New 2nd District Congressman Dan Boren (D-Muskogee) said Wednesday morning he was settling into his new office in Washington, D.C., and, after the flurry of taking the oath of office, was finally "getting to hang some things on the walls."

Boren, whose father, David, and grandfather, Lyle, both served Oklahoma in Washington, D.C., said about his new office, "It's great. I've got an apartment, and my staff is coming together.

"All my family and friends were here yesterday for the swearing in, including Ann Weaver (a Roland resident)."

David Boren, now president of the University of Oklahoma at Norman, is a former U.S. senator and governor. Dan Boren's late grandfather, Lyle, served in the U.S. House from 1937 to 1947.

Boren, who replaces outgoing representative Brad Carson (D-Claremore), said he will have three district offices - in Muskogee, McAlester and Claremore.

"We are still hiring for those offices," he said, adding, "Anyone who has concerns about Social Security, getting Veterans' Administration benefits, or on other issues can contact those offices."

Your TIMES will publish the district office addresses and telephone numbers as soon as they are available.

Boren's newest address is 216 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. His telephone number is (202) 225-2701 and his fax number is (202) 225-3038.

Boren said he realizes that the 2nd Congressional is huge, and now includes most of eastern Oklahoma. "Someone said I better start taking flying lessons," he joked.

But the new representative said he won't let the size of his district slow him down. "We are going to hold town hall meetings just like Brad Carson did," Boren said.

Boren said he visited with Sequoyah County officials on several issues before he was elected, including Sallisaw Mayor Shannon Vann. "I met with the mayor and we talked about the water project," Boren said.

Sallisaw officials are upgrading the city's water system, through a sales tax approved last year by city residents, and hope to expand the city's water supply by using water from the lower Illinois River. Officials hope that supply can be obtained through grants and other money programs.

"We are going to see what we can do for that project," Boren said.

"Also on my agenda," he added, "is extension of the Former Indian Lands tax credit."

Boren explained the tax credit runs out this year.

He explained, "The tax credit is for everyone who lives on former Indian lands. Anyone who lives in that area has an accelerated depreciation on buildings and equipment. That law expires this year, and I'm going to do my best to get it extended."

Boren thanked those who supported him in the election.

"I want to say thank you so much...for everyone's hard work and support. I am going to listen to the people of eastern Oklahoma. Right now I feel like they are right in the office with me."