Local politician wants big changes

Freshman congressman John Peterson joins 105th Congress in hopes of implementing changes to the education system.

Although he is only a first-term congressman, U.S. Representative John Peterson said he plans to play an active part in the 105th Congress.

Peterson is assuming the seat of the 5th District, formerly occupied by veteran Republican Bill Clinger. Though they are of the same party, the major difference is congressional experience. Peterson is leaving the state Senate, and now must adjust to life as a freshman Congressman.

Because Peterson is a freshman, some of his legislative activities may be limited, said William Bianco, associate professor of political science.

"Shaping major parts of legislation is not characteristic of a freshman Congressman," he said.

However, Peterson did outline major policies he would like to see passed. Those policies include a balanced budget, Medicare reform and Social Security reform.

Instead of these major policies, Bianco said Peterson's strengths may come from casework, the specialized work that politicians do for their constituents. For Peterson this included cutting through bureaucratic red tape and giving an Eagle Scout in his district a flag which flew over the Capitol.

As a freshman congressman, Peterson will be able to influence smaller, local policies, Bianco said.

Through his committee appointments -- the Economic and Educational Opportunities Committee and the Resources Committee -- Peterson will be able to attack issues in the area's interest, Bianco said.

Through his assignment in education, Peterson said he will promote "affordable and accessible" higher education and technical education. He said he plans to develop a more efficient grade school education. In an era of technological explosion, Peterson said, it is more and more important that education be constantly improved.

His appointment on the Resource Committee will allow him to manage the resources for the Allegheny Forest, the state's only national forest, Peterson said.

In order to achieve these goals, Peterson said, the legislative tactics he acquired as a state senator will allow him to become an influential member of Congress.

"I know how to find who is at the base of power and work with them in order to get good policy passed," he said.

He has already approached representatives Joseph McDade, who is on the Appropriations Committee, and Bud Shuster, the chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Peterson said.