SMETHPORT — U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., fielded questions about topics including the Iraq war, immigration and health care Wednesday during a town meeting at the Court of Angels Banquet Hall at the Courtyard Family Restaurant.

Well over 100 people attended the question and answer session, which followed a breakfast Specter had with local Republican leaders.

The senator explained to those in attendance that he feels the war in Iraq needs to be reevaluated.

Specter said that while he voted the troop surge, he still prefers to wait until Sept. 15, when Gen. David Petraeus, commander of the Multi-National Force-Iraq, reports to Congress with his assessment of the war’s progress. That report could influence when American troop withdrawals could begin.

“Unless we see light at the end of the tunnel, I will support getting our young men and women out of a civil war,” he said.

But, at the same time, Specter noted that since the United States military is in Iraq, a quick withdrawal by our troops would destabilize the Iraqi government.

Illegal immigrants also proved to be a topic of interest with the audience.

One man said that it was unfair that illegal immigrants, who have not contributed to the Social Security system, are receiving benefits when American citizens are being denied them.

Specter mentioned the recent ruling by a federal judge which invalidated Hazleton’s ordinance which made it unlawful for employers to hire illegal immigrants and landlords to rent to them.

“We must have a foolproof system to identify the 12 million-plus undocumented immigrants and make sure they pay taxes. We don’t have the detention facilities for that large number.”

The senator was especially critical of, and called for tough penalties against, “unscrupulous employers” who blackmail the illegal immigrants from reporting working conditions.

Specter said that he has joined other senators in sponsoring a bill that would strengthen border security by increasing the number of U.S. Boarder Patrol agents and the height of border fences.

“It’s up to the federal government to restore the rule of law,” he said.

When asked about the issue of health care, Specter replied, “I agree with attempts to find coverage for all Americans, but it should not be the equivalent of socialized medicine. I want to keep coverage in the private sector and favor the use of tax credits.”

The five-term senator also backs proposals for small businesses to join groups to buy insurance.

Recovered from Hodgkin’s disease, which left him temporarily bald, Specter said he still stands by his earlier statement about the United States having the best medical care in the world. He cited cases of patients from France and Saudi Arabia coming here for treatment.

“What is your stand on global warming?” one person asked.

“This is absolutely a problem — an enormous problem — that is gaining strength in Congress,” said Specter. “We have to find a balance by reducing carbon in the air and protecting jobs. I think we will have some legislation about global warming in this Congress.”

Another person was very concerned about the tremendous power and “undue influence” lobbyists have in drafting Congressional bills.

According to Specter, Congress has passed a restrictive lobbying bill that bans gifts and among other restrictions, requires lobbyists to register, identify their employers and the issues they are interested in, and carries penalties for violations. “It really is a get-tough law that we passed.”

A woman said that she is becoming “a concerned citizen” due primarily to the outsourcing of thousands of jobs to Mexico and overseas. “Our country will not continue to be a leader if we don’t change this policy. We are on a downhill course,” she said.

The woman said that she doesn’t trust the media for reporting the truth on this issue.

In his reply, Specter agreed with her skepticism and noted how in this global economy, China and India, with their huge populations, are not on a level playing field with the United States. “For example, the International Trade Commission is in a real battle with China, which is unfairly dumping subsidized steel in the U.S.”

On another topic, a man told the senator about deteriorating conditions of the infrastructure at the Allegheny National Forest, particularly at the sewage treatment plant. This has led to “closed” signs being posted on restroom doors, the man added.

Specter said that he was not familiar with this problem, but will check into it.

On the matter of increased appropriations for early childhood education and day care, Specter said that funding for these programs comes through one of his committees and he has been “a firm advocate for Head Start,” and noted the dividends it pays.

In his remarks of introduction, State Rep. Marty Causer, R-Turtlepoint, thanked Specter for his ability to have the Transportation Security Agency reverse a ruling that made it unlawful to carry lighters on airplanes.

“With this change in the regulations, it has had a big impact on Zippo and the county’s economy,” Causer said.

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