JANESVILLE – The annual Camille “Bud” George Day returned to Janesville Dam. Citizens and politicians arrived once again in full force.
The gathering began at 4:30 p.m. with food and entertainment. Citizens and public figures talked. Local area bands provided the entertainment with music and performances. The represented schools were: Glenndale Area High School, Moshannon Valley High School, Harmony Area High School Band, West Branch Marching Band. By day’s end there were about 800 people present at one point or another, including the bands.
At 5:30 p.m. the lead up to George’s speech began with introductions and quick words from other Democratic officer holders and hopefuls. Carol Fox the Clearfield County Treasurer, Magisterial District Judge James Hopkins, County Commissioner Mark McCracken, Paul “P.J.” Monella, who is running for county commissioner and Clearfield County District Attorney William Shaw Jr. were those who stood with George with elections this year, as well as others.
“I happen to be a depression baby. I happen to come from a time where it didn’t matter how much we had, we shared,” said George early into his solo speech.
He spoke of old jobs, good jobs that were once present in the area back in those days. Jobs that had since, according to George, moved to China.
“I don’t intend to be partisan, but in my thirty some years in general assembly it has only been democratic governors that brought jobs to Clearfield County,” said George.
George stated that Wal-Mart Corporation, the Houtzdale prison, Quehanna Boot Camp and ethanol plant were all jobs created by the efforts of Democrats. He mentioned Sen. Bob Casey’s roles with Wal-Mart, the prison and boot camp specifically with the hundreds of jobs they created.
“That ethanol plant has not closed it. It is still working it’s employees,” George.
Premature rumors of Bionol Clearfield’s closing began to spread when the plant did not start back up from maintenance and continued as it recently entered bankruptcy. The plant is currently in a state of “hot idle”*.
George also touched upon Marcellus Shale and gas extraction.
“That gas industry will never be like the coal industry. The coal industry is the lifeblood of our area and brings good paying jobs to our people,” said George.
“I thank you for your kindness, I thank you for who you are. I just wish you would take a better look at the situation. Elect common people for the common good,” said George.
Citizens present enjoyed the annual event.
“They’re great. They’re always great,” said Joan Cowher. Cowher has been attending for 10-12 years.
“Oh I love it. We come every year,” said Randy Aurandt from Blair County.
Aurandt explained that he comes every year to partake in the camaraderie of the event. He described himself as being part of the minority in his native home county.
Casey praised George for never forgetting who sent him to Harrisburg, that George was not elected by all of one people or all of one group.
“We are going to have to work and learn better ways to work across the party lines,” said Casey as he turned towards current politics.
Casey explained that job creation is necessary. He conceded that there are times the federal government lacks the power to create jobs directly. In those times the federal government can only create an environment conducive to job growth.
*Editor’s note: Steven McDole is a full time employee of Bionol Clearfield, LLC.
