A busy week campaigning across the 5th district.
The highlight of the past week was the opening of the Centre County Democratic Campaign Headquarters in State College. Over 200 people were on hand to celebrate the opening that included a round of rousing speeches from candidates and campaign representatives including Greg Stewart and Jay Paterno for the Obama campaign, Auditor General Jack Wagner, State Representative Scott Conklin and candidate for state representative Joanne Tosti-Vasey. I want to thank and congratulate Centre County Democratic Chair Diane Gregg, Greg Stewart, Ben Flatgard and everyone else involved in getting the headquarters up and running. Having a facility like this in downtown State College is going to be a tremendous help to all the candidates and the people who are working on the campaigns.
This week I made a trip to Harrison Valley in Potter County for Tioga / Potter Counties Farm Bureau picnic. I got the chance to field some questions on issues that concern the farming communities in a rural part of the district. Not surprisingly, the subject of natural gas drilling that is going on throughout the district also came up.
The weeks events also included a visit to New Bethlehem for the Clarion County Fair, to Pleasant Gap in Centre County for a parade and to Oil City in Venango County also for a parade. The week concluded with Kelly and I attending Dan Surra's "Night at the Races" annual fundraiser Saturday evening and on Sunday I attended the AFL-CIO regional trap shoot held at the Fox Township Sportsman's Club in Elk County.
The coming week will close out July and we'll be into August with 3 months to go until Election Day.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
McCracken for Congress -- Weekly Update -- July 20th, 2008
Reiterating My OPPOSITION to Tolling I-80 as PA Turnpike Commission Reveals Plans to Spend I-80 Toll Money
This week the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission released details of their plans to repair Interstate 80 using the funds generated from tolls paid by users of the highway. It was stated by the Turnpike Commission and their consultants that "An assessment of the interstate showed that more than half its length has not been repaved since it was built some 40 years ago". In press accounts, Barry J. Schoch, identified as Project Manager, also detailed plans to build a "cashless open road tolling system" that will utilize the EZ Pass system to collect a portion of the tolls. Mr. Schoch also described how vehicles not equipped with EZ Pass will have their tolls collected saying "a driver without E-ZPass will have his or her license plate photographed, generating a mailed-out bill for the vehicle owner". He also stated that this non EZ Pass system "is not currently used on any U.S. highway."
As a county commissioner in a county that is on the I-80 corridor I have been, and remain, strongly OPPOSED to the tolling of I-80. The press barrage this past week from the Turnpike Commission only serves to make me more skeptical of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's decision, via legislation known as Act 44, to turn the operation of Interstate 80 over to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
There are many disturbing aspects of this week's announcement. First, the statement that "An assessment of the interstate showed that more than half its length has not been repaved since it was built some 40 years ago", I find ridiculous. Anyone who regularly traveled I-80 over the last 40 years knows that annual maintenance is done to the roadway for at least 9 out of the 12 months each year. I also find it hard to believe that there are portions more than "half it's length" that have not been repaved since I-80 was built. How often do travelers on I-80 deal with lanes being shutdown for months at a time or the infamous "rumble strips" before the abrupt crossovers that lead to miles and miles of 2 way traffic separated by concrete barriers. These stretches of crossovers and 2 way traffic are typically done while the other lane is completely torn up and replaced.
I also find the "cashless open road tolling system" to be a major concern. It sounds to me like the Turnpike Commission is trying to move toward privatizing the collection of tolls. If I were an employee working collecting tolls on the existing Pennsylvania Turnpike, I would be very interested to know what future plans the executives at the Turnpike Commission have for "cashless open road tolling systems". I also have grave concerns about any government entity tracking the movements of our free citizens. Isn't this what they did in the former USSR?
It is clear that Harrisburg still isn't listening to the citizens, businesses and elected leaders from the I-80 corridor. How many times do we have to state "NO TOLLS ON I-80" before they get the message? Rural counties that rely on Interstate 80 as the only route to deliver commerce to and from our counties have designed our economic development and tourism promotion plans, both long and short range, around a toll free I-80. In many situations we are at a disadvantage and this ill conceived plan just adds to our problems.
While I was optimistic that the US Department of Transportation could put a stop to this plan, I found the following quote from an AP story dated June 27th 2008 from US Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters. When questioned about giving approval to tolling I-80, Secretary Peters said "If that's the decision that state leaders make, then I think we should be in a position to support that or allow them to make that decision," Peters said, according to The Patriot-News of Harrisburg. "I do not think the federal government should make that decision."
