Two local Republican mayors are stepping over party lines and
backing Gov. Ed Rendell in his bid for re-election.
Endorsing the Democratic governor are Bradford Mayor Michele
Corignani and St. Marys Mayor Sally Geyer, who are among 14 current
or former mayors statewide who have already shown their support for
Rendell.
“I am proud to accept the endorsement of these fine leaders,”
Rendell said. “They are brave to move past traditional party labels
and announce this endorsement. Their support proves that my
administration’s accomplishments have been beneficial to all
Pennsylvanians.”
Rendell is facing off against former Pittsburgh Steeler and
Republican Lynn Swann for the state’s highest seat. The general
election is slated for Nov. 7.
Numerous local officials from both political parties across the
region have indicated they appreciate Rendell’s focus on rural,
northcentral Pennsylvania, particularly along the U.S. Route 6
corridor and in the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative.
That thinking holds true for both Corignani and Geyer, who said
Rendell has delivered for the historically struggling region.
“Gov. Rendell had made a promise years ago to give any aid and
assistance he could to rural Pennsylvania,” Corignani said, “and we
are about as rural as you can get. He has held true to those
words.”
Corignani said Bradford has benefited greatly from Rendell’s
administration, which has delivered millions in funding for
important development projects, such as the expansion at Bradford
Regional Medical Center and the Old City Hall project.
“He has helped areas he feels are critical for development,”
Corignani said. “As a mayor in a small town, it’s tough to struggle
for funding. Whenever opportunities arrive, you appreciate anything
you can get. The funds from his office have made a difference both
financially and visually.”
According to Corignani, Rendell has proven to her to be “a man
of his word,” adding he’s always been willing to listen to local
leaders during visits to the area. “I believe he’s the people’s
governor.”
For her part, Geyer said she made the four-hour trip to
Harrisburg to meet with the governor and other mayors over
breakfast.
“I think Gov. Rendell has started a number of projects and he
needs time to complete them,” Geyer said. “He understands what a
mayor if facing. He jumped out of Philadelphia and came up to the
small towns and is helping us. Good judgment and common sense says
keep him in office.”
Geyer said Rendell has been supportive of revitalizing downtown
areas in small towns like St. Marys, where the state invested
nearly $600,000 for the terminal building project. Another nearly
$578,000 went to installing airfield drainage, among others.
However, just because she’s backing Rendell, doesn’t mean Geyer
doesn’t like Swann.
“I like him, but I don’t think it’s his time,” Geyer said. “If
he chooses to run again in four more years, I will campaign
strongly for him.”
Corignani said she hasn’t heard of any ramifications for
Republican mayors supporting the governor.
“For somebody to say a Republican mayor has to support a
Republican candidate, that’s just like saying because I’m a woman,
I should vote for a woman. You vote for the best candidate and who
is going to do the best job for the region. I certainly feel that
is Gov. Rendell.”
McKean County Democratic Chairwoman Judy Church said the
Republican mayors “realize he is the most qualified candidate.”
“He is a good man,” Church said. “With him it really doesn’t
matter what the affiliation is. I think he’s done a lot of good up
here.”
Mayor John Suplizio of DuBois has also thrown his support behind
Rendell, which received similar support while running for office in
2002.
Swann has gained the support of local state lawmakers and other
municipal officials in his quest to unseat Rendell next month.
