Generations ago, our forefathers gathered in Philadelphia to establish a liveable framework for our country going forward. They wore long pants, donned powdered wigs, and wrote with quill pens. They had no air conditioning, no bottled water, no Blackberries, and no staff.

But they what they did have, was a dream. They had a vision. And above all else, they had integrity.

Our state legislators in Harrisburg have managed to singularly decimate this dream through their blatant disregard for the very duties which they were elected to uphold....to represent and promote the best interests of their constituency.

John Bear is my elected representative. I do not want to see continued fiscal mismanagement at the state level, nor do I want to see wasteful spending. But, I will gladly pay a bit more in taxes to ensure that essential services are retained, my children can receive a sound education, seniors can receive healthcare and necessary prescriptions drugs, and that all Pennsylvanians can be proud of the "state" in which they live, both socially and geographically. I do not want to raid the Rainy Day Fund, as this simply shows future generations that we are willing to "pass the buck" which we do not have.....the epitome of fiscal irresponsibility.

But of course, John Bear cannot know this. Because, he simply has never asked.

As a taxpayer, I am paying him to represent my best interests. As a citizenry, we are all owed representation and the opportunity to have our voices heard.

My opinions may not represent the majority of my district. Our legislators on both sides of the aisle are balking at compromise, claiming to be steadfastly supporting the well being of their home districts.
However, seeing as Mr. Bear is oblivious to my needs as a constituent, this is simply political partisanship at the expense of Pennsylvanians.

What is your opinion as a fellow taxpayer?

Do you support cutting services? Do you support raising taxes? Would you prefer a hybrid of both, and has your representative solicited your opinion?

We might encourage (ask) our representatives to respond on-line to what it is they did today to pass the budget and earn their pay. Did they talk with constituents for suggestions, did they draft a compromise proposal, did they join in negotiations....what exactly did they proactively do to make a difference....or did they simply repeat yesterday.

By the people, of the people, and for the people begins here.

Wow, started to think I was the only one frustrated. Might want to add Smucker and Creighton to the list. Every two weeks I receive a memo from Senator Folmer-Lebanon. Tells what he has been doing in Harrisburg, what bills came up and how he voted on them and why. Guy also responds to questions. Learned more from him what is going on then any of my own reps.

I hope you are not waiting for your reps to ask your opinion. That is not their job. I'm sure they get input from people who have an agenda and you need to share your desires with them via email,phone calls, or live visits.
Also, they must then deside if your opinion is the best way to go for the state.

At least you are interested in influencing those who represent you. That is a good start and I think most representatives have a newsletter that can be emailed to you.

While agree that our legislatures cannot listen to each and every person, they can hear them as a collective voice that they were hired to represent. The rest of this post is not directed at you, but to our legislatures, LNP and all who care to read.

The voters were heard on election day, it was clear that our legislatures were chosen to be the voice of the Pennsylvanian. Now thatthey are in office our voices fall upon deaf ears. They dont return phone calls or respond to letters. Their email newsletters do not cover the issues of the majority, but rather the minority or insignificant.

The legislatures fight of a budget by using the people as their pawns, and each other as their punching bags. They are so stubborn that they either dont realize how bad they are hurting Pennsylvania, or they know but choose to ignore. Either way they are representing the voice of the people.

At this stage I feel like the British commoners felt. The house made laws without representing the needs of the commoner. Now there is a house of Lords and a House of Commons. Before Parliment can begin the House of Lords gives three giant knocks on a closed House of Commons door to request the beginning of the session. While I dont think we need to go to that extreme the principal of consulting with the common person on matters of government is a good practice that has been around since our country began. Now instead of a House of Commons we have a House of Representatives, our voice in Harrisburg.

They are failing us. They will have you believe that the budget battle in Harrisburg is about you and your family. And of course they claim to be fighting vigorously for
our financial freedom. While that may be true for a select few legislatures, it is not for the vast majority. There are so many issues that they are bickering over that I would have to start my own website to list them all.

The budget was drafted by Rendell in February, they had all that time to fight between then and June. When June hit the budget became a stalemate with no accountability. They should loose their say, there needs to be consequences. Since it is doubtful that the federal government is going to hold our government accountable, then its time WE, the People, hold them accountable.

Maffi-Libertarian-Independent or who is John Galt which would include both. Nice post. Said before count me in. Darn frustrated with the whole system.