FEC Second Quarter Reports Filed -- Fundraising Goals Met:
July 15th was the deadline for the FEC Second Quarter Financial reports for all candidates running for federal office. Campaign Treasurer Tim Fannin filed our reports electronically on Monday July 14th and the reports were up for public review late that day. I want to stress the goals the campaign committee set for the second quarter reports were met. As a campaign team, we wanted to make sure that we raised funds that would allow us to conduct all campaign activities necessary over the summer months. That goal was easily achieved and we have been able to purchase all the campaign materials necessary to hand out to voters including campaign badges, lapel stickers, pens, magnetic bumper stickers, balloons and about a ton of candy for the parades. We've also been able to travel all over the district and have had several successful "Meet the Candidate" events. I want to give special recognition to Campaign Chair Henry Guthrie and his wife Molly, fundraising consultant Keith Bierly and Centre County Coordinator Tim Wilson for their hard work and dedication during the second quarter.
While we met our goals and we are able to do the summer events, I need to stress to everyone that the campaign needs your help in raising money for the fall campaign. We have the best message, the best ideas and the best people working on the campaign -- but it will mean nothing if we are unable to run a competitive media campaign in the fall. 2008 is a year of great promise and opportunity, we just have to pull together and get the job done.
Weekly Review:
Tuesday and Wednesday were County Fair Days. On Tuesday evening, Kelly, Amanda and I attended the Jefferson County Fair and Wednesday afternoon we made the long trip to Hughesville for the Lycoming County Fair. Wednesday in Lycoming County was very hot but we spoke with a number of people while working about 4 hours at the Lycoming County Democratic Committee booth.
Our campaign events in Clearfield and Tioga counties this week went very well. Thursday night in Clearfield we had a good turnout for the dinner. I had the chance to speak with the people who turned out and we had some very good feedback about the campaign.
On Friday, Henry Guthrie, Tim Wilson and I traveled to Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County to attend a picnic event organized by Ann Gazda, Sarah Davis, Bonnie Kyofski and Jean Leibatt. Everyone had a great time and I got the chance to speak with group and did a Q & A session were we talked about gas and oil prices, wind power, public education issues and other issues of concern in Tioga County. This was my 7th trip up to Tioga County and I really enjoy seeing the people up there.
Photo from the Tioga County Picnic
NOTE -- We postponed the Sunday reception in Lock Haven, Clinton County until a later date.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
This week the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission released details of their plans to repair Interstate 80 using the funds generated from tolls paid by users of the highway. It was stated by the Turnpike Commission and their consultants that "An assessment of the interstate showed that more than half its length has not been repaved since it was built some 40 years ago". In press accounts, Barry J. Schoch, identified as Project Manager, also detailed plans to build a "cashless open road tolling system" that will utilize the EZ Pass system to collect a portion of the tolls. Mr. Schoch also described how vehicles not equipped with EZ Pass will have their tolls collected saying "a driver without E-ZPass will have his or her license plate photographed, generating a mailed-out bill for the vehicle owner". He also stated that this non EZ Pass system "is not currently used on any U.S. highway."
As a county commissioner in a county that is on the I-80 corridor I have been, and remain, strongly OPPOSED to the tolling of I-80. The press barrage this past week from the Turnpike Commission only serves to make me more skeptical of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's decision, via legislation known as Act 44, to turn the operation of Interstate 80 over to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
There are many disturbing aspects of this week's announcement. First, the statement that "An assessment of the interstate showed that more than half its length has not been repaved since it was built some 40 years ago", I find ridiculous. Anyone who regularly traveled I-80 over the last 40 years knows that annual maintenance is done to the roadway for at least 9 out of the 12 months each year. I also find it hard to believe that there are portions more than "half it's length" that have not been repaved since I-80 was built. How often do travelers on I-80 deal with lanes being shutdown for months at a time or the infamous "rumble strips" before the abrupt crossovers that lead to miles and miles of 2 way traffic separated by concrete barriers. These stretches of crossovers and 2 way traffic are typically done while the other lane is completely torn up and replaced.
I also find the "cashless open road tolling system" to be a major concern. It sounds to me like the Turnpike Commission is trying to move toward privatizing the collection of tolls. If I were an employee working collecting tolls on the existing Pennsylvania Turnpike, I would be very interested to know what future plans the executives at the Turnpike Commission have for "cashless open road tolling systems". I also have grave concerns about any government entity tracking the movements of our free citizens. Isn't this what they did in the former USSR?
