Glenn Thompson

News Article

Glenn Thompson, 48, of Howard, has announced he is seeking the Republican nomination for the 5th Congressional District seat being vacated by John Peterson.

A health care professiona, Thompson said his experiences in the workplace, politics and volunteerism have prepared him for the U.S. House.

"My motivation is to serve," he said. "I'm looking to hold a grassroots campaign that focuses on my experience to lead and my readiness to serve."

Thompson said,"I believe that what is important is that the citizens of the 5th Congressional District have the right individual with the experience to lead and readiness to serve. Where the candidate resides in the district is not important."

He noted his affiliation across the Congressional district with organizations and in volunteer work.

Thompson, a certified therapist employed as a Susquehanna Health rehab services manager, said his life has been dedicated to public service, not personal gain or ambition.

He is, he said, an advocate of term limits, and not a career politician.

"I believe reform is needed to return our government to that which the founders had designed and intended," he said. "As a citizen legislator, I promise to advocate term limits assuring that the occupant of this seat and other elected officials remain well grounded in the community and the lives of those we serve."

Thompson advocates the support of U.S. troops in Iraq, a strong economy, tax reductions, smaller government, aid to older adults, advancement of alternative fuels and the right to life.

"I am confident I will have more personal and professional experience than any other candidate who may enter this race," he said.

Thompson said he is taking an unpaid leave of absence from his job to conduct a campaign that will not resort to mudslinging.

He said Peterson has done a good job in serving the district.

He noted his work with Peterson as Centre County Republican chairman, including efforts to prevent the tolling of Interstate 80 and with rural health care issues.

"I think it's important to have the experience and readiness to serve," he said.

He is a former member of the Bald Eagle Area School Board and a former Republican State Committeeman.

He served on the Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society Board, as board vice chairman of the Private Industry Council for the Central Corridor and on the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board.

He served as president of the State and National Professional Association and national professional association liaison to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He also served on the Stroke Legislation Task Force of the National Stroke Association, and on the technical expert panel of the Health Care Finance Administration, Rehabilitation Prospective Payment System.

A certified firefighter, emergency medical technician and rescue technician, he is past president of the Howard Volunteer Fire Co.

He earned the title of Eagle Scout in 1977. He has served Boy Scouts in a number of capacities, including as a scout leader, scout master and president of the Juniata Valley Boy Scout Council.

He is a member of the Lighthouse Reform Church, Howard, where he has served as a Sunday school teacher, church deacon and consistory president, as well as lay pastor and speaker.

He holds a bachelor's degree from Penn State University and a master's degree from Temple University. His education also includes post-graduate work in nursing home administration at Marywood College.

He is married and the father of three children.

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