PA-05: Comparing 3 Dem Candidates: Economy

Here is my second diary comparing the 3 Democratic candidates in Pennsylvania's 5th Congressional district, Mark McCracken, Bill Cahir, and Rick Vilello, by using their websites, blog entries, and press coverage. Earlier, I compared them on Iraq. Sadly, I think my poll in that diary must have been freep'd, or rather "Cahir'd." ;) I don't blame you, Cahir supporters. So I guess I'll leave out the poll this time.

My local paper, The Centre Daily Times, is sending questions to each of the 12 candidates vying for the seat, and features one set of answers weekly. This week's question was about the economy:

What would you do as a congressman to help provide for job-creating economic development in the 5th Congressional District? What are the key elements of your manufacturing policy?

I bet everyone can guess how the Republicans answered the CDT questions: Taxes bad!! Dem answers on the flip.

I'll cover each candidate's CDT answer individually, along with any other economic statements coming out lately. I'll emphasize the parts I like best.

First, Mark McCracken, Clearfield County Commissioner. (My condolences to Mr. McCracken and family on the loss of his father last week.) His answer to the CDT question was:

"I will do as congressman what I’ve had success with as a county commissioner, which is, work in cooperation with elected officials at all levels, community leaders and private business interests to bring economic development to the region. Elected officials and economic development entities must use every available means to bring new business to the region and help existing businesses survive and expand. This would include offering incentives from the local, state and federal levels.

"On manufacturing policies, I believe we must get back to manufacturing more products here in the United States. Our economy worked best when products were ‘Made in the USA.’ Our existing jobs base is essentially service oriented at one end of the scale and high-paid executives at the other leaving nothing in the middle. We need to get back to a strong middle class making a decent living wage with adequate benefits."

On his website, he has a secton on economic development that mostly highlights the successes he's had in Clearfield County:

As we've done in Clearfield County, counties throughout the 5th District must identify new industries that fit the region. Clearfield County has been fortunate that the alternative fuels and private energy production industries identified north central Pennsylvania as a place to locate and invest in.  . . snip . .

Another area that we are utilizing in Clearfield County to help foster growth and interest in the region is the promotion of tourism. We were fortunate that Governor Ed Rendell and Representative John Peterson, working together in a bi-partisan effort, proposed the Pennsylvania Wilds as a regional tourism promotion initiative.   . . snip . .

One area I will concentrate on is community and rural development. We have many wonderful and historical communities throughout the 5th District. I will work with local leaders as they identify projects that will restore and enhance the historical beauty of their communities. . . snip . .

We also must continue to address the need to bring infrastructure development, specifically public water and sewer, to the most rural areas of the district. . snip . . Our citizens, regardless of how far out of town they live, deserve to have a clean and reliable supply of water.

His website also has a short statement on trade:

The United States must start negotiating trade policies that protect our jobs and decrease the imbalance of trade with other nations.  Free trade is a must in a balanced world economy but it must also include fair trade practices on an equal playing field.

Finally, McCracken has a campaign blog as well. In one of his posts, he spoke about that economic stimulus package that was pushed through Congress and signed a few weeks ago.

Bill Cahir, Iraq war vet and journalist, answered the CDT question posed above as follows:

"Congress should offer tax incentives to manufacturers and offer no-interest loans to those businesses investing in environmental upgrades. And I will work to attract high-wage employers — those in health care, alternative energy, high tech and nanotechnology, telecommunications, defense and rural tourism into the region."

Cahir also posted his second issue statment, on our economic future, this week. The first part is an accurate summation of the problems we face and the missteps that have exacerbated these problems in the last decade. He mentions trade, income inequality, job losses, inflation, etc. He ends up with what he would do to help change things:

However, the federal government can play a positive role in promoting economic growth and in providing a safety net to people who lose their jobs and their health and pension benefits due to the rapid-fire evolution of the economy into an Information Age hybrid.

The next congressman from Pennsylvania's Fifth District must see this mission clearly and partner with state and local officials, as well as private-sector leaders in agriculture, alternative energy, higher education, banking, health care, finance, telecommunications, and high-tech research to make Pennsylvania a better place to launch new businesses, retain human capital and reclaim older urban areas. And all of these changes must have a single focus: Creating good jobs. It can be done in Pennsylvania, and relatively quickly, if voters turn away from a discredited political theory, supply-side economics, that has done nothing but expand the deficit and further concentrate wealth in the hands of the nation's most privileged few.

