Senator Cris Dush visits local businesses in downtown Ridgway
RIDGWAY- Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) took a tour around Ridgway to meet with several local business owners in town on a chilly Friday. Dush represents Senate District 25 serving Elk, Cameron, Clinton, McKean, Potter, and part of Jefferson and Centre Counties, respectively.
Dush was also accompanied by additional members from his office, along with Deborah Ponzter, president of Grow Rural PA.
The senator began his day at the Creative Cup and finished it by having lunch at the Wilderness Trail.
A few of the Ridgway dignitaries that joined Dush for lunch included Michelle Bogacki of Ridgway Township, Ridgway Borough Manager Mike Handley,
and Ridgway Borough Council members Abbi Peters and Steve Lawrie.
Dush took time to observe what these proud local businesses had to offer and addressed any questions or concern from respective businesses owners.
Dush, a Brookville native, sees an immense amount of potential in what Ridgway’s local businesses can bring to the table for people here at home as well as visitors who come and explore the downtown area.
“I love this town and I love this area,” Dush said. “With Route 219 being here running down through to Toronto to Miami, it’s a tremendous opportunity for people to stop and see what these artisans have to offer.”
Dush also has vast knowledge in what the local area has to offer in the outdoors, as he served as a park ranger at Bendigo State Park in Wilcox.
Some of his favorite memories when he was growing up included spending time in the Clarion River with family and friends.
Dush praised the business owners and local elected officials of Ridgway for the many opportunities that the town presents, as well as their activity for trying to bring new business back into town.
“There’s a tremendous community spirit that has really taken fire here in Ridgway and I want to see it expand,” he said.