CLEARFIELD — Mark McCracken of Clearfield announced his candidacy on Tuesday for the 5th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House.

He will appear on the Democratic ballot in the April 22 primary election. The seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. John Peterson, R-Pa., who is retiring at the end of his term.

McCracken, 44, is a lifelong resident of Clearfield County and is currently serving in his second term as Clearfield County Commissioner. Prior to being elected county commissioner, he served 10 years on the Clearfield Area School District Board.

“I believe I have the experience necessary to serve this vast rural district in north central Pennsylvania,” McCracken said, adding he works on a regular basis with officials from all levels of government, including on the federal and state levels. “As county commissioner, everyday I deal directly with important issues facing all counties in the district including economic development and job creation, balancing budgets, controlling health care costs and dealing with constituent issues.”

In regards to what he feels is the biggest problem confronting the nation, McCracken cited the growing financial crisis and stalled economy.

“The federal government’s debt is at an all time high, big name banking institutions are on the verge of default and are being bailed out by China, Saudi Arabia and other foreign interests,” McCracken said. “My greatest fear is that the security of our nation won’t be breached by terrorism but through economic and financial collapse brought on by the uncontrolled debt of the federal government.”

McCracken said it’s time President Bush and members of Congress, regardless of party affiliation, start showing fiscal responsibility by balancing the federal budget and paying down the national debt.

“This will make us stronger, more secure and allow us to address important domestic issues like health care, tax reform and keeping social security solvent,” McCracken said.

On issues specific to the 5th District, McCracken said “I oppose the tolling of Interstate 80 and as a county commissioner have been very active working in opposition to tolling. I have a strong record in opposition of landfill development and the import of out of state trash to the region. I fully support the rights guaranteed to law abiding citizens by the Second Amendment.”

McCracken lives in the Clearfield area with his wife Kelly and daughter Amanda.

“My wife Kelly and I both work full-time jobs in order to make ends meet,” McCracken said. “Like the majority of people living in the 5th District, we struggle to pay our mortgage, car payments, utility bills, child care expenses, rising gas prices, heating costs and to put food on the table. Unlike others already in this race, I know firsthand the problems that working families face every day, and Washington isn’t helping us.”

Before entering politics, McCracken worked in the computer and information technology field from 1983 to 1988 with North American Refractories Engineering Department in Curwensville and served as director of information technology for Clearfield County government from 1988 to 2004.

Currently, McCracken serves as a member of the full board of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, board member of the Clearfield County Recreation and Tourism Authority, board member of the Central Pennsylvania Community Action, member of the executive board and technology committee chair of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, board member of the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging and as a member of the executive board of the Penn-Ag Democrats.

McCracken also serves as chairman of the Northern Counties Heath Insurance Purchasing Cooperative Board, which was organized in 2005 through the efforts of McCracken working with commissioners in Clinton and McKean counties to form a multi-county health insurance purchasing co-op and create a self insured pool account. Participation in the co-op is up to nine county governments and member counties are bringing health insurance costs under control, which is saving tax dollars.

“As a lifelong resident of the region, I know the political layout of the 5th District and the northcentral region,” McCracken said, acknowledging it will be a tough battle for a Democratic candidate to win.

“I trust that voters from all parties will look closely at the candidates and will elect the person to best represent them in Washington. The one belief that I hold firm is to remember who put me in office and who I work for. It’s not the lobbyists, the party leaders, the big money contributors or the special interests. My commitment is, and will always be, to the individual voters and citizens that elect me.”

McCracken joins a crowded field looking to capture the seat. Also on the Democratic ballot are Lock Haven Mayor Richard Vilello, former Centre County commissioner Keith Bierly and Iraq war veteran Bill Cahir.

Meanwhile, running for the Republican nod are Clarion Borough Mayor John Stroup, Derek Walker of Clearfield County, former Centre County commissioner Chris Exarchos, Centre County businessman Matt Shaner, Centre County resident Zack Moore, Daniel Klees of College Township and Elk County Coroner Lou Radkowski.

The major party candidates will be joined by Green Party member Donald Wilson.

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