Johnny Cash
Bon Jovi
Pearl Jam
Stone Temple Pilots
Guns n' Roses
U2
Audioslave
Soundgarden
Alice in Chains
Bruce Springstien
Foo Fighters
Movies
Thin Red Line
Transformers
Batman
Borne Trilogy
Star Wars Trilogy
Braveheart
Traffic
Syriana
Out of Sight
Legends of the Fall
It's a Wonderful Life
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Television
The Daily Show
The Colbert Report
Meet the Press
Hardball with Chris Matthews
Mad Men
Books
Mark Twain
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Leo Tolstoy
Reinhold Niebuhr
Paul Tillich
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Jimmy Carter's "Our Endangered Values"
Jim Wallis' "God's Politics"
Bob Edgar "Middle Church"
Alexander Schmemann
Heroes
My Grandmother Marie
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rev. James Forbes
Joan Chittister
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Reinhold Niebuhr
Moise "Mike" Waltner was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. Mike's family has worked in Erie for three generations as iron workers, window washers and food service providers.
Mike was raised by his mother Maryann and his grandmother Marie, who both sacrificed to give him opportunities they themselves never had. Mike's grandmother Marie owned JoMar restaurant in downtown Erie for 20 years, and worked as a labor organizer for the hard working people of the city. She was a particularly strong influence in Mike's life, and he credits her strictness and firm faith and convictions in taking him so far in life.
Mike holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Penn State University and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, an affiliate of Columbia University. He has lectured on world religions at Fordham University and has consulted for numerous news organizations as a commentator on religion and society. He has always been committed to broadening the dialogue on faith and politics.
Mike’s intentions of entering ordained ministry changed, however, after September 11, 2001, when he ministered at Ground Zero to provide comfort to the families of victims. This experience led Mike to reevaluate his calling as one of community involvement and public service.
Putting Faith into Action
Mike pursued his call to public service by working with community and religious leaders in New York City, addressing important social issues that cut across all political, racial, ethnic, and class lines. As director of operations at the Interfaith Center of New York, he was able to help these communities tackle major issues such as health care access, poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, housing, immigration, and substance abuse. Mike pioneered community programs with the New York Police Department, the Unified Court System, and the Bar Association that continue to build relationships between community leaders and the justice system.
Mike realized that he could use his skills as a bridge builder and his expertise in bringing people together in the service of his hometown. Therefore he returned home to be closer to family and friends and to give back to his community.
Mike lives in the City of Erie with his wife Heike. He works at the Cathedral of St. Paul doing community outreach and working with youth. Mike’s mother Mary Ann also lives in Erie and works at a gas station convenience store.
A Plan for Change
Mike is running for Congress because he cares deeply about the future of our region and of our nation. He knows that we must act now if we want to secure that future. Mike has a new vision of government: he believes that our leaders have the moral obligation to move America from the present era of debt and broken promises into a new era of real investment in our people:
What's to be done
We must begin by bringing the Iraq War to a responsible conclusion and promoting strong international cooperation.
We must keep our promises to seniors
• by protecting Social Security and reforming Medicare.
We must invest in a strong middle class at home:
• by reforming our health care system.
• by improving education and training our workers to compete in the 21st Century economy.
• by introducing honest trade reform.
• by investing in high-tech industry and renewable energy
We must invest in the next generation of Americans
• by adequately funding our public schools and increasing financial aid for higher education
• by reducing the burdens of student loans and credit card debt
This vision is within our grasp. We have tremendous assets, namely our people, our natural resources, and our values. We have a proud past and a bright future.
As Mike says, "I am so thankful for everything that I have received over the years from my community - my work ethic, my values, and the support of my friends and family. These have taken me far in life. I feel it's time for me to give back."
To donate to my campaign, please enter any amount in the box below. Thank you so much for you help and support.
i heard your radio interview the other day and it is so nice to hear a young fresh voice with innovative ideas grounded in sound moral, ethical, and political values. you've got my vote! rock on!
Hi Mike! It was nice meeting you (as I was walking out of the Clinton rally) today! (Yes, I was the one who said I was your myspace friend. LOL.) Good luck on the campaign trail!
Hey Mike! Glad to add. I am a proud Mercer County democrat looking for SOMETHING, ANYTHING to happen to change this country. I promise to read any and all notes, bulletins, etc., that you post to better understand your stance and what you can do for our country.
I will try to make time to meet all local candidates for the next round of change, and hope to meet you then.
