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Government Shutdown Frustrates Restaurant Workers In California's 4th District

Kelli Shiroma |
October 1, 2013 | 11:44 a.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

The 4th District of California includes counties like Alpine, Calaveras, El Dorado and Mariposa (Photo Courtesy of mcclintock.house.gov).
The 4th District of California includes counties like Alpine, Calaveras, El Dorado and Mariposa (Photo Courtesy of mcclintock.house.gov).
Restaurant owners and workers in the 4th District of California are not surprised by the recent government shutdown, but are frustrated and disappointed with Congress and government officials

Since November 2008, California's Republican Congressman Tom McClintock has represented the 4th District of California, which encompasses Alpine, Calaveras, Amador, El Dorado, TuolumneMariposa, and parts of Madera, Placer and Fresno counties.

“I think it’s ridiculous on both parties’ parts,” said Christopher Mariscotti, the owner of The Vineyard Restaurant & Bar,in Madera County. “I think that [members of both parties are] posturing for individual gain and they don’t care about the country.”

“I’m not surprised that this happened,” he added.

Other restaurant workers are even more dismayed by the turn of events. 

“I think they need to figure out all their policies and stop talking about it [and do something],” said Megan Tuller, a server at Bill’s Café, in Calaveras County. 

“I feel like Congress and the Senate have gotten way out of control,” says Marie, who works at the Chili’s Grill & Bar in El Dorado Hills. “I compare it [the way government’s acting] to a bad divorce, where the mom and dad have kids and are just battling, but not caring what happens to the kids. That’s what it feels like [for our country].”

This is the first government shutdown in 17 years, The L.A. Times reported

SEE ALSO: U.S. Government shutdown begins

This monumental event has even affected individuals’ future voting decisions. 

“This pushed me over the edge,” Mariscotti said. “Next time [it’s time to vote], I’m going to register as an Independent.”

“I’m a Democrat, but I’m not happy with anybody at this point,” Marie chimed in. 

Restaurant owners and workers agree that the nation’s economy has been an area of concern, and that the government shutdown leaves people feeling even more unstable. 

“It’s just scary,” Marie said. “People are already feeling a little wary about the economy, and I feel that the shutdown is setting it [the economy] a step back. I work in a restaurant and already, people aren’t going out to eat. People might not think it [the shutdown] affects them directly if they’re still working, but it affects us all in some way.”

Reach Staff Reporter Kelli Shiroma here



 

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