JWF Industries prepares for Gov. Mike Pence's arrival

JOHNSTOWN - Republican vice presidential nominee, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, is scheduled to host an outdoor rally at JWF Industries on Thursday.

The metal manufacturing company's safety director and owner's son, Alex Polacek, worked with staff Wednesday to prepare for Pence's arrival.

Polacek said the event was a bit last-minute, just finding out on Monday that Pence was coming to Johnstown.

He said despite having little time to prepare, the staff cleaned and followed safety directions from the Secret Service.

Polacek said his father and uncle, Bill and John Polacek, have always been strong Democrats, but recently their views have changed.

They now support Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Alex Polacek said it comes as no surprise that the campaign wished to hold the rally at a manufacturing company like JWF, which is located on Iron Street.

"They're trying to get that working class vote. I think you're seeing that a lot of Democrats are shifting to Republicanism, and they're definitely honing in on that vote," he said.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton also brought her campaign to the city, visiting Johnstown Wire Technologies in July.

Polacek said the focus of Pence's stop is to give Johnstown a brighter future.

"This town is kind of dying. It's not quite where it used to be financially, and I think that's what they're trying to revive - a certain sense of economy and industry in this town," he said.

The rally is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday and is open to the public.

Tickets are available on the Trump website.

Doors open at 4 p.m. for the event.

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