JANESVILLE – The public and politicians mingle at the annual Camille “Bud” George Day at Mountz Park near Janesville, Pa.
“The Clearfield County community really backs this picnic,” said David Wulderk.
According to Wulderk, if you counted the school bands, roughly 800 people had shown up for the picnic throughout the day. Three school bands showed up for an early display from the Curwensville, Moshannon and Glendale school districts.
Incumbents and candidates such as U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, Auditor General and Pennsylvania governor candidate Jack Wagner, Jack Panella, Barbara Ernsberger and others joined State Rep. Camille “Bug” George, D-74 Houtzdale at the picnic. Some speaking and some not.
“I would be remiss if the first thing I didn’t say was thank you one and all. It is because of you and the distinction that you put on this function that we have put into format a function that we can speak first hand, pointedly and face to face, with this individuals that represent us in government and these individuals who aspire to represent us.
“This is a function that welcomes all. This is a function that believes in the working class and all that they labor to achieve,” said George in a quick speech before introducing Specter.
“I make it a point to travel Pennsylvania’s 67 counties almost every year, and I heard a lot about the Bud George’s picnic, and this year I said we would stop there and meet some old friends and makes some new friends,” said Specter. “I stopped in Lebanon last week. Didn’t have too many friends there. So it’s a great pleasure to be at the Bud George picnic and see so many smiles and warm greetings.”
Specter’s speech was short, and mostly with thanks and explanation of representatives of the public and their constituents.
“I’ve been honored to be your Auditor General,” began Wagner with his speech.
He outlined some of his accomplishments in that role, starting off with the Special Allowances Program’s audit in the Pennsylvania public welfare program.
“. . . a program that was supposed to help people go from welfare to work. That quite frankly ladies and gentlemen, was not operating properly till we began to audit that program,” said Wagner.
Wagner said that he was honored to have held his position, and will continue working to make sure Pennsylvania tax dollars will be properly spent.
“But looking forward to the year 2010 I want you all to know a secret. The secret is that I am running for governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Wagner bringing applause from the crowd.
Wagner’s stated goal in running for governor is to maximize Pennsylvania’s potential. One facet of this would be tackling the cost of higher education, whether it is a vocational school or a university.
“It is making sure that our young people have a quality education, and hopefully higher education heading to a college, university and even a vocational school,” said Wagner.
Wagner stated that Pennsylvania was in the 40 and higher range with concerns education cost out of the 50 states. He said that those students able to graduate can leave higher education in Pennsylvania with a debt of $20 to $40 thousand.
“We are number three out the fifty states in number of schools, and at the top in quality of schools,” said Wagner after that.
Bud George was the next to speak. He chose the topic of that of the budget.
“When I explained to the fine young man it is because of you I have voted in 35 budges, but I have learned one thing through these years.
“If you believe in something, and you believe in people, and you believe in benefiting these people then there are times when a vote you put out is going to be one not everyone is going to be happy with,” said George.
He used the 1977 budget as an example of a state budget that took until October to pass. Out of that budget came the lottery program and tax rebates for the elderly. Going on from there the deeds and actions of the governors from there to the present. This segued into a talk on healthcare reform.
“We’re told when Franklin D. Roosevelt passed Social Security he only got one vote from the other side. I am also told that when Lyndon Johnson passed Medicare it took months and months because those on the other side said it was a give away program,” said George. “I just wonder how many of our parents and grandparents, their children and siblings hadn’t taken advantage of Medicare. Where would we be if Lyndon Johnson didn’t have that courage, and those responsible, regardless of what party, didn’t put it into affect.”
George then came back around to the beginning of his speech.
“So I come to you and say to you that not everything I do will be to your liking. But I would be remiss and wrong if you weren’t the main reason for what I do,” said George.
Drawing upon his self-described childhood as a depression baby, George recalled a time that he called more civilized when neighbors helped each other when in need when times were worse. He also asked the audience members who had insurance what would they do if they suddenly lost it.
Next was a discussion about a 15 percent increase in electric bills in 2011 that would increase January electric bills that are $100 to $200 once deregulation took affect. George asked what would be given up for this change food or repairs?
“The men and women in this society need an opportunity for a job. A job that pays well enough that they can educate their children,” said George.
Clearfield Bionol LLC was credited to being brought Pennsylvania to Gov. Ed Rendell by George. He said that it and other green jobs will employ people. He also stating water and sewer projects that would bring jobs with the work, and by bringing in the much needed water for local communities.
“Without you I’d have nothing to work for or believe in. I believe in you, and I ask you to understand that while there might be right for criticism,” said George ending his speech. “I can assure you the only reason it would come forward is that I thought I was doing the right thing for you.”
Sen. Bob Casey arrived at the picnic late due to other engagements. Originally stated to be arriving soon at 6 p.m. He arrived around 7 p.m.
“If you add up all the people who tuned it, it added up to twelve thousand people on that one conference call,” said Casey.
His speech focused on healthcare reform. Beginning with the interest the debate has garnered. Two main reforms mentioned as needed by Casey are denial for pre-existing conditions and caps on how much a person is covered.
“Don’t cry crocodile tears for the insurance companies. They support these changes,” said Casey.
According to him, the insurance companies will still make out under the current healthcare reform as more people will be entering the system. This influx will mean increased revenue for insurance companies. The goal would is a balanced system with lots of private companies, but a public insurance system.
Casey gave examples of well-run government programs, like Medicare, Medicaid and Veterans Affairs. He acknowledged that none of those three were perfect, but showed the government could manage healthcare.
“We got to make sure at the end of the day we get a bill that lowers cost, doesn’t increase the deficit, and increases choice,” said Casey. “Mandates quality coverage, just not more coverage, and protects that relationship between patients and their doctors.”
