Campaigning Schweiker stops at Nittany Lion Inn

Promises remembered, promises kept and promises yet to be fulfilled were the subject of a speech given by Lt. Gov. Mark Schweiker yesterday morning at the Nittany Lion Inn, 200 W. Park Ave.

Schweiker and Gov. Tom Ridge announced their decision to run for the Republican candidacy in a two-day swing across Pennsylvania, according to a news release. In addition to Schweiker's stop at the Nittany Lion Inn, he visited Lancaster, Reading and Bucks County.

Focusing on tax cuts, workers' compensation and welfare reform, Schweiker briefly discussed the issues Ridge has dealt with throughout the past three years, as well as the administration's plans for future improvement.

"It was very upbeat, very positive," said Mary Dunkel, vice chairwoman of the Centre County Republican Committee.

Dunkel has been involved with the Republican committee since 1959 and said she is pleased with the changes she has noticed in the commonwealth since Ridge took office.

"The Democrats, I hope they can see that their state is in better condition than it was three years ago," Dunkel said.

In addition, Schweiker mentioned the new plan to excuse families making $25,000 or less from paying income tax, an announcement the administration made yesterday. He also discussed the effort made by the Ridge administration to increase jobs in the state.

"Four years ago, our state was ranked 45th in new job creation. And even before our campaign was over, that ranking had changed. Incredibly we dropped from 45th to dead last," Schweiker said. "Well, Tom Ridge and I promised to change that Pennsylvania -- and we did."

Schweiker said some of the administration's new plans include to improve aid for higher education, but Matt Guzy, president of the College Democrats, said he does not think that this promise will be fulfilled.

"When he ran last time, he stressed education," Guzy said, "I severely doubt while Ridge is in office anything is going to change, because he's pouring money into big businesses and private sectors."

Collegian Staff Writer Christopher Antonacci contributed to this article.