2 GOP officials back Rendell for re-election

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Downtown New Castle's Warner Theater is getting a $35,000 state grant.

By VIRGINIA ROSS

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Two local Republican officeholders said they support Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell's bid for re-election.

Lawrence County Commissioner Ed Fosnaught and his son-in-law, New Castle Councilman Will Quimby, endorsed the governor Saturday, the same day Rendell visited New Castle.

"I'm pleased with what the governor has done for New Castle and all of Lawrence County," Fosnaught said. "He's worked hard for our area, and I appreciate that. I want to show my support for that work and dedication to this community."

Rendell said he appreciated the Republican officeholders' support.

Reason for visit

The governor was in the city to tour the new junior-senior high school and to dedicate the Zambelli Plaza, an open area in the city's downtown.

He also attended a Democratic Party fund-raising dinner.

Before cutting the red ribbon at the plaza, he announced the state Department of Community Development has awarded a $35,000 planning grant to the Cascade Theater Preservation Group to help with work at the new Warner Theater at the Cascade Center at the Riverplex.

The theater is one of three businesses at the former Neisner-Centennial building, which housed the first theater owned by the Warner brothers. The brothers, Youngstown natives, went on to become Hollywood filmmakers.

The building is a central part of New Castle's downtown redevelopment plan. City officials said the preservation group is looking to use the grants to bring various films and Warner Bros. memorabilia to the Warner Theater.

Meanwhile, Rendell said the state has provided the city with millions of dollars to put toward the revitalization effort.

"And we'll continue to do what we can for this city," he said. "New Castle is on its way back ... to be a great American city again."

Some 200 people gathered in the rain and waited for Rendell to cut the ribbon at the plaza before the lights there were turned on. The day concluded with fireworks provided by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale of New Castle.

Sunday, October 1, 2006