McCracken for Congress -- Progress Report -- June 2nd, 2008

The upcoming week is going to be a busy week of listening and learning. I have 3 important meetings to attend that will give me the chance to discuss important issues in the north central region.

On Monday June 2nd, I am scheduled to meet with Kirk Johnson to discuss issues surrounding the Allegheny National Forest. Mr. Johnson is the founder of Friends of Allegheny Wilderness and he contacted me several weeks back to request a meeting to discuss the future of the Allegheny National Forest. I have been a supporter of the PA Wilds tourism promotion initiative and I recognize that the Allegheny National Forest is large attraction for tourism in the PA Wilds region. I look forward to speaking with Mr. Johnson and learning more details about the ANF.

On Wednesday, June 4th, I will be meeting at the Clearfield Hospital with members of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania to discuss the important issue of healthcare. While comprehensive healthcare reform has been discussed for almost 20 years, the federal government has been consistent on only one front – the failure to enact meaningful legislation to solve the problem. The meeting with the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania will be very valuable to learn what their association feels will be necessary to help achieve healthcare reform.

On Friday June 6th and Saturday June 7th I will be in Harrisburg attending the Democratic State Committee Meeting. I look forward to meeting with county chairs, state committee members and other people from the 5th congressional district that will be in attendance at the meeting.

A quick update on events from the past week. Kelly, Amanda and I visited Centre County on Monday to attend the Memorial Day celebration in Boalsburg. While it was a humid day, many people were out enjoying the festivities.

On Wednesday, I traveled to Reynoldsville to attend the monthly meeting of the Jefferson County Democratic Committee.

Mark gives an update on the campaign to the Jefferson Co. Democratic Committee.

DNC Western Field Organizer Brigid Sullivan addressed the Neighorhood Leader Initiative.

On Thursday, I traveled to Wellsboro, Tioga County to attend a fundraiser for PA Senate candidate Don Hilliard and later, the monthly meeting of the Tioga County Democratic Committee.

Tioga County is beautiful in Spring. We'll make it BLUE in November!

Mark with Emily Rizzo of Tioga County and State Senate Candidate Don Hilliard.

Finally, yesterday Kelly and I made a trip to Lock Haven in Clinton County to attend a fundraiser for State Senator John Wozniak. While at Senator Wozniak's event, Kelly and I spent some time speaking with Rick and Marie Vilello. After the event was over, at Rick and Marie's urging, Kelly and I took some time visit the riverfront area and walk along the levee. Throughout the primary campaign I listened to Mayor Rick speak with such pride about his community of Lock Haven. After our visit today, I can see why Rick is so proud and excited about his town.

Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress