“No one else has what you have here.”
That’s what Gov. Tom Wolf told officials with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on Friday, as he gestured around at the acres of trees, trails and sites that make up the Kinzua Bridge State Park.
In his hour-long tour of the new Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitors Center and the Skyway on Friday, Wolf was certainly impressed.
Environmental education specialist Holly Dzemyan pointed out the fallen towers, telling the governor how the huge steel structures tumbled like matchsticks in the 2003 tornado. She explained to Wolf the direction of the winds on that fateful day when much of the century-old viaduct was felled.
“What failed?” Wolf asked.
“The anchor bolts,” she replied, then explained the original bridge had been built of wrought iron. However, when trains became heavier, the bridge needed to be sturdier. It was rebuilt out of steel.
“And they didn’t replace the anchor bolts?” Wolf asked.
“And they didn’t replace the anchor bolts,” Dzemyan confirmed.
I’m recounting this conversation for a couple of reasons.
First and foremost, in case you hadn’t noticed the front-page coverage, the governor was in the area.
Second, and this one threw me for a loop, he was asking questions and listening to the answers.
I’ve been in this business for two decades, and I have met, spoken to and interviewed countless politicians, businessmen and so on. In all that time, and with all those people, I can tell you there aren’t many who are really “there” and involved in a conversation.
Wolf stopped and greeted visitors at the park, some who weren’t even Pennsylvania residents. He even stood on the glass observation area of the Skywalk, after some good-natured cajoling from park staff. Wolf posed for a photo with two young visitors from New Jersey, after urging them, “Please don’t jump on the glass, I can’t take it.”
He shook hands with many, and not in a “I’m the governor, aren’t you glad to meet me?” kind of way.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, I came away with a different impression of the man than I had when I got there. I’m a Republican, much to the chagrin of many colleagues and friends. And I can’t say as though I’ve ever been a fan of Gov. Wolf’s politics.
What I can tell you is this: He seemed like an affable guy.
He was accompanied by his wife, Frances Wolf. And with the teasing banter of a long-married couple, the two joked with each other. She isn’t a fan of heights; he tried to get her out on the Skywalk.
Pennsylvania’s first lady made a valiant effort, making it about halfway. In my book, I call that a win.
This visit brought something home to me that slips my mind all too often: It’s really all about people. Every story, every time. And these politicians we love to hate? Yep, they are people, too.
Talk to one. You might find out that partisanship aside, you’ll find a person you may actually like.
(Schellhammer is the Era’s Associate Editor. She can be reached at marcie@bradfordera.com)