It is clear that Harrisburg still isn't listening to the citizens, businesses and elected leaders from the I-80 corridor. How many times do we have to state "NO TOLLS ON I-80" before they get the message? Rural counties that rely on Interstate 80 as the only route to deliver commerce to and from our counties have designed our economic development and tourism promotion plans, both long and short range, around a toll free I-80. In many situations we are at a disadvantage and this ill conceived plan just adds to our problems.
While I was optimistic that the US Department of Transportation could put a stop to this plan, I found the following quote from an AP story dated June 27th 2008 from US Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters. When questioned about giving approval to tolling I-80, Secretary Peters said "If that's the decision that state leaders make, then I think we should be in a position to support that or allow them to make that decision," Peters said, according to The Patriot-News of Harrisburg. "I do not think the federal government should make that decision."
FEC Second Quarter Reports Filed -- Fundraising Goals Met:
July 15th was the deadline for the FEC Second Quarter Financial reports for all candidates running for federal office. Campaign Treasurer Tim Fannin filed our reports electronically on Monday July 14th and the reports were up for public review late that day. I want to stress the goals the campaign committee set for the second quarter reports were met. As a campaign team, we wanted to make sure that we raised funds that would allow us to conduct all campaign activities necessary over the summer months. That goal was easily achieved and we have been able to purchase all the campaign materials necessary to hand out to voters including campaign badges, lapel stickers, pens, magnetic bumper stickers, balloons and about a ton of candy for the parades. We've also been able to travel all over the district and have had several successful "Meet the Candidate" events. I want to give special recognition to Campaign Chair Henry Guthrie and his wife Molly, fundraising consultant Keith Bierly and Centre County Coordinator Tim Wilson for their hard work and dedication during the second quarter.
While we met our goals and we are able to do the summer events, I need to stress to everyone that the campaign needs your help in raising money for the fall campaign. We have the best message, the best ideas and the best people working on the campaign -- but it will mean nothing if we are unable to run a competitive media campaign in the fall. 2008 is a year of great promise and opportunity, we just have to pull together and get the job done.
Weekly Review:
Tuesday and Wednesday were County Fair Days. On Tuesday evening, Kelly, Amanda and I attended the Jefferson County Fair and Wednesday afternoon we made the long trip to Hughesville for the Lycoming County Fair. Wednesday in Lycoming County was very hot but we spoke with a number of people while working about 4 hours at the Lycoming County Democratic Committee booth.
Our campaign events in Clearfield and Tioga counties this week went very well. Thursday night in Clearfield we had a good turnout for the dinner. I had the chance to speak with the people who turned out and we had some very good feedback about the campaign.
On Friday, Henry Guthrie, Tim Wilson and I traveled to Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County to attend a picnic event organized by Ann Gazda, Sarah Davis, Bonnie Kyofski and Jean Leibatt. Everyone had a great time and I got the chance to speak with group and did a Q & A session were we talked about gas and oil prices, wind power, public education issues and other issues of concern in Tioga County. This was my 7th trip up to Tioga County and I really enjoy seeing the people up there.
Photo from the Tioga County Picnic
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate for Congress
Monday, July 14, 2008
McCracken for Congress -- Weekly Update -- July 13th, 2008
DEP Rejects Permit Application for PA Waste / Boggs Township Landfill.
I'm pleased to report the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has rejected the permit application filed by PA Waste LLC to construct a 5,000 ton per day municipal waste landfill in Boggs Township, Clearfield County. As county commissioner, I've been working over the past 4 years, first with Rex Read and Mike Lytle, and now with John Sobel and Joan Robinson McMillen, to oppose the construction of this landfill in Clearfield County.
Elected leaders including State Rep. Camille George, county officials and many township and borough officials also worked to oppose this landfill. However, there are more important people to congratulate for this outcome. Since August of 2004 when it was first announced that the site in Boggs Township was being targeted for the development of a landfill, a group of committed citizens led by Darryl Lashinsky, Paula Norris, Randy Levin, Leo Knepp and others, met faithfully month after month to oppose the landfill.
