Time for a State Constitutional Convention

Member Group : Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania

I was privileged to represent the citizens of the 88th Legislative District in Cumberland County from 1981-1988. I believed then, as now, that citizens should serve in the General Assembly for a brief period by offering up the best ideas for making our Commonwealth better for all, and then return to private life.

When I heard the news that former Senate Leader Robert Mellow, a convicted lawbreaker, had his $240,000 annual pension restored with a $1.3 million interest bonus for his time in jail, my head hurt.
What do we do now?

During my time as a firsthand witness to Capitol culture and “the process,” I offered legislation calling for a limited Constitutional Convention where citizen delegates �“ men and women just like you �“ could consider reforms such as term limits and making the legislature more transparent and accountable to the taxpayers. Why? Because the vast majority of career politicians have no desire to change the status quo. In fact, like Robert Mellow, they bask in it.

My legislation was ignored at the time. However, six weeks ago it was taken up again by Senator John Eichelberger and Representative Steve Bloom. Thirteen senators and twenty-three representatives have since co-sponsored the proposal. Five major newspapers endorsed it with a common theme: it’s time.

The pendulum is finally moving toward fixing our state government with permanent solutions our founders would smile upon.

We are amid a time in which each of us has an opportunity �“ if not an obligation �“ to consider some civic action.

The Mellow pension travesty, which was approved by several members of the Legislature, is maddening �“ but it could be a blessing if it mobilizes taxpayers to take action.

Let it be an inspiration to step up, confront, and take the first step by contacting your state legislators and demand that they sign on to the limited Constitutional Convention legislation sponsored by Senator Eichelberger and Representative Bloom.

You can become part of fixing our nation’s First House, The Pennsylvania Legislature.

Start today.