I’m back in Harrisburg after an economic development announcement in Bedford County this morning. I was in attendance and spoke at an announcement at the Bedford Business Park this morning. Secretary Yablonsky from the Dept. of Community and Economic Development was there to make the announcement that a company called Captive Air was going to locate at that site. They will provide 75 jobs and spend about 6 million dollars to get started. I have told people since my campaign for the Senate that you would not see me at a cardboard check presentation and I have kept my word. This morning, the Secretary, during his remarks, pulled out a cardboard check and asked all of the elected officials to join him for a photo with the check. I told them that I would not have my picture taken with the check and sat in my chair while everyone around me posed for the shot. It was an awkward situation. My reason for not participating in the photo is that this is government money, not my money. I don’t think that it is appropriate to stand next to a government check and take credit for doing my job as a government official. Also, in this case and many others, I don’t deserve any of the credit since I didn’t do anything to help with this project. The people of Pennsylvania would be surprised to learn that very often the officials standing up and taking credit for the project in today’s paper have nothing to do with that project. This particular deal was between the owner of the business, the Bedford County Development Association and the Dept. of Community and Economic Development. None of the elected officials that spoke deserve any credit for this project. I’m sure some won’t appreciate this blog post but I’m always going to give you the straight story.
- John
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