’s Pit Stop, which is a couple of blocks over from village hall.

Casten also visited Willow Springs and a couple of other villages on February 15.

Casten said the meetings and town halls are a great opportunity to get involved.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my visits to Hodgkins and Willow Springs this week with Mayor Millsap and Mayor Neddermeyer,” Casten said. “It was so valuable to hear what issues are important to these communities and I will continue to advocate for their priorities in Congress.”

Casten and Diane

Rep. Sean Casten meets with Diane Roderick, owner of Buck’s Pitstop.

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