By ANGIE MASON
Daily Record/Sunday News
Article Last Updated: 03/31/2008 05:16:47
PM EDT
Republicans and Democrats may not agree on much right now, but they'll
put their differences aside to rehabilitate a house for a York County
family in need.
The two county political
parties have agreed to join forces for "Unity
House," a Habitat for Humanity house they will rehabilitate.
The parties are challenging every congressional district to do
the same in hopes of sparking a national movement.
"Just the idea of it is good for the United States," said
Don Gogniat, retired Penn State York campus executive officer,
who is working with the parties on the concept.
Local party chairmen say their members are on board.
"Everybody says go for it," said A. Carville "Peck" Foster,
chairman of the York County Republican Committee.
With all the political animosity typically in the news, it would
be good to show the parties can work together on something, he said.
Mike Johnson, chairman of the York County Democratic Party, said
it shows politicians really do want to help their communities.
"I think it fits well with some of the mood, even in Washington
and certainly locally, that says it's fine to have party labels and
party candidates ... but as far as solving problems, we can really
come back and work together," he said.
Fran Spero, executive director of York Habitat for Humanity, said
she was thrilled when the idea was brought to her.
"It just so embraces the philosophy of
Habitat," she
said. The organization is all about bringing people of all different
backgrounds together to build homes, she said.
The "Unity House" is one of six
Habitat houses being rehabilitated on East Prospect Street in
York. About 75 percent of the money has been raised for those
homes, she said. Each will cost about $70,000.
The Democrat and Republican parties will be asking for volunteers
as well as donations for the project, both of which can go straight
to Habitat. They hope to raise money over the summer and start construction
in August.
Habitat will not be keeping track of which party raises more money
or which party brings in the most volunteers.
"Both parties agree we don't want this to be us against them," said
Linda Seligson, communications chair for the Democratic party.
Other local parties have been invited to participate as well.
If you would like to help or to offer a donation for the project,
call York Habitat for Humanity at 854-6168.
