Mike Waltner

Mike Waltner was a Democratic candidate in the 2008 congressional elections for the 3rd Congressional District (map) of Pennsylvania. He was seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.). The primary took place on April 22, 2008, and Kathy Dahlkemper emerged as the winner.

Foreign policy
Waltner's platform is to
 * "Bring the Iraq War to a responsible close. End George Bush’s unjust war and bring the troops home immediately."
 * "Work to rebuild America's image in the world by promoting strong international cooperation."

Middle class issues
Waltner's platform is to "work to restore the promise to the Middle Class." He promises to:
 * "Reform our health care system to create true universal coverage for all."
 * "Improve worker education and training programs to help make America more competitive in the 21st Century."
 * "Introduce honest trade reform to secure American jobs * Invest in the high-tech and renewable energy industries."

Education
Waltner's platform includes a promise to "devote resources to strengthen the next generation of Americans." He promises to:
 * "Commit more funds to our public schools."
 * "Increase financial aid so that more students can attend college."
 * "Reduce the burden of student loans and credit card debt."

Senior citizen issues
Waltner's platform includes a promise to "deliver on the obligations we have to our senior citizens." He promises to:
 * "Modernize Medicare and reform Medicare Part D to secure safe and affordable prescription drugs for all seniors."
 * "No privatization of Social Security"

Bio
Moise “Mike” Waltner was born and raised in Erie, PA by his mother, Maryann, and his grandmother, Marie. Mike credits the values he brings to our community and nation to his upbringing. Since he was a child, Mike has appreciated the value of hard work and the need to put the interests of others above his own.

Hailing from a family of iron workers, window washers and food service providers, Mike understands the difficulties that many families in our nation face. Mike’s grandmother, Marie, inspired him to become an advocate for progress. As a labor organizer, Marie fought for what is fair and right for her co-workers. It is because of that ideology that Mike chose to devout his life to serving the interests of others.

Having put himself through Penn State, Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies in 1998. Upon commencement, Mike worked as a Child Development Specialist at the Sarah Reed Children’s Center in Erie, PA.

In 2003, Mike was awarded his Master of Divinity degree from the Union Theological Seminary in New York, an affiliate of Columbia University.

Mike’s intentions of entering ordained ministry changed, however, after September 11, 2001, when he ministered at Ground Zero to provide comfort to the families of victims. This experience led Mike to reevaluate his calling as one of community involvement and public service.

Mike pursued his call to public service by working with community and religious leaders in New York City, addressing important social issues that cut across all political, racial, ethnic, and class lines.

As Director of Operations at the Interfaith Center of New York, he was able to help these communities tackle major issues such as health care access, poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, housing, immigration, and substance abuse. Mike pioneered community programs with the New York Police Department, the Unified Court System, and the Bar Association that continue to build relationships between community leaders and the justice system.

Mike lives in the City of Erie with his wife Heike, a journalist. He now works as the Community Outreach Coordinator and Program Manager for the St. Paul Cathedral in Erie, PA. The couple is expecting their first child in December 2007.

Committees and affiliations
Mike will be assigned committees when he is elected to Congress.

Contact
Waltner for Congress P.O. Box 996 Erie, PA 16512

Phone:(814) 806-3254

[mailto:office@waltner08.com office@waltner08.com]

External resources

 * Mike Waltner for Congress
 * Mike's Blog
 * 2008 Race Tracker page on Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/9/20/10589/1736
 * http://www.streetprophets.com/storyonly/2007/9/20/10583/4523
 * http://blogs.brocknet.net/eriepressible/?p=1013
 * http://pennsylvaniaprogressive.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/07/pa-03-mike-walt.html
 * http://www.sharonherald.com/local/local_story_194220630.html
 * http://www.keystonepolitics.com/delegation08/mike-waltner-officially-enters-race-against-phil-english
 * http://www.blogfordemocracy.org/2007/08/a_faithfocused_progressive.html