Rendell makes campaign stop in Uniontown
Gov. Edward G. Rendell made a brief campaign stop in Uniontown on Monday and outlined some of his plans for Fayette County should he be re-elected in November. Rendell, who said he has brought $78 million in state money into the county for 135 different projects, said his next project for the region would be the revitalization of the old Fayette Bank Building in Uniontown.
“These projects are the things that are going to bring this city back,” Rendell said of the projects. “When I took office we got the ball on our own five-yard line. We have crossed the 50 and we are on the 45, but we have about 45 yards to go before we hit real pay dirt.”
“The Fayette Bank Building could be the key to the revitalization of this city,” Rendell said. “We do not have control of the building yet, but there is already money earmarked and poised to renovate the building.”
The building, which was constructed in 1902 by J.V. Thompson, is 12 stories tall and currently is owned by local businessman Gary Gearing.
Gearing could not be reached for comment Monday.
Rendell said he also plans to continue to fund the revitalization of the Connellsville Airport, something he said is key to the success of the county.
“That would be at the top of my list,” Rendell said, noting he secured $2.5 million in state money for the airport in the past.
Earlier this year, the Fayette County Airport Authority unveiled a new terminal at the airport that was converted from an old World War II airplane hangar.
Rendell said he would continue to try and stimulate economic growth in the county through such projects.
Since he became governor in 2000, the county’s unemployment rate has dropped about 1 percent, Rendell said.
Additionally, Rendell said he has saved nearly 1,000 acres of open space and farmland across the county through the Growing Greener program
Fayette County Commissioner Joseph A. Hardy, a Republican, offered his endorsement for Rendell, a Democrat, at the event.
“You can dream about all this … but he gets stuff done. He will be our governor and in a few years, he will be our president,” Hardy said.
According to Rendell, Hardy is one of several Republican politicians across the state who have endorsed him in the race for governor against Republican challenger Lynn Swann.
“We are just scratching the surface of revitalizing the area,” Rendell said, adding that the bi-partisan support is a reflection of delivering for the needs of state constituents with funding and through support for area programs.
The 15-minute event, held at Storey Square in Uniontown, was observed by a smattering of local dignitaries and residents around 1:30 p.m. Monday.