Candidates running for the 5th Congressional seat visited St. Marys Tuesday to participate in a forum sponsored by AHUG. Among the 10 of 12 candidates in attendance were Jeff Stroehmann, John Stroup, Glenn Thompson, Rick Vilello and Derek Walker.

By Amy Cherry
Daily Press Staff

Ten of the 12 candidates involved in the 5th Congressional District race visited St. Marys on Wednesday morning to participate in a forum sponsored by the Allegheny Hardwoods Utilization Group (AHUG).

As the moderator for the event, AHUG Executive Director Sue Swanson posed several questions to the candidates. Topics discussed included their plans for a solution to the energy crisis, tolling of I-80 and its economic impact on the region and solutions to the current housing/mortgage debacle.

Candidates voiced their opinions on the subjects, with many thoughts and ideas overlapping on possible solutions.

Candidates in attendance included Republicans Chris Exarchos -College Township, Centre County, John Krupa - Pine Township, Clinton County, Lou Radkowski - St. Marys, Elk County, Keith Richardson - Clarion Borough, Clarion County, Jeff Stroehmann - Woodward Township, Lycoming County, John Stroup - Clarion, Clarion County, Glenn Thompson, Howard Township, Centre County and Derek Walker, Bigler Township, Clearfield County along with Democrats Mark McCracken - Lawrence Township,  Clearfield County and Rick Vilello, Lock Haven, Clinton County.

Absent from the event were Republican Matt Shaner of Patton Township, Centre County and Democrat Bill Cahir of Bellefonte, Centre County.

Of particular interest to AHUG were two questions posed by Swanson. The first referred to the relationship between the federal government and the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) in regards to the economic interest between the two entities.

“Both interests can be protected as the two groups are not mutually exclusive, “ answered Exarchos. “We can treat the ANF as the natural, renewable resource that it is and still meet the needs of tourists.”

St. Marys candidate Lou Radkowski noted that many of the timber and forestry related businesses have dropped off greatly throughout the area.

“At one time there were 1,200 sawmills in the region, now that number is down to 309,” Radkowski said. “While the ANF offers some of the finest black cherry, white and red oak in the country, at the same time the furniture industry is almost gone.”

Many candidates said they would trust the opinion of the timber experts in matters regarding the ANF and its long term well being.

“We need to keep our priorities straight. The ANF is one of the few national forests that is profitable. The regulations have to be rolled back to allow for more of a profit,” Richardson said. “The ANF can become an economic engine for the economic recovery of the area.”

Stroup noted that it is necessary to have sustainable management of the forests and allow money to come back to the communities.

Swanson also questioned the candidates on what type of tax structure they would support involving the ANF. The choices included either a fixed payment or a 25 percent payment to the state.

Numerous candidates said they were not informed enough about the issue to fully answer the question, however many noted that they would research the issue and seek the input of local industry experts and personnel.

“The tax shift needs to shift locally instead of money going to Harrisburg,” Stroehman said.

According to Swanson the issue is of great importance to the area’s economic well-being.

“Once harvest levels were reduced during Clinton’s term, the fixed payment hasn’t worked as the federal government has not lived up to its end of the deal,” Swanson said.

Following the forum topics, candidates answered questions posed by audience members, most of whom consisted of individuals involved with the hardwood industry.

“We decided to host this forum to give industry personnel the opportunity to evaluate the candidates,” Swanson said. “AHUG has had a very good working relationship with Congressman Peterson and his staff.”