U. S. Sen. Richard C. Shelby is coming to town.

Alabama’s senior senator will address Butler County residents at a town meeting at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at the Greenville Depot on Bolling Street.

Shelby took part on Tuesday for the convening of the 109th Congress in Washington. He also took part in the work of approving an aid package for disaster victims in South Asia.

Once the agreed terms of that package is approved it is expected the Congress to slip back into it party lines.

While Pres. George W. Bush won a second term, Republicans expanded their majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Bush won a second term in the Nov. 2 elections and fellow Republicans expanded their majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Republicans boosted their majority in the 100-member Senate by four to 55. But that is five short of the 60 needed to end Democratic procedural roadblocks known as filibusters.

Republicans raised their majority in the 435-member House by three to 232.

When Sen. Shelby visits here next week, he’ll arrive on the heels of Sen. Russ Feingold’s November visit controversy.

Shelby officially responded to Feingold’s comment via letter to the Wisconsin senator late last week and played it off a political stab.

&uot;Senator, I think that your visit to Alabama, and Greenville, missed the mark,&uot; Shelby stated in his letter.

&uot;It is clear that you used your visit to our great state as a platform upon which to propound your close-minded view of the world and an outlet to expand the reach of the federal government.&uot;

He went on to say he hope’s Feingold’s next visit is more than simply scenery along an exit ramp.

&uot;I am certain that the spirit of the our people coupled with continued opportunites for growth will illustrate to you that Alabama is not only a great place to play golf, but a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family,&uot; Shelby stated.

So needless to say, Shelby is well aware of Sen. Feingold’s comments and will probably mention it.

He’ll also discuss his legislative agenda for the 109th Congress and other issues facing Alabama and the nation. As with all his town hall meetings, Sen. Shelby will open the floor to questions and comments from the audience.

&uot;Over the years, these meetings have provided an excellent opportunity for area residents to listen and voice their opinions on the activities of our government,&uot; he said.

&uot;This will be a great chance to discuss the important issues facing our state and our nation as we begin the 109th Congress.&uot;

Sen. Shelby has held over 1,200 county meetings since being elected to serve the state of Alabama. As part of his commitment to Alabamians, Sen. Shelby holds a county meeting in each county once a year.

This public is invited and encouraged to attend.