The next federal lawmaker representing the Fifth Congressional District must make investments aimed at creating the next generation of well-paying jobs in Pennsylvania. That strategy must:

Encourage public investment in alternative energy, including solar, wind, and other renewable fuels;

Fund vital infrastructure projects, including the repair of bridges and highways and the construction of new public schools;

Allow people on farms, small businesses and the self-employed to pool their power to buy health insurance at affordable rates;

Offer grants and no-interest loans that will help conserve agricultural lands and keep family-owned farms in business;

Fund scientific research, as well as math and science education, to spark the spin-off of new businesses from colleges and universities;

Reclaim abandoned mines, reduce the acidic pollution of streams and ensure that Pennsylvania fisheries can be revived;

Offer tax incentives to those manufacturing businesses that keep and create jobs at home.

Fund the environmental reclamation of brown-fields and the redevelopment of cities and boroughs;

Promote the deployment of broadband Internet access to rural areas so that small businesses in Pennsylvania can compete against anyone in the world; and

Invest in human capital, including higher education, new job-training programs and vocational education initiatives targeted at people who do not go to college.

Lock Haven Mayor Rick Vilello answered the CDT question as follows:

"Economic development and community development go hand in hand. The federal government must work with state and local governments to identify needs and develop comprehensive packages that address those needs. This could mean installing the proper infrastructure or it could mean putting a financial package together with a private developer.

"Speed and cooperation are important. Industry moves quickly, and decisions have to be made the same way. I would work closely with state and local government to respond quickly when opportunity knocks.

"As mayor, I already have a track record of accomplishments on the local level and know the frustration that arises when an urgent request dies on a bureaucrat’s desk. My manufacturing policy is simple: In a global market, trade needs to be fair, not free. We can do better."

Mayor Rick's issues page isn't very in depth. Here are his statements on jobs and economic development:

Jobs:
We need to quit shipping jobs overseas. Free trade is good but fair trade is better. Trade agreements need to be reciprocal and shouldn’t give an unfair advantage to either trade partner. Industries shouldn’t need incentives to stay here, and policy shouldn’t make it profitable to send jobs overseas. We can do better.

Economic Development and Rural Development:
We need to focus on family sustaining jobs. Our communities rely on jobs; jobs are the foundation Community Development is built on. Jobs keep people from leaving. Our children can’t continue to leave the 5th district for employment elsewhere. Parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters should be able to stay in the communities of their choosing and not travel halfway across the country or the world to support themselves. It’s important for kids to see their grandparents. We can do better.

Mayor Rick has liveblogged here at DKos twice so far. Some of his comments elaborate on his successes as mayor:

My accomplishments
I have worked with redeveloping an old industrial site into a 1.5 million square foot manufacturing plant that is now providing 500 new family-sustaining jobs in the area.  

In addition, as mayor of a small town, I have still managed to cultivate contacts with statewide and federal impact that have helped Lock Haven to grow and prosper.

Lock Haven is a city of 10,000 people and we have started a free summer concert series which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day with concerts on the Susquehanna River that is the envy of Pennsylvania.

Central Pennsylvania's economy
We're keeping our head above water. Things are definitely better than they were ten years ago in Lock Haven. Lock Haven was home to Piper Aircraft and an International Paper site, both of which picked up stakes and moved on. We were devastated and unemployment rates were as high as 16%.

Currently, our unemployment rate is now at 5.5%.  Our largest employers are now personal paper products manufacturers and Lock Haven University, both of which  are growing. The keys to the Fifth District's success are using its natural resources innovatively and continuing to grow in an envrionmentally responsible manner.

Wood products and the forest industry can be key to our energy independence. The Fifth District also sits on some of the largest natural gas reserves in the world. We are also home to world class universities, such as Lock Haven University, Clarion University, Penn State University, and more. If we combine the research abilities of these institutions with the workforce here in the Fifth District, Pennsylvania can be a leader in the world economy again.

I think that's long enough!

