HAZLETON – On Monday, U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski touted a bill he readily admits will do nothing to reduce the price of gasoline for millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet.

HAZLETON – U.S. Congressional candidate Lou Barletta called on Congressman Paul Kanjorski to bring a border security bill to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote.

HAZLETON – In an interview Thursday with Local News 13, Congressman Paul Kanjorski said the following:

“I brought into Hazleton City millions of dollars of federal grants that have never been used, and I find it incredible that, over all these years, with millions of dollars of grants, we have some of the conditions that I see on Main Street [sic] in Hazleton. … Instead, nothing’s been done in eight years. I can’t understand it. … Federal grants for Downtown Hazleton to be fixed are pending out there and have never been used. Instead of people in Hazleton saying, ‘Woe, be damned,’ they ought to think where are they." (Interview with Local News 13, Hazleton, March 20, 2008)

Kanjorski said the money was so Hazleton could be “made to be beautiful like many of the other cities in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” He claimed money was to repave and install new sidewalks on “Main Street,” and suggested people of Hazleton “start looking at cities like Scranton (and) start looking at cities like Wilkes-Barre.” 

Mayor Barletta responded, “I am surprised that Congressman Kanjorski chose to not only attack me but also insult the City of Hazleton, its business owners and developers, and its citizens. I cannot let his statements go unanswered.

In a letter received via fax at Mayor Lou Barletta’s congressional campaign headquarters, Senator John McCain’s campaign said the senator “truly appreciates your invitation and the valuable opportunity it represents,” but “must pass along his regrets as I do not foresee an opportunity to add this event to the calendar.”

Barletta said he was troubled by McCain’s rejection.

HAZLETON – Yesterday afternoon, Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta mailed the following letter to Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Barack Obama, and Senator John McCain.

The letter has also been sent via fax and/or e-mail to the respective campaigns.

Letter follows...