The two Democrats running for the U.S. House of Representatives will be special guests at a “Meet the Candidates” event scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 30 in the Smethport firehall.

All Democrats are invited to meet Susan Boser of Indiana, Pa., a professor at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Wade Jodun of Lock Haven, a former employee for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who are both hoping to unseat incumbent Congressman G.T. Thompson.

The occasion will also provide an opportunity for local Democrats to meet fellow party members who are hoping to re-constitute and strengthen the current McKean County Democratic Party.

Boser, who touts her training and research in how local government can combat social problems, emphasizes the importance of discovering ways to help grow the rural economy.

“The answer to the problems we experience here begins with economic development. Our local governments need Congress to create conditions that allow small businesses to thrive,” she said.

Before becoming a professor, Boser spent 20 years working for human services in rural southwestern New York.

A mother of three, Boser received her doctorate from Cornell University.

Jodun, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University, was a fishery biologist for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for more than 20 years.

In 2011, he refused to falsify data related to storm damage from Hurricane Irene.

After facing years of retaliation for coming forward, he was covered under the Federal Whistleblower law after an eight-month investigation by the Office of Inspector General.

Key issues in his platform focus on rebuilding the middle class and a belief that health care is a basic human right that must be available to all Americans.

“As a federal whistleblower with over two decades of government experiences I know what it will take to fight corruption, reform government agencies, cut through red tape, find solutions and get things done,” he said.

The Congressional district was created earlier this year when the State Supreme Court ruled the previous maps overly politicized due to gerrymandering. Now the 15th district, the seat was configured out of what had been the 5th district represented by Congressman G.T. Thompson, R-Pa..

The event will also provide an opportunity for those attending to register to vote in the November election, or change their party affiliation. Information on absentee ballots will be available.