A handful of residents patiently stood in line Tuesday to spend a few minutes speaking with U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, R-6th District, of Wheaton.

Roskam visited the Jewel-Osco at 153 E. Schiller St. in Elmhurst from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. as a way to connect with residents, he said.

“Washington, D.C., can be an echo chamber, and I want to make sure I’m listening to the district I grew up in,” Roskam said.

Residents spoke to Roskam about everything from community issues to national ones like high gas prices, the war in Iraq and Social Security concerns.

Elmhurst resident Carol Chlystek said she appreciated Roskam’s efforts to connect with the community that he represents.

“I think it’s interesting that he came out to the community,” Chlystek said. “I spoke to him about international relations and education issues. He was very perceptive to my ideas.”

Around 35 people waited to speak to Roskam for as long as they needed. Roskam recently held a similar event in Bartlett, said Brian McCarthy, Roskam’s district director.

Greg Ryan of Elmhurst said he and his family decided to take time of their day to meet with Roskam because they support him.

“I’ve known Peter Roskam for a while and have been aware of Peter Roskam’s record for a while,” Ryan said. “I’m very impressed. ... His heart and mind are in the right place.”

McCarthy said residents were free to talk to Roskam about absolutely anything on their minds, calling the event a “fair game.” He added the events happen a few times a month.

After meeting residents at Jewel-Osco, Roskam and his team and Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry Director John Quigley walked up and down York Road to meet with business owners.

“He stopped in and was a very nice man,” said John S. Rezny, president of York Furrier, 107 N. York Road. “I’m a supporter, and he wanted to know about the businesses and the climate.”