•  tips

  Tips good!

  by Glacial Erratic on Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 10:37:36 AM PDT

•  McCracken posted a diary here

  I saw it about 2:30 am or so this morning.  It may have gone without any comments at all, I had to go to bed.

  by unterhausen on Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 11:34:27 AM PDT

  •  I saw it this morning and left 2 comments

    I think the campaign has been quiet because his father died.

    by Glacial Erratic on Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 11:35:20 AM PDT

    •  can you give me a link?

      I'd like to read it now that I'm awake

      by unterhausen on Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 11:57:22 AM PDT

      •  sure

        here's the McCracken diary It's just a report from what's on his website and campaign blog.

        And here's Vilello's diary from last night

        by Glacial Erratic on Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 12:06:02 PM PDT

  •  also

    Vilello was liveblogging last night

    by Glacial Erratic on Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 11:40:12 AM PDT

•  Cahir'd

  C'mon now G.E.  Now we can't help it if our supporters are attentively paying attention to your posts.  I think it is a tribute to all the work you are putting into raising the profile of this race.

  by Daren on Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 05:11:36 PM PDT

  •  ha

    I just found the high number of slow poll-takers suspicious, is all.  I said I don't blame you :)

    I really put the poll up to gage DKos members opinions on the 3 candidate's positions. I guess the best way to do that is to let them comment, rather than a poll.

    Again, I'm glad you guys are so excited about your candidate.

    by Glacial Erratic on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 05:49:29 AM PDT

•  Round 2 goes to....

  While the 1st round issue about the Iraq war went to Mr. Cahir, this round clearly goes to the 2 candidates who are from the 5th district.

  McCracken has a solid record with economic development in Clearfield County working to bring 2 alternative fuels plants, BioEnergy and Sunnyside along with River Hill Power in Karthaus.   These 3 projects alone are brining over $500,000,000 in projects to Clearfield County.    Other important projects include the rebuilding and expansion of Rescar in DuBois, the relocation of Hydro-Spray from Ohio to Clearfield and Swan Biomass biofuels research facility in Clearfield among others.

  Vilello has a solid record as mayor of Lock Haven bringing industry to his community also.

  Which issue is more important to the people of the 5th district, who knows Iraq or who will actually bring jobs and opportunity to the 5th district?

  by KFab on Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 05:30:53 PM PDT

  •  Only the poll went to Cahir.

    I don't think the issue does.  Obviously, I am a tad biased here.  But I think we still need to consider Cahir's statements on Iraq.

    "The surge (in U.S. military personnel) is going to run its course by July. The next president and the next congress will inherit Operation Iraqi Freedom."

    "As a two-tour veteran, I think I have ideas on where to go next with that mission. As a Marine reservist, I’m not going to criticize the commander-in-chief — I support the mission.

    Now allow me to quote from his website.

    My answer would be: Get a new law passed to ensure oil revenues are being shared; urge the Iraqis to hold provincial elections, where possible, in 2008 and 2009; and transition security operations to Iraqi authorities. Then we must launch what I would call Operation Homeward Bound. That would mean bringing troops home according to a gradual plan, and with a calendar that afforded the next president some flexibility to respond to security situations in different provinces. For instance, if the Sunni sheikhs in al Anbar Province want us to stay for a bit longer as a stabilizing force, we should listen to and consider their request.

    If I'm not mistaken, wasn't that the overall goal of the surge in the first place?  And there's no mention of what happens should the Iraqis, once again, fail to pass that oil sharing legislation.  There is no timeline set here.  No indication of how quickly troops are going to be withdrawn.  This is not a sign of someone winning on the issue of Iraq.

    by JSCram3254 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 07:06:15 AM PDT

    •  Thanks

      While we expect that supporters of Bill Cahir's opponents will no doubt be biased toward their candidate, we certainly want to thank them for pointing out that the overwhelming majority of readers of this post and poll thought Bill's position on Iraq was the best.  

      When 78% support Bill's plan it's because it is the most thoughtful and substanitive.  You can't get our troops home safely from Iraq by reiterating bullets points, talking points and blurbs.

      Voters of the PA 5th deserve more.

      78% demonstrates why Bill Cahir has received more district wide endorsements from Democratic leaders across the PA 5th including someone who is the most well known progressive leader in Art Goldschmidt, Jr.; president of the board of directors of Voices Newspaper.

