Smith, who said her son was told that his mild cases of eczema and psoriasis were the deciding factors, took her distress last month to Bogota Borough Hall, where she alerted Steve Rothman of her family’s situation.

Rothman was holding a 90-minute town hall meeting in council chambers when he fielded Smith’s questions. The United States Congressman, surprised by the Bogota resident’s assertion, immediately took interest.

"Can I take your case?" Rothman asked.

Smith agreed and thanked him.

Rothman’s Bogota visit last month was one of several Bergen County stops along his listening session tour. Representing the Ninth Congressional District, which includes Bogota, Little Ferry, Hackensack, Ridgefield Park and South Hackensack, among other towns, Rothman invites members of the community to his meetings to discuss whatever’s on their minds — economy, foreign policy, presidential elections, and in Smith’s case, a son’s rejected application to the Navy.

"I consider myself a Scoop Jackson," Rothman said, referring to the former senator from Washington State.

"I am aware of the dangers in the world."

Questions regarding international and military strategies were among the issues that Rothman, a Democrat, fielded. In particular, a Bogota resident asked his thoughts on ending the war in Iraq.

"No one can come close to the power of the U.S.," Rothman said. "Our military is strained, and that means we are almost at the rope’s end."

Other residents discussed domestic topics, many of which are hot issues facing presidential candidates. The United States’ maligned health care system was targeted, and residents inquired about the possibility to universal health care.

"It depends who people elect to Congress and for president. Different parties will have different opinions on what the government’s role is," said Rothman, who added that the Democrats will intervene as much as possible, while a GOP-led government might do as little as possible to improve the country’ health care system.

According to Rothman, approximately 47 million Americans do not have health insurance. Doctors, he said, barely have time to talk to some patients because they aren’t reimbursed when they spend time with other patients.

"They are losing money, and the problems aren’t getting any better," he said.

"I am for universal single-payer health care."

Another resident expressed concern with creating and maintaining affordable housing. Rothman said he shares those concerns and would like to bring more affordable housing to the state.

"You use the term ‘good job’," another resident said, picking up on the congressman’s language. "What is a good job?"

"A good job is fair wages for what you do," he said.

"You can live a good life and have reasonable benefits, vacation and sick days as well as health care and a savings plan."