Critz predicts slow recovery
Economic recovery will be a long, slow process for the nation as a whole and southwestern Pennsylvania in particular, but U.S. Rep. Mark Critz (D-Johnstown) told constituents Tuesday that a positive attitude can make a difference. “We’re so focused on what’s wrong instead of on what’s right. Being at Quecreek Mine and Flight 93 over the weekend, I was reminded of what can be accomplished through cooperation. We need to work together,” Critz said.
Critz Tuesday held his sixth telephone town hall meeting for senior citizens in the 12th Congressional District since taking office a little over two months ago, replacing the late U.S. Rep. John Murtha. The district includes all or part of Allegheny, Armstrong, Cambria, Greene, Fayette, Indiana, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
During the course of the town hall the participants were asked to answer poll questions, recording their votes by punching the appropriate buttons on their telephones. About 300 people participated in each of the polls. They were asked about U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, with 59 percent of the people voting for the United States to withdraw. On the issue of the new health care legislation, 18 percent voted to keep it the way it is, 44 percent said some change was needed and 38 percent said it should be repealed. Nearly everyone responded that the telephone town halls were a good way for Critz to stay in touch with the district. The participants also had a chance to question Critz.
A caller from Donora asked Critz what he is doing to preserve Social Security.
“Social Security is a compact. It’s a promise made by the U.S. government to its citizens,” Critz said.
Critz said the money for Social Security is still there, but he wants to make sure it is still available for his children and grandchildren. Critz said he would be meeting later this summer with former U.S. Rep. Barbara Kennelly, who is now president of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, to discuss the issue.
A woman from Roscoe asked Critz about his stance on illegal immigrants.
“The Obama administration has deported 400,000 illegal immigrants so far, which is ahead of the pace President Bush set. We have a lot of people doing it the right way. My stance is those folks who are here illegally+.they should not be allowed to jump ahead of those who are doing it the right way,” Critz said. “They need to go back to their country and start the process legally.”
Critz said the United States also needs to secure its borders and employers who hire illegal immigrants should face penalties.
“It’s taxing our system,” Critz said.
A woman from North Charleroi wanted to know if Critz would consider legislation to help small businesses as a way of revitalizing the region’s economy.
“In the House of Representatives we have passed four or five bills targeted specifically at small businesses,” Critz said. “What’s unfortunate is they are all sitting in the Senate. The Senate has still to take action on them. This house is responding to this economic crisis, Democrats and Republicans alike.”
A Uniontown woman asked Critz about plans to bring jobs back to Fayette County so young people don’t have to move out of the area to work. Critz noted that jobs are coming into Fayette County, but it is a changing economy requiring new skills.
“You have schools around you that can feed into the workforce,” Critz said. “The future of our economy is going to be from an educated workforce.”
Critz said he will also continue Murtha’s commitment to developing sewer, water and road systems in the region, giving prospective businesses fewer reasons to say no when it comes to locating in the area.
“I really do think we’re going to get through this and have a brighter future,” Critz said.