Here is the opinion of a fellow taxpayer:

You don't want CONTINUED fiscal mismanagement or more wasteful spending. However, you'll gladly pat "a bit more" in taxes for more unaccountable nanny state government services .... which the cost is killing the economic future of our once competitive state.

This entire state gov't budget snafu is based on a whopping 3.8% reduction in this year's proposed budget from the level spent last year. Cripes, if a miniscule percentage like 3.8% can't be trimmed from the proposed budget, our futures are in greater jepardy than anyone could imagine .....

Until our elected officials can show us they have the respect for the people who "pay their bills", I for one am extremely proud of representatives like John Bear who is among the group of brave elected officicals who are holding the big spenders of "other peoples' money" feet to the fire over the huge 3.8% proposed reduction. Gosh, 3.8% less .... you'd think the world is coming to an end.

It is unconscionable for voters to continue to support and vote for politicians who refuse to be accountable for past spending, and those who you want to influence by asking the question (as you say), "what it is they did today to pass the budget and earn their pay?"

Raising taxes will pass the buck to future generations. I am not sure why you say 'raiding' the rainy day fund would do that. That is money they have already taken from us and sit on. Trust me, it is a rainy day today.
Education is not being cut at all. In fact the senate proposal increases spending by 12% over last year to ensure that your children will continue to recieve the subpar education that only government schools can provide. (you should know by now Rendell always lies about this. If the legislature does not increase by the enormous levels he wants, he proclaims that they are cutting education expenses. There has never been a cut in education spending in PA.

I too have a great deal of admiration for the men who convened in Philadelphia over 200 years ago and created the framework which still governs us today. Their foresight and conviction should be admired and even revered. However, please remember that what they essentially did was create a system which allowed for 5% of the adult population to have any say whatsoever in our democratic process. 95% of Americans at that time COULD NOT VOTE. And they did nothing to change that.

Personally I believe the biggest problem with our State officials is we do not pay them enough. Seriously. We want the best and brightest but how compelling is a mediocre salary and a ton of potential headaches when you can make multiples of said wages in the private sector? We expect more out of many of these officials than they are really capable of delivering. Have you aver watched PCN and listened to some of these individuals debate the topics of the day. I have been stunned by the lack of accumen so many times that I find it almost comical that they take themselves so seriously. I understand that we do have capable people in our State Legislature but in my opinion they are out numbered by quite a bit.

In terms of the actual responsibility to you, an individual taxpayer, well, I certainly admire the notion but you can't be serious. It would be impossible to pick up the phone and contact voters on a one on one basis and get anything done. Do we need to hold them accountable? Absolutely. Should they be engaging in activities that allow them to take in feedback from their constituency? All the time. BUt in the end though we need to create and sustain a system which attracts the best and brightest. Only then we will be able to expect the results which we deserve.

No offense Graham, but our legislatures are the second highest paid legislatures in the country. Considering that we also have the most legislatures in the US, we pay way too much for our government. They need to reduce the salary or reduce the number of legislatures. Their benefits are life long too. They get per diem during a budget impasse when other state workers get nothing. They get campaign money and funds for general spending, none of which they are accountable for. Call one of legislatures and ask how much general spending occurred this year, bet they wont have an answer. I can talk all day about the money that comes floating across their desks. The point here is: what have they done for me lately?

My point is we get what we pay for. I am not talking about an extra $10,000 or how we stack up against other states. I am saying that if you want to attract the best and brightest we need to double their pay. We need to make it an attractive position that has pay commiserate with responsibility. Bring candidates to the table that would clearly present a better option for the people of the Commonwealth. Create the legitimate question in the minds of people about where they want to go with their careers. Right now we as voters are choosing between individuals who would not stand a chance in private industry beyond entry level and middle management. Yet we trust them with our lives. It makes no sense. We need to creat a system which embraces the most capable and fosters their advancement.

I agree.

Big problem is we have people in office and once in a newbie has a very difficult time beating them in an election. Each one making the same promises. I would love to see a debate between all candidates running for an election much as they do for the President. Let local networks set aside time where we can see them several times debating issues not just a paid advertisement slamming their oppisition.

All right, I see your point, I can live with that. I still think
the amount of legislatures should be reduced and then implement that. Thats actually a really god idea, I like it.

