In keeping with McHenry County Blogs attempt to let readers know what politicians are doing, here is Harvard’s Scott Summers’ press release announcing his 2008 challenge to U.S. Representative Don Manzullo in the 16th congressional district.

GREENS FIELD A “FRESH START” CANDIDATE FOR CONGRESS

McHenry County, IL – Green Party candidate Scott Summers will announce his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives at a 1:30 p.m. press conference on Saturday, September 22, 2007. The event will take place at the Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza in northeastern Rockford. (The Plaza is just southeast of the intersection of Perryville Road and Riverside Boulevard.)

Summers, an attorney and community college trustee from rural Harvard, will face Republican incumbent Donald Manzullo and the eventual winner of the Democratic primary for the 16th Congressional seat. The district covers greater Rockford and far northwestern Illinois.

“The nation demands bold thinking and smart solutions,” Summers says. “It’s time for a fresh start.”

Summers’ platform includes an expedited military withdrawal from Iraq, coupled with a massive aid program for displaced civilians and refugees and redoubled efforts to provide health care and employment opportunities for war veterans and their families.

Scott promotes common-sense fiscal and trade policies and reconfigured health care and education systems. “We need to put people first,” he says. “The key to economic prosperity is a skilled and healthy workforce.”

His “microcapitalism” project will help start and grow local businesses. “Home-grown jobs won’t be outsourced,” Summers asserts.

Scott advocates for personal responsibility. “The turn-around work I do in Washington will merely set the tone,” he says. “Sustained societal change means that every American gets involved in little ways every day.”

Summers also has staked out views on foreign policy, civil liberties, energy, and the environment. The campaign website, www.SummersForCongress.com, contains more information.