Congressional Candidate Visits Penn State
This story was written by Mandy Hofmockel, Daily Collegian
A candidate in a crowded primary race spoke to Pennsylvania State University students Wednesday about several important planks in his campaign platform.
Jeff Stroehmann, vice president of Moran Industries and congressional candidate for the 5th District, addressed the College Republicans last night in 112 Osmond Lab.
About 12 people attended the event.
Stroehmann said that Pennsylvania has the resources to become energy independent, with stores of oil, natural gas, coal and products to make ethanol in the state.
The sale and tax of the natural gas vein under Appalachia must be carefully regulated, he said. "Pennsylvania can serve as the model [for energy independence]," he said.
Stroehmann said he would also continue work with the NEED Act, advocated by U.S. House Rep. John Peterson, R-Pa, to open offshore drilling of natural gas,
The natural gas is a source that would stay in the United States, Stroehmann said.
"Drilling for gas is not environmentally damaging," he said.
Railroads could be used for shipping at a time when the state cannot find sufficient funds to repair roads and bridges, Stroehmann said.
He said the infrastructure is available for railroad use, and railroads produce less greenhouse gases.
"Freight railroads are the green answer," he said.
He added that his experience in business would aid him in Congress.
"Businessmen don't spend money they don't have," he said.
Stroehmann fielded questions from students ranging from how to keep young people in Pennsylvania to nuclear energy and offered his position on the issues.
When asked about illegal immigrants in America, Stroehmann said immigrants would need to formally assimilate in order to stay in the country. He added that a lower working class is a necessity, and immigrants could work their way up in class as Americans do.
At the end of his address Stroehmann, invited the College Republicans to volunteer for his campaign.
John Stroup, Clarion Mayor, and Glenn "G.T." Thompson, Centre County Republican Party chairman, previously spoke at College Republicans meetings, which are open to the public, said Brandon Means, president of the College Republicans.
"We encourage our members definitely to get involved with the candidates," he said.
Bill Cahir, Class of 1990 and two-tour Iraq war veteran, spoke to College Democrats in early January, and Lock Haven Mayor Rick Vilello's campaign also contacted the organization, said Sean Meloy, president of the College Democrats.
"Our door is open to all Democratic candidates," he said, adding their meetings are open to the public.
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