Ending the perks and restoring public trust

By Brooks Mountcastle

Now is the time for Pennsylvanians to make their voices heard and hold our elected officials accountable. I believe legislators should work for us:the citizens who elect them

Because of the culture of entitlement at the Capitol, we have endured far too much: a state budget debacle during economic crisis, midnight pay raises for legislators, illegal use of taxpayer dollars to influence elections, broken lobbying disclosure practices, and an exceedingly costly and inefficient government.

I will work with other reform-minded legislators and advocate for a change in the way the legislature conducts itself on the people's dime. To that end, I believe a Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention, which is favored by over 72 percent of Pennsylvanians, is a viable vehicle for reform.

I will oppose any pay raises while I am in office and work to end perks and privileges such as the use of tax-payer funded vehicles, when the session ends. Furthermore, I support shortening the legislative session, which will save taxpayers money and frustrate lobbyists who want "a little more face time" with a legislator while constituents can't even get a phone call returned or a meeting scheduled.

Now more than ever, it is time to take back our state government and elect leaders who recognize that they are public servants and that it is a privilege to serve. I believe it is time to elect representatives who understand and represent the realities and struggles of the people in their districts. And above all, I believe it is time to elect leaders who earn our trust.