Philadelphia Mayor and Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Ed Rendell received a warm response Friday afternoon as he spoke to a large crowd of supporters at the Breeze Point Landing in downtown Warren.

Rendell spoke extensively about economic development, emphasizing the need to market Pennsylvania's tourism attractions, support its farmers and encourage growth in both small towns and big cities. In the most locally oriented part of his speech, he told the assembled crowd that as governor he would work to secure funding for the "Impact Warren" Project.

"We're going to be here with not just promises. We're going to be here with funding," said Rendell.

He explained that his experience with development projects while mayor of Philadelphia has prepared him to work on similar projects throughout the state.

"I don't think there's anybody in the Commonwealth who knows more about development than I do because, as the kids say, "Been there, done that," said Rendell.

His presentation was evidently quite convincing. Warren Mayor Mark Phillips, a Republican, met with Rendell after his speech to discuss specific aspects of the Impact Warren project. In a telephone interview afterwards he said that, while he still supports Republican candidate Mike Fisher, he was impressed with Rendell's commitment to economic development projects like Impact Warren.

"He reacted very positively (to the proposal), because it seems to be that Mr. Rendell's commitment to economic development is one of the cornerstones of his campaign," said Phillips. "I would never expect to hold anybody's seat to the fire, but I did get a sense of real commitment that this was the type of project that, if governor, he would support."

But while Rendell assured supporters that he would support development programs like the one in Warren, he also reminded them not to forget the blessings they already have. His campaign route has run along the Route 6 corridor, which he said was "as scenic and wonderful as any drive in the nation." The natural resources of Warren and of Pennsylvania as a whole are one of its greatest assets, he said, and he intends to "market the heck" out of them.

"People never understand what they have, and they need to see it through a visitor's eyes," said Rendell. "You all are very lucky to live here. This is a beautiful place."

The emphasis on Pennsylvania's natural beauty and heritage played an important role in his speech. He said that Pennsylvania needs to market itself as a major tourism destination, taking advantage of the increased increase in American history and heritage that has occurred since September 11.

"If we put our heritage and our natural resources together, nothing can stop us from being a dominant factor (in the tourism industry)," said Rendell.

In order to take advantage of the area's natural resources, Rendell emphasized the need for preservation. He promised to increase funding for fish hatcheries and game land habitats and spoke admiringly about the state's wilderness areas.

"We have to make sure that we nurture and protect our lands," said Rendell.

The manner in which Rendell spoke about the natural beauty he had seen during his week-long campaign tour made it obvious that Rendell was, as he termed it, "a city guy," but he said that his city roots won't hinder him in serving rural parts of the state.

"Everywhere I go I listen to people... and I've learned a lot about the challenges of rural Pennsylvania," said Rendell. "I hope to be a good governor for one (unified) state."