We're continuing our series of reports focusing on key local candidates in the November election. Our focus today is on the Democratic challenger for Congress in the 5th District.
Charles Dumas is a Penn State Professor. And he recently spent time urging Edinboro University students to vote. But he has also spent months criss-crossing the sprawling district trying to generate support against incumbent Republican Congressman Glenn Thompson.
He says jobs remains the top priority for the voters he meets. He says most voters are working, but seeking better jobs. He thinks one way government can help is to raise taxes on the wealthy.
Dumas said, "I say it's time the top 2% to start paying their fair share. Let's take that tax money and create some infrastructure development."
A lot of jobs in the shale gas drilling industry have been created in the 5th district in recent years. But there is also a lot of concern about the environmental impact of fracking. Dumas thinks perhaps drilling should be put on hold while fracking is studied.
Dumas said, "So I'm not saying it is a bad thing. I'm saying let's find out. And until we find out, let's stop the process."
One thing Dumas does not want to stop is the implementation of the controversial Affordable Health Care Act, better known as Obamacare. He actually thinks even more reform is needed.
But Dumas knows he is fighting an uphill battle against an incumbent who was re-elected in a landslide in 2010.
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