SNOHOMISH COUNTY — United States Rep. Rick Larsen got an abbreviated tour of two north county senior and low-income housing developments on Friday, March 8.

Larsen visited Wrobliski Manor in Arlington and Willow Run in Marysville — both subsidized developments and Housing Authority of Snohomish County sites — and had a chance to speak with residents and officials.

Also attending the sites was Bob Davis, executive director of the housing authority, and Mario Villanueva, Washington state Director for USDA Rural Development.

During Larsen’s visit, development residents and community members had a chance to ask the Congressman about a variety of topics, including health care, Medicare benefits and other national issues.

In Arlington, Larsen spent about 20 minutes speaking with approximately 15 residents.

Larsen started the discussion by telling attendees that he used to play soccer in the fields that are now home to Post Middle School and Eagle Creek Elementary School, which are located near Wrobliski Manor.

“It’s good to be home and see how the housing authority is working,” he said.

Davis gave a short history of the facility, and said that the housing authority had purchased the manor about 14 years ago.

“We think it’s a good partnership,” Davis said.

After a short introduction to the complex, Larsen gave attendees of the meeting a chance to ask questions about issues pertaining to them.

One woman asked Larsen what the main issues were that he was hearing about in Washington, D.C.

Larsen said that the cost of health care, paired with the costs of prescription drugs, were two of the large challenges Congress was facing.

Closing the Medicare “doughnut hole” remains a priority for Larsen. Currently, seniors have to pick up costs of prescription drugs beyond $2,830 and pay out of pocket until they reach $4,550.

Medicare then covers additional drug costs beyond that amount.

In Marysville, Larsen met with about 10 residents at Willow Run, and also discussed healthcare reform. Residents also had a chance to talk about their experiences at the housing development.

“It was a great opportunity for the Congressman to listen to seniors share their concerns and fill them in on what he is doing to protect seniors and strengthen Medicare benefits,” said Emily Halnon, communications director for Larsen.

Marysville residents Thomas and JoAnn DeLazzari attended Larsen’s Arlington meeting because JoAnn’s parents live there.

“It seems like (Larsen) has been the only person out there expressing concern for these types of things,” JoAnn DeLazzari said.