The announcement on Friday, July 11th that PA Waste's permit application had been rejected was a direct result of citizen involvement and their expectations that government would protect the interests of the citizens over the interests of a corporate entity. While PA Waste still has the right to appeal this decision or submit a new application at a later date, this is, at least for the time being, a small victory for the people of central Pennsylvania.
Some people will question how the Boggs Township landfill is an issue for a congressional campaign. With several communities in the 5th congressional district targeted for landfill development, our next congressman should be interested and involved in these issues. Additionally, I feel our leaders in Washington should be paying more attention interstate commerce laws and try to control the flow of garbage. Not only are states legally sending their environmental problems to other states, but, our nation's fuel supplies are being depleted faster when thousands of trucks per day are moving garbage hundreds of miles to pristine rural areas like central Pennsylvania. This is an issue I've been involved in and I hope voters in the 5th district will consider this when choosing their next congressman.
Cook Report Changes Rating for 5th District Race
Recently, the Cook Political Report changed the race in the 5th District from "Solid Republican" to "Likely Republican". The Cook Report has a 7 position rating scale that runs "Solid Republican", "Likely Republican", "Leans Republican", "Toss Up", "Leans Democratic", "Likely Democratic" and "Solid Democratic". While we're not in a "Toss Up" race yet, this is positive news for our campaign and proves if we continue to work hard and spread our message, voters are listening and giving strong consideration to where we stand on the issues.
As we move forward in the campaign I feel certain we will see additional positive gains in voter support and registration numbers. One area where we can count on solid results is in Centre County. They already have an impressive ground campaign underway, not only for Barack Obama, but for the entire slate of Democratic candidates. We can also be encouraged by the solid support and interest we are receiving in all 17 counties throughout the 5th district. Even more encouraging is that our efforts are getting recognition from a national entity like the Cook Report. Can you feel the momentum building?
Scheduled Events for the Upcoming Week:
Tuesday July 15th -- Jefferson County Fair -- 5 to 9 PM*
* - May make additional appearance at Jefferson County Fair if time allows.
Wednesday July 16th -- Lycoming County Fair -- 4 to 8 PM
Thursday July 17th -- Clearfield
McCracken for Congress Dinner
5:30 to 7:30 PM -- Lawrence Township Fire Company Social Hall -- Mill Road Clearfield
Cost - $20 per person
Event catered by The Country Butcher -- Door Prizes
Thursday July 17th -- Clearfield County Democratic Committee Meeting -- 7 -- 9 PM
IBEW Building, Clearfield, PA
Friday July 18th -- Tioga County
McCracken for Congress Picnic
4-8 pm - Hills Creek State Park, Crabapple Pavilion
Cost - $10.00 per person, $18.00 per couple, $25.00 per Family
Hot Dogs, salads, desserts and water, iced tea and lemonade to be served.
RSVP by July 16th to either Ann Gazda at 570-724-1449 / email gazda@epix.net or Bonne Kyofski at 570-827-3231 / email kyofski@epix.net.
Saturday July 19th -- Curwensville Days Parade -- 6 PM
Sunday July 20th -- Lock Haven -- Clinton County
McCracken for Congress Dinner
3:30 to 5:30 PM -- Sons of Italy Hall -- Downtown Lock Haven
Cost - $20 per person.
After dinner, although not an official part of the campaign event, people are encouraged to take part in the concert held at the riverfront amphitheatre which will feature a performance from a band featuring classic rock. NOTE -- bring lawn chairs in case the stands are filled.
Please contact mccrackenforcongress@verizon.net for additional details on the above events.
Weekly Event Wrap Up:
During this past week we attended the following events:
Monday: DuBois Democratic Committee Meeting
Tuesday: Potter County Democratic Committee Meeting
Thursday: SEIU Interview in Harrisburg, Visit to Lycoming County Democratic / Obama Headquarters in Williamsport, Philipsburg Heritage Days / Democratic Booth
Saturday: Philipsburg Heritage Days Parade, Central PA Festival of the Arts -- State College and a visit to Centre County Democratic Headquarters.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate For Congress
I'm pleased to report the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has rejected the permit application filed by PA Waste LLC to construct a 5,000 ton per day municipal waste landfill in Boggs Township, Clearfield County. As county commissioner, I've been working over the past 4 years, first with Rex Read and Mike Lytle, and now with John Sobel and Joan Robinson McMillen, to oppose the construction of this landfill in Clearfield County.
