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April 16, 2015 – The Allegheny College Republicans and Allegheny College Democrats, in collaboration with the Crawford County Republican and Democratic committees, will host a Bipartisan Political Meet and Greet from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 24, in the Henderson Campus Center Lobby at Allegheny College. The event is free and open to the public.

According to organizers, the gathering is meant to be a chance for the Allegheny and Meadville communities to meet and chat with the people who make decisions directly affecting citizens’ lives. It also provides essential networking opportunities for Allegheny students, faculty and staff.

“In a time of hyper-partisan gridlock and government stagnation, it is important to turn toward local leaders to help move the country forward,” says senior Nicholas Tortorici, president of the Allegheny College Republicans. “Allegheny offers the best venue for this type of bipartisan collaboration because of its emphasis on civility in politics, as well as the long and involved history it has had with the Meadville community.”

“Holding an event that fosters bipartisanship is incredibly important given the current political circumstances in America,” adds senior Annabel Zinn, president of the Allegheny College Democrats. “Hopefully the success of this event will serve as an example for other colleges to foster this same sense of cooperation and learning all across this nation.”

Listed below are those who have been invited to attend. Local school district officials and other prominent community members also have been invited to help promote a well-rounded dialogue.

Pennsylvania State Senator Michele Brooks (PA 50)
Pennsylvania State Representative Brad Roae (PA 6)
Pennsylvania State Representative Parke Wentling (PA 17)
Pennsylvania State Representative Kathy Rapp (PA 65)
Meadville Mayor John Christopher Soff
Meadville City Council Member Bob Langley
Meadville City Council Member Sean Donahue
Meadville City Manager Andy Walker
Crawford County Commissioner Jack Lynch
Crawford County Commissioner Francis Weiderspahn
Crawford County Commissioner C. Sherman Allen
Crawford County Jury Commissioner David Kennedy
Crawford County Jury Commissioner Samantha Staab
Vernon Township Chairman Robert Davis
West Mead Township Chairman William Rosenberger
Titusville Mayor Esther Smith
Crawford Central School District Superintendent Thomas Washington