One local lawmaker’s move up in seniority appears to already be
paying dividends for the region.

On Tuesday, state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, announced
he has been appointed to four committees in the Legislature,
including two influential bodies – the House Commerce and Economic
Development and Aging and Older Adult Services committees – for the
first time.

Causer was also reappointed to the Environmental Resources and
Energy and the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness
committees.

“Through seniority I was able to get on more influential
committees,” Causer said. “Seniority means everything in
Harrisburg. It’s important that I continue to move up so I can
better serve the area’s residents.

“All the committees I’m on really deal with the important issues
in our district. The assignments fit well. I’m happy with
them.”

Following last year’s elections, in which a large majority of
incumbents lost as a result of the pay raise scandal, Causer moved
up several positions in the House, along with fellow Rep. Kathy
Rapp, R-Warren.

Causer said the committees will help him be on the front line
when legislation is being crafted, particularly in regards to the
area’s most pressing concerns – jobs, economic development, an
aging population and environmental issues.

“I’m looking forward to working on all these issues,” Causer
said. “These committees will put me right there to make a
difference for our district.”

The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee – which
Causer said he worked hard to gain a seat on – could hold the most
sway for the region, as it struggles to survive job losses and
continues to build a viable economic base.

The committee is responsible for addressing laws that impact the
banking and financial industries and works to improve the state’s
economic development programs.

“Job creation and retention are, by far, the biggest challenges
facing our region,” Causer said. “With a seat on this committee, I
hope to be in a better position to help our communities keep the
jobs they have and bring in new, good-paying jobs to replace those
we have lost recently.”

One major blow occurred in neighboring Potter County, where Time
Warner Cable announced last year they would be eliminating 500 jobs
following a decision to shut down its Coudersport call center. The
employees’ last day on the job is Monday.

Earlier, Pittsburgh-Corning in Port Allegany announced they
would also be cutting jobs.

“We’ve had a real economic downturn in our area with jobs,”
Causer said. “It’s a constant struggle. On the state level, our job
is to create an environment in which businesses can survive and
grow. That is something I’m very interested in working on. I’ll be
looking while on the committee for legislation that will help our
businesses thrive in our state.

“We need the jobs.”

According to Causer, businesses statewide are overburdened by
regulations, taxes and fees.

“Our state is seen as not friendly to business,” Causer said.
“But, the businesses are the job-creators. It’s a big concern.”

Causer said the committee also deals with legislation for
banking and financial institutions.

“I have worked hard on economic development projects in our
district and this gives me a seat at the table to see that
continues.”

Meanwhile, Causer said his appointment to the Aging and Older
Adult Services Committee will help further his desire to help the
seniors in the region.

“A significant portion of our population, both locally and
across the state, is over the age of 65,” Causer said.
“Pennsylvania’s seniors have given a lot to the state and to our
communities, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have the
services they need to enjoy a good quality of life as they
age.”

Another important priority – environmental resources and energy
– has also placed the region on the cutting edge of change,
particularly with the heightened level of drilling for oil and
natural gas, particularly in McKean County. The region is also in
line to gain from a push for alternative fuels.

“Congressman Peterson has been a leader on the federal level,
and I’m happy to be part of that effort on the local level,” Causer
said. “Our region is blessed with valuable natural resources that
help drive our economy and enhance our quality of life. Striking
the right balance between the economy and environmental protection
is vital to our region’s future.”

Causer said it’s important the region continues to support its
traditional industries, while looking at alternative fuel
sources.

Rounding out his appointments, Causer said a seat on the
Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee will provide
an opportunity to help out the emergency service providers and to
continue recognizing the state’s veterans.