Life at Shady Pines Rolls On!

 

by Pa Rock

Citizen Journalist

Territories of the United States of America, as well as the District of Columbia (Washington, DC), have no elected "members" in Congress, either the House or the Senate, but most do elect "delegates" to serve in the House.  Delegates primarily work in committees and can even chair House committees, and they can introduce legislation - but they cannot vote on the floor of the House to actually pass legislation.  There are no territorial delegates to the Senate.

Eleanor Holmes Norton was first elected to be the delegate to Congress from Washington, DC, in November of 1990, and she began her service in the House in January of 1991.  This is her 34th consecutive year of serving in that position.

Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton made news last week when she was swindled by some shysters who apparently came to her door selling a cleaning service.  The crew did no work for the delegate, but managed to charge her credit card more than $4,300.  A friend  who has power-of-attorney for the Democratic politician, called police.  The friend also apparently told police during the investigation that the delegate is in the early stages of dementia.

Delegate Norton's official congressional biography page on the internet does not list her date of birth or age, but other sources reveal that she was born June 13, 1937 and is eighty-eight years old.  Her office seemed to take offense at the police comment indicating their boss had a personal caretaker - they referred to that person as being her "house manager."  The delegate's office also noted that "The medical diagnosis included in the police report was based on an assumption the reporting officer was unqualified to make."

At age 88, Eleanor Holmes Norton is the oldest (de facto) member of Congress, her mental health status is being questioned, she has a "friend" or "house manager" with a power-of-attorney to operate in her behalf, she has staff members who assist her in moving around, AND SHE IS CURRENTLY RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION.

Shades of Dianne Feinstein!

Life at Shady Pines rolls on!

Seventy and out - no exceptions!