Wade Jodun has announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania’s Fifth Congressional District. Jodun described what prompted him to run for office:
“I hear from people everywhere who are living paycheck-to-paycheck or even two paychecks behind.
“I hear from people who are struggling to pay for health insurance and people who want to be able to afford to send their kids to college.
“They are tired of gridlock, partisan bickering, self-serving politicians and finger-pointing. They’re tired of career politicians and lawyers.
“They want straight talk, common sense and someone who will tackle issues head-on.
“They don’t want words, hollow promises or campaign talking points. They want someone who is capable of bringing real change.”
Wade, who grew up in Mill Hall, said: “I watched both of my parents work hard but still struggle to make ends meat to provide for my brother and myself. Â They sacrificed so we would have a chance at the American dream.
“Today, the system is so rigged against hard-working men and women that the chance for ordinary folks to live the American dream is disappearing.”
Graduating with a degree in environmental biology and ecology from Lock Haven University, Jodun became the first in his family to earn a college degree and went on to have a career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that spanned more than two decades.
He spent the first decade of his career stationed in Lamar, Pa., working with endangered Atlantic sturgeon.
He was also active in youth baseball serving as both a coach and past-president of Mill Hall Youth League.
For more than 15 years, he also umpired youth, Little League and high school baseball across Centre and Clinton counties.
His parents are Ted and Shirley Jodun of Mill Hall. Ted is a Mill Hall Borough Councilman who oversees the community park and his brother, Scott, works in state corrections.
Jodun is an avid fly fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman who enjoys shooting trap in his spare time.
A career public servant and a political outsider, Jodun says: “I’ll bring my insider’s knowledge of government, how it goes wrong and where it’s broken as well as new ideas and put them to work for you.
“As a federal whistleblower, I stood up to do what was right and fought government corruption even when I knew it would hurt my own career and I’ll show that same courage as I fight for what is best for the country.
“I want to continue my public service, and I am committed to working for the people of Pennsylvania’s Fifth Congressional District, where I was born and where I learned the value of hard work.
“I would be honored to work for you, to be your voice and to carry your concerns to Washington.”
Jodun said his campaign was focused primarily on two core issues: returning democracy to the American people by weeding the corrupting influence of money out of politics and also rebuilding the Middle-Class.
“I believe we need to protect and create American jobs; pay a living wage; improve our schools; offer citizens access to quality and affordable health care as well as a college education; and, weed corruption out of politics,” said Jodun.
“As a federal whistleblower with over two decades of government experience, I know what it takes to fight corruption, reform government agencies, cut through red tape, find solutions and get things done.”
More information about Jodun and his candidacy can be found online or on Facebook at @JodunforPA5th.
