Today Democratic candidates for Congress Dan Maffei (NY-25), Jon Powers (NY-26) and Eric Massa (NY-29) teamed up to encourage national service through public service jobs in America.  They gathered in front of Greece Arcadia High School alongside fellow Democrats Rick Dollinger, candidate for State Senate in the 56th District (website coming soon), and Dick Beebe, County Legislator.  Paul Riordan, candidate for Supreme Court Judge, was also in attendance, as were about 20 local teachers and nurses in a show of support for Maffei, Powers and Massa.  It was raining a bit so I left my camera in the car, my apologies.

Powers began, noting that both he and his mother are teachers, and that his policy of national service, A Call To Service, is about “re-engaging our country.”

Here, excerpts:

Like the recent G.I Bill rewarding our men and women in uniform for their service and providing educational funding, we must launch a Professional Public Service Program similar to ROTC, encouraging high school and college aged citizens to enter service professions. As America faces shortages in critical occupations, we must reward training and public service into professions that serve our public good but are often overlooked for lacking financial incentive. Helping and recruiting our region’s best talent will ensure secure, long-term jobs here in Western New York.

Fields targeted for enhancement are nursing, teaching and social work.  Powers also advocated for vocational programs, apprenticeships and mentoring.  Additionally, he called for increasing both AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps enrollment.  It’s an ambitious program and worth reading in full at the above link.

Massa, who has 24 years of public service, advocated reinvesting “in our work force locally by using state and federal programs to forgive student loans over time for graduates that choose to take public service jobs here in Western New York.  Kind of like a domestic GI bill, but instead of serving in the military you can serve here at home.”  He also advocated creating an economic development zone much like North Carolina’s Research Triangle.

Massa went on to say we must “stop leaving college students behind and shipping jobs to China.  It’s all a matter of teamwork,” pointing to Maffei, Powers and Dollinger standing beside him.

Maffei, for his part, referenced Abe Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address phrase “Angels of our better nature,” stating that “Just like Abe Lincoln’s ‘angels of our better nature,’ we must stand and fight and be a part of this community where we’re needed.”  He called out President Bush’s tactics by contrast such as when America was attacked on September 11th and the president told us to show our patriotism by going shopping.  Maffei instead pointed to JFK’s “Ask not what your country can do for you” speech and noted that both of his parents were social workers.  He also pointed out that he, Powers and Massa will be leaders of the next Congress, not just members.

Rick Dollinger then spoke, stating that “In 1932 America elected a president who couldn’t walk (FDR) but he put America back to work.”  He then referenced the great work of JFK and Bill Clinton in terms of public service and the economy.  Dollinger went on to say “Those three presidents and these three gentlemen,” pointing to Maffei, Powers and Massa, “have one thing in common: they’re all Democrats.”

The crowd erupted in applause.

Jon Powers noted “Americans are ready to serve, they just need Washington to help make it possible.”  He referenced biotech and greentech jobs and the easing of college debt, stating that we need to “keep our best, brightest and talented right here.”

Massa concluded by saying “All we want is a playing field where we can solve our own problems.  Everybody should serve somewhere.”  He then noted the teamwork the three of them could employ with Louise Slaughter as a “Rochester caucus.”  Massa noted “None of us are shrinking violets.  The four of us will have a very loud and clear voice.”

Maffei concluded by saying “We also want to offer non-financial incentives for joining the military,” noting there is an increased need for Americans to help our veterans, not only from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars but also from Korea and Vietnam.

Powers concluded the press conference by saying “Military service taught me to serve my country and to continue that service.  There are other ways to serve, teaching, nursing…[We have] a once-in-a-generation chance for change.”