Lincoln Blog

November 21, 2008:

Top executives at the nation's big three automakers - who flew on private jets to Washington, D.C. this week to ask for a government bail-out - could learn a few lessons in public relations from Pennsylvania's new Lieutenant Governor, Joe Scarnati.

Governor Scarnati, who also serves as President Pro Tempore of the state senate, has suggested legislators should forego a scheduled 2.8% cost-of-living increase in their base salaries in light of the commonwealth's skyrocketing budget deficit.

While the dollar amount saved by members of the General Assembly giving up their raises is small, the symbolism is tremendous. It is clear state government must tighten its belt, and some needed programs are going to suffer in the process. Lawmakers will have greater moral authority to exact spending cuts if they have lead by the example of sacrificing themselves.

Scarnati has only served in Senate leadership for two years; and as Lieutenant Governor for a few days, but he has already shown an intrinsic understanding of the truism that in politics perception is reality.

And by giving up this year's cost-of-living increments, the legislature would greatly enhance the perception that it truly understands and will share in the sacrifices it will ask others to make.

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