      It's o.k.  These are the same type of attacks that some threw at Patrick Murphy when he first started running and we overcame them in the primary and general election.  And with Bill Cahir being a "Fighting Dem" too, I like our chances.

      So we're going to stay positive against our Democratic opponents.  We'll continue to talk about what Bill is going to do and welcome more people to talk about it as well and show that with results like 78%, numbers don't lie.

      And please visit our policy page on Iraq so that you can read the entire piece for yourselves.

      by Daren on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 01:20:39 PM PDT

  •  Second thoughts on Round 2

    I don't think anyone's arguing that McCracken hasn't been a decent county commissioner, but doing good work at that level doesn't mean you win the policy debate.  On the other hand, I'm impressed by the vision that Bill Cahir is bringing to the table on this issue.  

    Cahir is the one putting bold policy proposals on the table.  He's the only one talking seriously about renewable energy, the only one bringing health care reform into the discussion, the only one talking about family farms, the only one talking about making investments in science, the only one talking about rural internet access, and the only one talking about vocational programs.  

    Tourism, 'historical beauty,' and sewers are important, but they're just a small beginning.  We need a congressman who's not afraid to actually stand up for making real changes, so that we can really build a better future.  And for now, it's Cahir who is stepping up to that challenge.

    by dutchblue on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 09:53:19 AM PDT

    •  only one

      I don't think it's accurate to say that Cahir is the "only one talking seriously about renewable energy."

      McCracken has proven results in this area.

      Cahir has to put out bold plans because he doesn't have a policy record to run on.

      I'm happy my diary is generating discussion though - because as a 5th district Democrat, I'm still undecided.

      by Glacial Erratic on Mon Mar 10, 2008 at 05:53:12 AM PDT

•  Does this change your opinion of the candidates?

  To my knowledge, the campaigns of Vilello and McCracken are strictly using volunteers in their campaigns while the Cahir campaign has brought in hired consultants.

  Does this make a difference in anyone's opinion of the 3 candidates?

  by KFab on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 07:58:58 PM PDT

  •  5th District talent

    I love the fact that Vilello and McCracken are using local talent.

    I am, of course, biased as well and a supporter of Mark McCracken.

    I do believe that we have tremendous untapped talent in this district.  They are very much against the war, some are looking for new jobs due to the local economics, and most will be looking at their heating bills with shock.

    I agree with Daren that our talk will be positive, which will be the opposite of the Republican nominee, whoever that might be.  Our party is the one with ideas and leadership.  The Republicans in this area have been in power for too long and residents of the 5th know this all too well!

    I feel that Mark has shown the leadership not only by his WORDS, but by his actions in office.  I have seen the growth in this area and the great expectations from these new Ethanol plants.

    The Mark McCracken campaign is always on the lookout for help from volunteers in this district who understand this area needs new direction and a candidate with experience to act for us in Washington.

    I will continue to blog on Daily Kos concerning the news and updates from the Mark McCracken campaign.  I hope you will continue reading and decide for yourselves.

    by vmo1701 on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 08:57:36 PM PDT

  •  Distortions

    Wow, KFab.  Before you even learn about the Cahir campaign you start throwing around half-truths with the hope of scaring voters.  If you must know, we have in fact hired staff who grew up IN the district and some who did not.  All of the staff we have hired come with a great deal of experience which shows you how serious we are about winning. We have volunteers from the district too and lots of endorsements from all over the district. This seat has been in Republican hands too long so we felt we needed to make sure we had a good mix of talent and we weren't going to discriminate against anyone who wanted to join the cause based on which town they were born in.  

    Personally, I was born in Indiana, PA.  Grew up in PA and have worked on many PA campaigns all over the state.  

    I mean, I don't think it makes a difference that Mayor Vilello was born just outside of Philadelphia but I guess you would have concerns over something like that if you're focused on where staff was born.  At the end of the day, it is about what the candidates are going to do for the people of the district.

    So lets try to elevate the discussion here and talk about issues.  Talking about staff and where they were born doesn't do anything to help anyone in the PA 5th get a job or healthcare.

    For anyone wanting to join our campaign and help us to continue to grow, please visit our website to learn more.  

    by Daren on Sun Mar 09, 2008 at 07:50:33 AM PDT