Elected leaders including State Rep. Camille George, county officials and many township and borough officials also worked to oppose this landfill. However, there are more important people to congratulate for this outcome. Since August of 2004 when it was first announced that the site in Boggs Township was being targeted for the development of a landfill, a group of committed citizens led by Darryl Lashinsky, Paula Norris, Randy Levin, Leo Knepp and others, met faithfully month after month to oppose the landfill.
The announcement on Friday, July 11th that PA Waste's permit application had been rejected was a direct result of citizen involvement and their expectations that government would protect the interests of the citizens over the interests of a corporate entity. While PA Waste still has the right to appeal this decision or submit a new application at a later date, this is, at least for the time being, a small victory for the people of central Pennsylvania.
Some people will question how the Boggs Township landfill is an issue for a congressional campaign. With several communities in the 5th congressional district targeted for landfill development, our next congressman should be interested and involved in these issues. Additionally, I feel our leaders in Washington should be paying more attention interstate commerce laws and try to control the flow of garbage. Not only are states legally sending their environmental problems to other states, but, our nation's fuel supplies are being depleted faster when thousands of trucks per day are moving garbage hundreds of miles to pristine rural areas like central Pennsylvania. This is an issue I've been involved in and I hope voters in the 5th district will consider this when choosing their next congressman.
Cook Report Changes Rating for 5th District Race
Recently, the Cook Political Report changed the race in the 5th District from "Solid Republican" to "Likely Republican". The Cook Report has a 7 position rating scale that runs "Solid Republican", "Likely Republican", "Leans Republican", "Toss Up", "Leans Democratic", "Likely Democratic" and "Solid Democratic". While we're not in a "Toss Up" race yet, this is positive news for our campaign and proves if we continue to work hard and spread our message, voters are listening and giving strong consideration to where we stand on the issues.
As we move forward in the campaign I feel certain we will see additional positive gains in voter support and registration numbers. One area where we can count on solid results is in Centre County. They already have an impressive ground campaign underway, not only for Barack Obama, but for the entire slate of Democratic candidates. We can also be encouraged by the solid support and interest we are receiving in all 17 counties throughout the 5th district. Even more encouraging is that our efforts are getting recognition from a national entity like the Cook Report. Can you feel the momentum building?
Scheduled Events for the Upcoming Week:
Tuesday July 15th -- Jefferson County Fair -- 5 to 9 PM*
* - May make additional appearance at Jefferson County Fair if time allows.
Wednesday July 16th -- Lycoming County Fair -- 4 to 8 PM
Thursday July 17th -- Clearfield
McCracken for Congress Dinner
5:30 to 7:30 PM -- Lawrence Township Fire Company Social Hall -- Mill Road Clearfield
Cost - $20 per person
Event catered by The Country Butcher -- Door Prizes
Thursday July 17th -- Clearfield County Democratic Committee Meeting -- 7 -- 9 PM
IBEW Building, Clearfield, PA
Friday July 18th -- Tioga County
McCracken for Congress Picnic
4-8 pm - Hills Creek State Park, Crabapple Pavilion
Cost - $10.00 per person, $18.00 per couple, $25.00 per Family
Hot Dogs, salads, desserts and water, iced tea and lemonade to be served.
RSVP by July 16th to either Ann Gazda at 570-724-1449 / email gazda@epix.net or Bonne Kyofski at 570-827-3231 / email kyofski@epix.net.
Saturday July 19th -- Curwensville Days Parade -- 6 PM
Sunday July 20th -- Lock Haven -- Clinton County
McCracken for Congress Dinner
3:30 to 5:30 PM -- Sons of Italy Hall -- Downtown Lock Haven
Cost - $20 per person.
After dinner, although not an official part of the campaign event, people are encouraged to take part in the concert held at the riverfront amphitheatre which will feature a performance from a band featuring classic rock. NOTE -- bring lawn chairs in case the stands are filled.
Please contact mccrackenforcongress@verizon.net for additional details on the above events.
Weekly Event Wrap Up:
During this past week we attended the following events:
Monday: DuBois Democratic Committee Meeting
Tuesday: Potter County Democratic Committee Meeting
Thursday: SEIU Interview in Harrisburg, Visit to Lycoming County Democratic / Obama Headquarters in Williamsport, Philipsburg Heritage Days / Democratic Booth
Saturday: Philipsburg Heritage Days Parade, Central PA Festival of the Arts -- State College and a visit to Centre County Democratic Headquarters.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate For Congress
Monday, July 7, 2008
McCracken for Congress -- Weekly Update -- July 6th, 2008
"Use It or Lose It" legislation fails to reach two-thirds majority.
