Rural issues such as transportation, technical education and
health care are three of the items on U.S. Rep. John Peterson’s
platform for the upcoming election.

Peterson, a Republican who represents the 5th Congressional
District in the U.S House of Representatives, announced his bid for
re-election Friday.

“Franklin, DuBois and Bradford airports use Essential Air
Service to maintain service,” he told The Era Friday afternoon. The
Congressman has had to fight for this funding each year when
proposed budget cuts leave the program in peril.

“It’s an ongoing battle,” he said. “They keep me busy. We will
be successful. We will be able to handle that.”

Another issue important to this area – as well as others – is
the economy and building jobs.

“There needs to be a lot more thought to keep American business
in competition,” he said, adding this needs to be addressed in both
Harrisburg and Washington.

Health care is also an issue with Peterson, including getting
affordable health care for small employers.

“Our future is not corporate America, but small business,” the
lawmaker said.

The centerpiece of Peterson’s legislative agenda has been his
effort to force Congress and the White House to address the
country’s energy problems with emphasis on his bill to unlock a
50-year supply of American natural gas in our Outer Continental
Shelf.

The OCS initiative will lower heating and electric bills for
homeowners, businesses, schools, hospitals and the many industries
which use natural gas as both a heat source and product
ingredient.

“Gaining access to reliable, affordable sources of energy is one
of Congress’ most important responsibilities,” Peterson said. “But
instead of actively seeking out known domestic energy, our
government continues to lock it up. The current Congressional and
White House policy of denying access to a 50-year supply of natural
gas is as short-sighted as it is dangerous. Natural gas, the clean
burning fuel, can be our bridge to the future.”

He added the use of natural gas can give the country an
opportunity to develop ethanol, wind, geothermal and other
alternatives to oil such as bio diesel.

“If given the opportunity to serve again, I will continue to
work tirelessly to make sure our energy policy gets the thorough
overhaul it needs.”

If re-elected, this would be Peterson’s sixth two-year term in
Washington.

Peterson will face opposition from Don Hilliard, a Democrat from
Brookville, and Edward Walko, a resident of DuBois, who is running
as an Independent.

The Congressman said he is up for the challenge.

“If you work hard, you will be fine. I work hard,” he said. “I
just keep on doing my job.

“We do look forward to the challenge … it’s healthy to have
competition.

“Discussion of the issues … I revel that in campaigns.”

To date, he feels like he’s done a good job in his position.

“I have not been a timid congressman. I’ve been a leader on a
number of issues,” he said, including helping to get funding for
rural hospitals. “I have not been a shrinking violet … I’ve been
outspoken and work hard.”

“I came down to Washington 10 years ago with the singular
purpose of defending the rights and articulating the needs of rural
communities across our state and around the country,” Peterson
said. “In some areas we’ve achieved more than we could have ever
hoped; in others, modest progress has been made, but there’s still
a lot to be done. One thing I’m certain of is that I have the
experience and energy to accomplish what we set out to do. I would
be honored for the chance to be your voice in Washington for the
next two years.”

Peterson, who is co-chairman of the Congressional Rural Caucus
and member of the House Appropriations Committee, lives with his
wife, Sandy, in Pleasantville. They have one son and two
granddaughters.