Agree

My point was to start a dialogue....and actually, I think that we have presented better opinions/ideas than our representatives. One can drink the "Kool Aid" that the Republican version is more responsible for future generations (no debt to pass along, but also no social responsibility???), or one can argue that Democrats provide too much assistance. Truth lies in the middle, and unfortunately politics has interfered with the simple art of compromise, discussion , and resolution.

I am not voting for anyone in the future who will not have an active "Town Hall" type forum and display their willingness and ability to understand the needs of their constituents and the state. Big money will go into "sound bites" and heaven forbid all they need to do is mention a few trigger words to establish votes, but we need reps that can think. I want to see them actually answer an unscipted question, present an opinion without writers, and get something done.

Maybe, we require that they post on talkback in real time....just kidding.

I would love it if one of our legiatures came on TB. I have so many questions, so many suggestions. I have mentioned this kn another thread, but when I lived in Lititz I went to John Bears office, with an appointment, to discuss some issues with Warwick school dictrict. At the time of his campaign h mentioned education reform so I figured he would be open to talking to me about school related issues. When I startd to talk about the school issues he stopped me and kicked me out of his office. He said he didnt have time for school issued and that I should talk to the school district. I dont have a problem with him not wanting to address my issues about the school, but he said he wanted school reform and he or one of his staff read my letter so it was clear why I wanted to meet before I went to his office.

I actually caught WGAL's post newscast editorial featuring owner Quinn expressing outrage (albeit controlled) over the failure to pass the budget. Actually, somewhat impressive expression of social responsiblitiy from the media.

I wonder if at tax time, I can just write a note claiming tht I couldn't decide between blue or black ink, and when I come to a conclusion, I will remit funds?

The bottom line is that all politicians are crooked. My brother, Steve McDonald, is not crooked. That's why I told him that he would never make it in politics. He does, however, stand behind his word-good or bad. Whatever his word is-he makes it his life to keep it. This, unfortunately, does not benefit me in any way and anyone that knows me here can testify to that. He is the best candidate though-in any arena. He follows through on WHATEVER he says. As his sister, I have witnessed this firsthand for over 40 years. I hate his decisions as a Republican but he does stand behind EVERY WORD HE SAYS!!!! EACH AND EVERY ONE. I love him for it and it hurts me for it!!!

I do like the notion of reducing the number of legislatures. Re-district the entire state and create fewer seats for more qualified individuals. I have often said to those who know me that I am a Federalist at heart.

I agree. A very impressive action. Point of clarification though, Paul Quinn, a very nice and extremely capable man who I do have the pleasure of knowing, is the GM of GAL. Hearst-Argyle is the owner.

Sadly, the budget impassse will "suck more blood" out of Pennsylvanians with the halting of the West Nile Virus spraying program. Of course, seeing as payments to foster parents have ended, schools have been forced to close, and even the E'town fair lost funding, why shouldn't mosquitoes benefit.

Seriously, where is the urgency and accountability?

You get what you elect.
Keep electing lawyers and professional politicians and that's what you get. All out for their own good, not their constituents.
You will not see the average person represented UNLESS the average person is elected.
You will not see the average person elected unless the average voter can overcome the glitz and money spent to influence them by the big guys.

Without copy and pasting my previous post, we ARE electing average people. THAT is the problem. No offense to you, me or anyone else but what we need are very qualified, highly skilled individuals who are capable of running a major business function. Government is a business and currently the people responsible for our business in Harrisburg are in many cases too average in terms of intellect and talent. We all can't be nuerosurgeons and rocket scientists. It is when we understand and accept the fact that there are certain people who are just flat out better than others, and we choose to compensate them appropriately, then we can elect them to office.

NO offense taken. I understand what you are saying. However, I do not think that government should be run as a business. It should expend just enough money to cover the day to day mechanicals of the state. Government should not become a bloated bureucracy whose social programs become a way for more government to get elected.

Maff, do a letter to the editor and put in detail what happened. Give exact detail. Make sure it is in the Sunday paper. Do not give him the benefit of the doubt as to his reasons for kicking you out.

Something so simple as that and I never thought of it. Duh, thanks Chance.... I should have done that in the first place. Im out of town thos week, but as soon as I back I Will do just that. I'll let you know when I do it. Maf..