State Constitutional Convention

By F. Patrick "Pat" O'Keeffe

I support putting on the ballot a referendum calling for a Constitution Convention to reform state government.

Waste and growth are out of control as all the fat cats enrich themselves on our taxes. Our legislature has become a bunch of kittens, waiting their turn. They sit back, enjoy their perks and privileges, and go along to get along. The way to build your career in Harrisburg is to do what you are told, and don't upset the party bosses. Then you will get plenty of staff, perks, and unconstitutional Walking Around Money to pass around so you can get re-elected.

The culture of corruption in Harrisburg is bipartisan. All power rests with the party bosses, and people work to win their favor to advance their careers. This single problem affects every other concern or cause that you may hold important.

Taxes rise and necessary funds are cut to support the growth of the legislature budget. The leadership sets aside our tax dollars in "Leadership Funds" to promote and consolidate their power. Good companies with good jobs decide to go to other states with less corrupt governments. Small businesses are tied up in red tape and bloated bureaucracy while legislative fat cats are not held accountable by anyone.

Important bills for important causes get stalled in the "Pay to Play" environment. The main question on legislation should be, "Is this good for our citizens?" Sadly, the main question is often, "What's in it for me?" As it said in the historic report from the Bonusgate Grand Jury , "The grand jury has determined beyond any doubt that the General Assembly, if left to its own devices, is utterly incapable of reforming itself,"

I think the public would enjoy a campaign where candidates compete to see who is most passionate and committed to a Constitutional Convention. Of course, that would derail some professional politicians' career plans. Their career, their perks, their paycheck are dependent on not upsetting the party bosses.

Fortunately, I am not interested in a career in Harrisburg. I want to go there to work for the people, to work to fix government. It is a big job, but when Americans band together behind a cause, no job is too big. Why don't we have the best state government in the nation? We deserve a government that the entire nation admires, one that lives up to the legacy of Philadelphia in 1776. I am working to go to Harrisburg to fix our state government, and I can use your help and support.