Return Shuster in the 9th
When U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster went to Washington two years ago, his presence in Congress appeared to be little more than the result of a powerful father crowning his son successor. Republican Bud Shuster had become a mighty force in the U.S. House, known for steering transportation funds to his district. But the son has proven his worth. He is a quick study on local, regional, national and international affairs and has earned another term. The 9th Congressional District is one of the strangest configurations devised by the state House Republicans during the redistricting process, mandated after the 2000 Census resulted in a loss of congressional seats for Pennsylvania. The 9th includes all or part of 14 counties, including Fayette.
There is a choice. Democrat John Henry, owner of the Fort Littleton Family Restaurant, located just off the Fort Littleton exit of the Turnpike, has run a low-key race. Few voters will recognize his name or what he stands for other than an adherence to the party’s values.
In contrast, Shuster has seemed eager to meet constituents in the expanded district.
He has made several get-acquainted visits to our area. During one of his stops the Republican met with the Herald-Standard Editorial Board. He already had grasped the issues of importance to our area. Shuster said that while his new district is vast, all the counties are rural and all are pushing for economic development. Fayette is no different in what it wants to accomplish and the aid it seeks from its congressman than his home of Hollidaysburg.
Shuster promised that he would remain accessible and that he would staff district offices within reasonable driving distance for his constituents.
In the 9th Congressional District, Shuster is the better choice.