On June 26th in response to ongoing calls to allow oil drilling off the coast of the United States and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Democratic members of Congress offered "Use It or Lose It" legislation to mandate that oil companies either drill on federal land they have leased or relinquish the right to do so. Currently, oil companies have dormant leases to over 68 million acres in the western United States and Alaska that are available for immediate drilling and exploration that, according to Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md) "contains over 100 billion barrels of oil".
While the vote was 223 for and 195 against, it failed to reach the two-thirds majority needed for passage under shortcut parliamentary rules. For the record, all Democratic members of the Pennsylvania delegation voted for "Use It or Lose It" while all Pennsylvania Republicans voted against with the exception of Rep. John Peterson who did not vote.
One would think with leaders such as President Bush, Senator John McCain and many Republican members of Congress calling for more domestic drilling that oil companies would be rushing to tap the 68 million acres they already have access to. Also, with the overwhelming emphasis placed on the idea of increased domestic drilling, the "Use It or Lose It" bill would have received bipartisan unanimous approval.
It appears the calls for increased drilling offshore and in ANWR are nothing more than an election year maneuver to keep the American people from realizing the failures of the Bush Administration and the former Republican controlled Congress to enact an energy policy. While the Republicans had total control of the White House and both houses of Congress from 2001 to 2007 they did nothing to enact meaningful legislation that could have averted the oil crisis.
Oil prices continue to climb and American citizens are feeling the pinch of higher gas prices. Yet, 68 million acres with over 100 billion barrels of oil remain untapped. When called upon to help the American people, 195 members of Congress failed to help the people they were elected to represent. Voters need to remember this on November 4th when they can decide if they want more of the same or something better.
Campaign Team Welcomes Jennifer Anderson
The McCracken for Congress campaign welcomes Jennifer Anderson of Kersey, Elk County to the campaign team. Jennifer served as Elk County Director of Elections and Voter Registration for many years and is currently working for the Auditor General's office under Jack Wagner. Jennifer is going to handle coordinating the campaign in Elk County along with compiling voter registration data and past election results from throughout the 5th Congressional District. Jennifer will be assigned the dual titles of Elk County Coordinator / Data and Information Director.
Upcoming Events for the Campaign:
The following fundraising events are scheduled:
Thursday July 17th – Clearfield
McCracken for Congress Dinner
5:30 to 7:30 PM – Lawrence Township Fire Company Social Hall – Mill Road Clearfield
Cost - $20 per person
Event catered by The Country Butcher – Door Prizes
Friday July 18th – Tioga County
McCracken for Congress Picnic
4-8 pm - Hills Creek State Park, Crabapple Pavilion
Cost - $10.00 per person, $18.00 per couple, $25.00 per Family
Hot Dogs, salads, desserts and water, iced tea and lemonade to be served.
RSVP – Ann Gazda
Sunday July 20th – Lock Haven – Clinton County
McCracken for Congress Dinner
3:30 to 5:30 PM – Sons of Italy Hall – Downtown Lock Haven
Cost - $20 per person.
After dinner, although not an official part of the campaign event, people are encouraged to take part in the concert held at the riverfront amphitheatre which will feature a performance from a band featuring classic rock. NOTE – bring lawn chairs in case the stands are filled.
Please contact mccrackenforcongress@verizon.net for additional details on the above events.
Weekly Event Wrap Up: It was a busy week for parades with the 4th of July holiday. Kelly, Amanda and I participated in the Osceola Mills parade in the morning on July 4th then it was on to Brockway where we met up with Jefferson County Commissioner Jeff Pisarcik and his family for the annual Brockway parade. Saturday morning I traveled to Lewistown to have breakfast with the Mifflin County Democratic Women's Club and later in the day it was on to Bellefonte where Kelly, Amanda and I joined up with Tim Wilson, Jayson Harpster and a pickup full of Obama supporters for the Bellefonte parade. With these 3 long parades, it is estimated that Amanda and I tossed approximately 150 pounds of candy over the 3 day weekend.
