|
|
|
|
Former congressman to head Forest Alliance |
|
Written by Publisher
|
|
Friday, 01 May 2009 |
Photo by Ted Lutz
Jack Hedlund, left, of Kane congratulates former congressman John Peterson, right, who has been selected to succeed Hedlund as the executive director of the Allegheny Forest Alliance (AFA). Hedlund, former Kane school administrator, has held the post for the past nine years and is retiring in June. Peterson, who resides in Pleasantville in Venango County, retired Dec. 31 after a 12-year career as the area's representative in Congress.
By Ted Lutz
Republican Staff
John Peterson, who retired Dec. 31 as the area's elected representative in Congress, has been named to succeed Jack Hedlund as the executive director of the Allegheny National Forest Alliance (AFA).
Hedlund is retiring in June as the chief of the AFA, which now is based in Kane.
The AFA is a non-profit coalition of school districts, municipalities, businesses and recreational groups in the four-county area of the Allegheny National Forest (ANF). The AFA has between 200 and 250 members.
"With the leadership change, the coalition is looking to move forward because Mr. Peterson is exceptionally well qualified," the AFA said in a statement issued Thursday. "Mr. Peterson has been tireless in his pursuit of the best interests of the people in his rural district and indeed all of rural Pennsylvania. Most recently of note are his relentless efforts to scuttle tolling of Interstate 80 and to advocate for multi-use of our national forest, both having the potential to profoundly impact the regional economy."
Peterson, a Republican from Pleasantville in Venango County, represented the 5th Congressional District of Pennsylvania in Congress for six two-year terms. He previously served for 19 years in the State General Assembly-- seven years as an assemblyman and 12 years as a state senator for the 25th Senate District.
As a member of Congress, Peterson was considered "a leader of energy independence, particularly as it relates to natural gas," the AFA said in its statement. "He firmly believes the cost of natural gas will rise precipitously in a year or two, placing an even heavier burden on rural communities."
In its statement, the AFA said its members "are confident Peterson will continue the fight for responsible management of the ANF."
"His enthusiasm, experience and knowledge will serve him well as he tackles the vital issues facing the national forest and its surrounding communities," the AFA said. "He personally knows a majority of both government and business leaders within the region."
According to the AFA, Peterson's "top priority" as its new director will be "balancing the health and sustainability of the forest with the economic viability of the region."
He also will be assisting McKean, Elk, Forest and Warren counties and the ANF townships and school districts "in their effort to develop common plans that would maximize the positive impact the ANF has on the regional economy."
Hedlund has been the executive director of the AFA since June 2000. He retired in 2002 as the principal for curriculum and federal and state programs for the Kane Area School District. For two years, Hedlund served both as the AFA director and as an administrator in the Kane Area School District.
Hedlund previously served as principal at Kane Area High School for 19 years.
Hedlund began his association with the AFA when it was first chartered in 1997. He served as a subcommittee chairman before moving into the role of executive director for the past nine years.
"Jack has worked diligently to ensure the national forest maintained its 'good neighbor' relationships with local communities," the AFA said in its statement.
AFA member believes that Hedlund has done "an outstanding job leading the AFA over the years. The AFA contends that Hedlund has been "the right person for the job to bring together industry, county and township governments and schools."
The AFA now maintains a two-desk office at 22 Greeves St. in Kane. Hedlund's wife, Linda, has served as AFA secretary since 2000 when he became the executive director. She also is retiring in June.
Since the AFA lease for the office space expires in June, the base for the organization is not expected to remain in a building in Kane. It is not known at this time whether Peterson will maintain a formal office or simply work from his home in Pleasantville. He is expected to travel extensively in his role as AFA director.
The 20-member AFA Board of Directors is expected to elect officers this month. Sandy Chlopecki, the superintendent of the Kane Area School District, is the current board president.
Hedlund said the appointment of Peterson as his successor is an "exciting time" for the AFA.
"John brings a wealth of understanding of the issues and he knows all of the players," Hedlund said. "He has a passionate interest in the economy of our region."
Both Hedlund and Peterson spoke Monday at a briefing on the status of the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for oil and gas operations in the ANF. The Forest Service, which is preparing the SEIS as an addition to the 2007 Forest Plan, held the forum at the ANF headquarters in North Warren.
The Forest Service also is preparing a separate environmental study on oil and gas development in the ANF. New plans for oil and gas projects are expected to be held in abeyance for at least a year due to this study.
Three area state legislators are hosting a Legislative Hearing today on oil and gas issues in the ANF. The forum is slated for Warren.
U.S. Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-Centre County), who was elected last November to fill Peterson's seats, also is expected to attend today's hearing.
|
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 12 June 2009 )
|
|
|
|
