U.S. Senator Gillibrand tours Response to Love Center in Buffalo

By Eileen Buckley

Buffalo, NY – U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was in the heart of Buffalo's East Side Tuesday.

The Senator appeared at the Response to Love Center on Kosciuszko Street to learn about the Center's programs for feeding, educating and caring for the poor. "Well I've learned about the incredible need that we have here in the Buffalo region, and I've learned how important this center is," said Gillibrand.

But Gillibrand's visit turned to politics and her re-election. She was asked about some critics who say she hasn't appeared enough in Buffalo.

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Gillibrand says she has attended more than 20 events in the region in the past year and claims Buffalo is very important to her. Gillibrand claims it's the local media that has not covered or pay attention all her Buffalo visits.

"We've been here, just necessarily the media hasn't covered all our visits. But that's the media's choice. I've been here and understand the needs of Western New York and I will keep coming here," said Gillibrand.

Gillibrand wants to help bring more federal grant dollars to assist Sister Mary Johnice who runs the Response to Love Center. "It is very important to get federal resources. I'm going to be working with Sister on is filling out those key applications," said Gillibrand.

The Senator also talked about a tough economy, high unemployment and a federal jobs agenda during her visit to Buffalo.