Campaign Events for the upcoming week: This week I'll be attending Democratic meetings in DuBois on Monday evening and Potter County on Tuesday evening. Saturday will be busy with possible visits to Clarion County for the Tri-County Farm Bureau Town and Country Day and to Philipsburg for the Heritage Days Parade.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate For Congress
On June 26th in response to ongoing calls to allow oil drilling off the coast of the United States and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Democratic members of Congress offered "Use It or Lose It" legislation to mandate that oil companies either drill on federal land they have leased or relinquish the right to do so. Currently, oil companies have dormant leases to over 68 million acres in the western United States and Alaska that are available for immediate drilling and exploration that, according to Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md) "contains over 100 billion barrels of oil".
While the vote was 223 for and 195 against, it failed to reach the two-thirds majority needed for passage under shortcut parliamentary rules. For the record, all Democratic members of the Pennsylvania delegation voted for "Use It or Lose It" while all Pennsylvania Republicans voted against with the exception of Rep. John Peterson who did not vote.
One would think with leaders such as President Bush, Senator John McCain and many Republican members of Congress calling for more domestic drilling that oil companies would be rushing to tap the 68 million acres they already have access to. Also, with the overwhelming emphasis placed on the idea of increased domestic drilling, the "Use It or Lose It" bill would have received bipartisan unanimous approval.
It appears the calls for increased drilling offshore and in ANWR are nothing more than an election year maneuver to keep the American people from realizing the failures of the Bush Administration and the former Republican controlled Congress to enact an energy policy. While the Republicans had total control of the White House and both houses of Congress from 2001 to 2007 they did nothing to enact meaningful legislation that could have averted the oil crisis.
Oil prices continue to climb and American citizens are feeling the pinch of higher gas prices. Yet, 68 million acres with over 100 billion barrels of oil remain untapped. When called upon to help the American people, 195 members of Congress failed to help the people they were elected to represent. Voters need to remember this on November 4th when they can decide if they want more of the same or something better.
Campaign Team Welcomes Jennifer Anderson
The McCracken for Congress campaign welcomes Jennifer Anderson of Kersey, Elk County to the campaign team. Jennifer served as Elk County Director of Elections and Voter Registration for many years and is currently working for the Auditor General's office under Jack Wagner. Jennifer is going to handle coordinating the campaign in Elk County along with compiling voter registration data and past election results from throughout the 5th Congressional District. Jennifer will be assigned the dual titles of Elk County Coordinator / Data and Information Director.
Upcoming Events for the Campaign:
The following fundraising events are scheduled:
Thursday July 17th – Clearfield
McCracken for Congress Dinner
5:30 to 7:30 PM – Lawrence Township Fire Company Social Hall – Mill Road Clearfield
Cost - $20 per person
Event catered by The Country Butcher – Door Prizes
Friday July 18th – Tioga County
McCracken for Congress Picnic
4-8 pm - Hills Creek State Park, Crabapple Pavilion
Cost - $10.00 per person, $18.00 per couple, $25.00 per Family
Hot Dogs, salads, desserts and water, iced tea and lemonade to be served.
RSVP – Ann Gazda
Sunday July 20th – Lock Haven – Clinton County
McCracken for Congress Dinner
3:30 to 5:30 PM – Sons of Italy Hall – Downtown Lock Haven
Cost - $20 per person.
After dinner, although not an official part of the campaign event, people are encouraged to take part in the concert held at the riverfront amphitheatre which will feature a performance from a band featuring classic rock. NOTE – bring lawn chairs in case the stands are filled.
Please contact mccrackenforcongress@verizon.net for additional details on the above events.
Weekly Event Wrap Up: It was a busy week for parades with the 4th of July holiday. Kelly, Amanda and I participated in the Osceola Mills parade in the morning on July 4th then it was on to Brockway where we met up with Jefferson County Commissioner Jeff Pisarcik and his family for the annual Brockway parade. Saturday morning I traveled to Lewistown to have breakfast with the Mifflin County Democratic Women's Club and later in the day it was on to Bellefonte where Kelly, Amanda and I joined up with Tim Wilson, Jayson Harpster and a pickup full of Obama supporters for the Bellefonte parade. With these 3 long parades, it is estimated that Amanda and I tossed approximately 150 pounds of candy over the 3 day weekend.
Campaign Events for the upcoming week: This week I'll be attending Democratic meetings in DuBois on Monday evening and Potter County on Tuesday evening. Saturday will be busy with possible visits to Clarion County for the Tri-County Farm Bureau Town and Country Day and to Philipsburg for the Heritage Days Parade.
Mark B. McCracken
Your Candidate For Congress
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