In The News: Bud George Day Picnic attracts politicians, candidates (The Progress, 8/15)

Friday, August 15, 2008
The Progress News

Bud George Day Picnic attracts politicians, candidates
By Wendy B. Lynn Staff Writer
JANESVILLE - A crowd of local residents from multiple political stripes gathered at Mountz Memorial Park in Janesville yesterday for the annual Bud George Day Picnic. Along with state Rep. Camille "Bud" George, D-74 of Houtzdale, other dignitaries and candidates attended, including Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell.

After a picnic dinner, where Edna George, wife of Rep. George, could be found in her usual place serving sandwiches and other picnic food, Rep. George introduced Gov. Rendell.

He said the governor loves working men and women and the working class and will continue to give what the federal government has not, things that mean something to the working people: education, health care and jobs. He said it does not matter if you are a Republican or a Democrat if you don't have a job.

Rep. George also highlighted what the governor has done to bring alternative energy to the state of Pennsylvania, notably the ethanol plant being constructed in Clearfield. "He loves all the people in all the counties," Rep. George said.

Gov. Rendell began by saying this was the coolest Bud George Picnic he has ever attended and noted that it was good to see Mrs. George after her recent illness. He then went on to say that the picnic is not a farewell event for Rep. George's service.

Some time ago, Gov. Rendell said, Rep. George said he was thinking of not running again and that many people "worked on him" and said he couldn't leave because there was too much to fight for. Finally, Rep. George said the earliest he would leave would be when Gov. Rendell leaves.

The governor said Rep. George gets up and tells the truth, referring to his speeches on the house floor, which he asked the crowd if they had ever seen on television. "I wish I could have about 10 of him," the governor said.

Gov. Rendell also said that the reason that businesses such as Marion Manor in Curwensville have remained in the area is because of Rep. George and that Rep. George is also the reason for the ethanol plant and is the No. 1 advocate for alternative and renewable energy.

Gov. Rendell went on to talk about the current presidential race and said that the rich and corporations are only getting richer and the division between rich and poor could destroy the fabric of the nation. He said Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate for president, was invited to the picnic and until two and a half weeks ago had planned to attend. The candidate sent a letter, which Gov. Rendell read parts of to the crowd.

The letter said Sen. Obama was honored to have the support of Rep. and Mrs. George and that Rep. George and Gov. Rendell never stop fighting for the working class. The letter also stated that Rep. George is the kind of leader needed to undo the damage of the past eight years.

Rep. George was presented the Four Chaplains Award by Larry Babbitt, veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. The Four Chaplains Award honors the four chaplains aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, an army transport ship during World War II, which was sunk by a German U-boat on Feb. 3, 1943. The four chaplains - Rabbi Alexander Goode, Methodist minister George Fox, Baptist minister Clark Poling and Father John Washington - gave up their life vests to four other soldiers and died onboard the sinking ship.

The Legion of Honor award is given to those who have shown exemplary public service, and awardees have included Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Carter and Reagan as well as public figures including Bob Hope, Martha Raye and recently Mickey Rooney.

Rep. George is the only WWII veteran serving in the state house.

Auditor General Jack Wagner said he was honored to be at the picnic and to be the fiscal watchdog of the state. He said his hat goes off to Rep. George for being a leader in energy conservation and in advocating the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, adding that it is a very important program with today's energy costs.

John Morginelli, candidate for the office of attorney general, noted that there is lots of corruption in the General Assembly and the current attorney general is only looking at one party. He said he is a courtroom prosecutor and has the working class background and experience needed for the position.

Rob McCord, candidate for the office of state treasurer, noted that women are three times more likely to drop to the poverty level after age 60, and that is one of many concerns he wants to address as treasurer. He said he would work with Mr. Wagner to cut waste and to cut it before it happens.

Mark McCracken, Clearfield County commissioner and candidate for the 5th District House seat for the U.S. Congress, noted that he is running for the seat of the largest district east of the Mississippi river, which consists of 17 counties. He said he looks to Rep. George as a mentor and intends to have the same "can-do" attitude in Congress.

He asked the crowd if they are better off now than they were eight years ago and noted that the country is faced with the biggest deficit ever. He said the nation needs a diverse energy policy and that the country has a choice - more of the same or something better.

Tony Barr, candidate for the 9th Congressional district, noted that he received more votes in his primary than incumbent Bill Shuster, R-9 of Hollidaysburg, did in his, indicating that people are ready for change.

He said people need to vote for solutions, which result in needed jobs.

After the guest speakers, the crowd was entertained by music and drawings for door prizes.