New congressman opening office in Washington (the borough, that is)

Josh Gottheimer is going to have two Washington offices -- one in D.C., and the other in the Warren County borough of the same name. Rep. Josh Gottheimer  The congressman -- the first Democrat to represent New Jersey's 5th Congressional...

New congressman opening office in Washington (the borough, that is)

Josh Gottheimer is going to have two Washington offices -- one in D.C., and the other in the Warren County borough of the same name.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer 

The congressman -- the first Democrat to represent New Jersey's 5th Congressional District in decades -- is scheduled to appear Saturday afternoon in Washington, the borough that is, to officially open a constituent service center in the municipal building, 100 Belvidere Ave.

The office will be staffed once a week by staff and sometimes Gottheimer himself to address residents' needs and concerns.

The arrangement arose out of a discussion with Mayor David Higgins, according to a statement from Gottheimer's office. Another satellite office in Sussex County's Vernon Township was achieved with an identical deal with that township's Republican mayor. 

Washington Borough Manager Matthew Hall said the congressional staff will use available space in the borough's planning board office. Hall previously worked in a district office for U.S. Rep. Rush Holt and said the service is valuable for constituents.

There is no cost with the agreement, Hall said.

Gottheimer last month said he was saving $2,000 a month in rent for his district offices compared to his predecessor, seven-term Republican Scott Garrett.

New Jersey's 5th Congressional District covers parts of Warren, Sussex, Passaic and Bergen counties. The main district offices are in Newton and Glen Rock, with satellites in Washington, Vernon, Ringwood and Hackensack.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

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