Snyder thrilled to attend State of the Union address
When President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, Greene County Commissioners Chairwoman Pam Snyder was there.
As the guest of U.S. Mark S. Critz, D-Johnstown, Snyder said Wednesday she was awed by the experience, and honored that he invited her to come.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am just so happy that I got the chance to be there,” she said.
She said Obama “hit on some issues that are really near and dear to my heart.”
The most poignant moment for Snyder was when Obama talked about how in government — much like the military — in order to have a successful mission, everyone has a role, and trusting and having faith in the people you work with is integral in that success.
“My prayer would be that everyone in that chamber who has a vote heard him,” Snyder said. “As a sitting county commissioner, there is probably nothing that I feel stronger about than being able to put your politics aside and work with the person sitting next to you.”
She said that too often in government, those involved get caught up wondering if they’re going to look good or bad, and lose sight of why they’re there.
“What’s important is that you get the job done and do what’s good for the people,” she said. “When they sit up there and fight and bicker, the American people suffer. If we’re going to be a strong nation, we have to learn to work together.”
Seeing Pennsylvania Sens. Bob Casey, a Democrat, and Pat Toomey, a Republican, sitting together “did my heart good,” Snyder said.
“I thought it was an outstanding speech, I really did. It was an honor to be there to hear it delivered,” she said.
The most touching moment to Snyder was when Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona stepped down from Congress to focus on recovering from gunshot wounds in an assassination attempt, Snyder said. Giffords was shot in the head and gravely injured during a shooting rampage on Jan. 8, 2011, in Tucson.
Seventeen others were shot and six died.
“To be there at the moment when Gabby Giffords walked in was so emotional. I had goosebumps and tears in my eyes. It was really a wonderful moment,” Snyder said.
Critz had offered last year to have Snyder come as his guest, she said. And when a redistricting plan to take effect next year removed Critz from representing Greene County, Snyder said she told him she would understand if he gave the ticket to someone else. Critz told her he wanted her to come, Snyder said, and she was touched that he still decided to give her the one ticket he was allotted.
Before the address, Critz took her to a reception hosted by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, whom Snyder met.
“It was really a wonderful evening from start to finish,” Snyder said.