Priest who led Campaign for Human Development greets Obama at campaign stop

July 27, 2012

The priest who served as executive director of the Campaign for Human Development from 1978 to 1985 was the first person to greet President Barack Obama during a recent campaign stop in Iowa. The US bishops’ controversial anti-poverty program is now known as the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

Msgr. Marvin Mottet, 82, was seeking federal support for two job-creation programs.

“I had to choose my words carefully to get the president’s attention, so I mentioned the Campaign for Human Development,” said Msgr. Mottet. The president said that he remembered the priest and had a staff member get in touch with him.

“We’re hopeful the White House will give us focus and direction so we can acquire the necessary resources to move the projects forward,” said Jim Orr, a student of Mottet who developed the programs.

 

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Further information:

• White House receives Msgr. Mottet’s request (Davenport Catholic Messenger)
• Priest delivers proposal on job creation to Obama during Iowa stop (CNS)