Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Holding PEMA Bureaucrats Accountable

Potter County Public Hearing Examines Tropical Storm Debby Response—One Year Later

On Sept. 3, I joined with members of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee to convene an onsite public hearing at the Gunzburger County Office Building in Coudersport focusing on the lasting impact of Tropical Storm Debby on Potter County communities one year later.

Flood-impacted Potter County residents, county officials, township supervisors and local emergency responders all testified regarding a scenario in which they did not have the human resources required for working through the months of paperwork and follow-up of disaster response, much less the financial flexibility to repair damages before receiving any state or federal assistance.

As I pointed out in my opening comments and several times throughout the hearing, Potter County and rural regions across our state have done so much with so little for so long that we can do practically anything with nothing.

As you will see by viewing the video clips below, our region’s longstanding bond of neighbors and neighboring communities always banding together in times of need has never been stronger. 

However, this does not absolve the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and other state agencies from being held fully accountable for an overall lack of responsiveness and complete failure to effectively administer and properly oversee flood recovery efforts across Potter County to this very moment:

• Unleashing Hurricane of Accountability
• PEMA Does Not Care
• PennDOT Orders National Guard Not to Assist with Flooded Bridges
• No Excuse for Lack of Portable Water Buffalos
• Frustration with PEMA’s Failure to Communicate
• Potter County Conservation District Steps Up for PEMA
• That’s Just a Bureaucratic Response

To watch the full hearing, please click here.

Celebrating Victory Over Japan Day at Eldred World War II Museum

On Sept. 2, I was honored to participate in a special service commemorating the 80^th  Anniversary of Victory in Japan Day (VJ-Day)—appropriately hosted at the Eldred World War II Museum.

We always need to remember what happened on victorious occasions, such as VJ-Day, or lest we forget and soften our resolve to conserving our Constitutional Republic.

Since WE HONOR ALL OUR VETERANS IN SENATE DISTRICT 25, my personal highlight during last Tuesday’s ceremony was presenting two distinguished local WWII Veterans with the Pennsylvania Freedom Medal:

• Bernard Adams, who celebrated his 101st Birthday this past March.
• Richard Bondi, a “Sub-Mariner” veteran who served during WWII from 1943 to 1946.

Many thanks to Smethport American Legion Post #138 for serving as Honor Guard and the Otto-Eldred High School Choir for singing the National Anthem and God Bless America.

Thanks again, to Steve Appleby, Curator Emeritus, Liz Treehouse, Executive Director and the rest of the team and volunteers at the Eldred World War II Museum for their tremendous hospitality.

May God bless all those who have defended us in battle and may God continue to bless this nation and the American way of life for which so many have willingly fought and died.

In order for private citizens to never lose sight of all these heroic military sacrifices, it is always worth the time to visit the Eldred World War II Museum and Boalsburg’s Pennsylvania Military Museum—both located right here in Senate District 25.

Visiting Devoted Quilters, LEEK Hunting & Mountain Preserve

Immediately following the Eldred World War II Museum VJ-Day Ceremony, my team and I had the privilege of meeting with the “Devoted Quilters” in Shinglehouse, Potter County.  

This remarkable group of women dedicate their time and talents to serving those who served our nation. Every quilt they create is handmade with love and offered freely by volunteers who want to give back to our service members and veterans.

What makes their work especially moving is the attention to the unique needs of each recipient. For veterans living with PTSD, the Quilters even design special quilts with silk-edged borders that provide a calming and reassuring touch.

These gifts are more than fabric and thread—they are tangible reminders of gratitude, compassion, and healing.  The devotion, generosity and service of the “Devoted Quilters” is a tribute to our veterans and a blessing to all the communities they touch.

Next, we had the privilege of spending the night in God’s Country’s at the LEEK Hunting & Mountain Preserve.

Located in Oswayo, Potter County, this truly inspiring sanctuary for America’s veterans exists to help wounded and injured service members heal through the outdoors by offering hunting, fishing, and other therapeutic activities in a safe and welcoming environment.

What makes this place unique is its commitment to focusing on each veteran’s abilities. Here, warriors are given opportunities to heal and regain strength in body, mind, and spirit—all provided free of charge to those who served.

We left deeply moved by the sacrifice, compassion, and dedication of those who make LEEK possible. It is more than a retreat—it is a family and a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the resilience of our nation’s heroes.

For more information, visit www.savaw.org.

Uncovering PA’s $80 Billion Opportunity in Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Elements Recovery

On Aug. 28, I had the privilege of hosting a legislative tour to explore the innovation of Acid Mine Drainage Remediation (AMD) and Simultaneous Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Elements Recovery at the Richard Mine Complex in Morgantown, West Virginia.

By touring this site, we saw first-hand how science, policy and investment come together to restore waterways; recover valuable minerals (rare earth elements, critical materials); and support national security and economic growth.

However, what we witnessed at the Richard Mine Complex is only the beginning. In next week’s edition of the Mission Report, we will further examine how Pennsylvania must take the lead in capitalizing on an $80 billion opportunity in critical minerals and rare earth elements recovery.  

Best of all, the necessary ingredients and expertise are already available, right here, in the Happy Valley of Senate District 25.

For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my mission reports, you can get on the e-newsletter mailing list here.