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Glenn Thompson, the Republican candidate in this fall’s election for the Fifth Congressional District seat, says the number one issue facing Pennsylvanians is rising energy costs. Thompson, who made a campaign stop in Warren on Wednesday, said he is concerned that rising natural gas prices will affect many people this winter. “I know people who don’t know how they are going to do it,” he said about the rising energy costs versus heating their homes this winter. Thompson said he is a proponent of off-shore drilling, following the lead of current Rep. John Peterson, who has been calling for such activity for several years and is retiring at the end of the year. Thompson said he supports Peterson’s work on off-shore drilling and alternative fuel sources. He believes that speculation in the oil market has kept the price of gasoline high and that the removal of the moratorium on off-shore drilling will lower it. Thompson’s hope is that in developing domestic drilling, U.S. dependence on foreign oil will decrease substantially. “We need a comprehensive energy plan,” said Thompson. “We are seeing the largest shift of wealth going to foreign markets (because of the higher prices).” Thompson wants to utilize current U.S. resources by promoting domestic drilling as the part of the energy solution, as well as developing alternative fuels. He said that ethanol production is costly and may not be the primary solution to the oil crisis. “The good news is it is a starting point,” he said. Utilizing landfills to produce methane and further developing nuclear power are other alternatives Thompson sees to the energy problems facing the U.S. On the proposed drilling at the Rimrock Scenic area on the Allegheny National Forest, Thompson said he will need to do more research on the matter before taking a position. According to Thompson, increased development of alternative fuels will create jobs in Pennsylvania, and he wants those jobs filled by Pennsylvania workers. In order to create an available skilled work force, Thompson believes affordable higher education at community colleges and trade schools is needed in the Fifth District. Thompson said he supports favorable tax breaks for businesses that want to relocate to the district. As he has campaigned across the Fifth District – which includes all or parts of 17 counties, including Warren County – Thompson said he realizes one of the largest issues is the state’s proposal to toll Interstate 80. Thompson said he opposes the plan, citing the likelihood of more truck traffic on two-lane roads and the tolls increasing the cost of trucking goods across state. “It will wind up as a tax, a tax that will come back on consumers,” he said of the proposed tolls. If elected, Thompson says he doesn’t plan to play a low-key, first-term role in the U.S. House. “I’ll make some noise. I’m looking to make a difference,” he said, adding that he plans to introduce himself to every Republican official and House committee leaders. “My agenda is about developing relations,” said Thompson. Thompson, who was endorsed by Peterson, prior to the spring primary election, plans to debate Democratic candidate Mark McCracken several times prior to the election day. So far, the closest debate to Warren is scheduled for DuBois in August. Thompson and his campaign manager, Craig Lucas, said they would welcome a debate in Warren, if an invitation is extended.

 

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