CLAXTON - Members of the Bryan-Evans Retired Educators Association welcomed U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston as guest speaker of their morning meeting this week held at Mrs. Rogers restaurant in Claxton. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for deciding how the federal budget is spent, Kingston was well-versed on federal spending and pointed in his view of its effectiveness. His straight-forward approach and town meeting style led to an intimate and open discussion with the group of retirees, as topics of education, tax simplification, and breaking the barriers of party lines were also addressed.