Restore accountable government
This election season is perhaps one unlike any other in our nation’s history. We are witnessing massive changes in voter sentiment toward both major political parties. It is now clear the electorate is angry and saying a pox on both your houses. Neither of the presumptive nominees for president has a positive likeability rating. This tends to result in bad choices being made as voters scramble for options.
Much of this has to do with the fact that both parties have become sclerotic, controlled by entrenched political elites. With each party clutching safe seats in Congress and state legislatures, their only desire seems to be to remain in power, the will of the people be damned. Pennsylvania has become a showcase state for an excessively large, do-nothing Legislature that can’t seem to get out of its own way, mirroring Congress in this regard.
Some have called for term limits as a possible solution, but a more effective method can be found in a fair redistricting process.
As it stands, the bipartisan Pennsylvania Senate Bill 484 and Pennsylvania House Bill 1835 would create an impartial, independent citizens’ commission with rules ensuring fairness and transparency in the redistricting process.
The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania and Fair Districts PA are asking our legislators to pass these constitutional amendments to restore accountable government, by signing a petition at www.fairdistrictspa.com. I hope all voters will recognize the importance of fair districting in re-establishing responsive government to Pennsylvania and will encourage legislators to support this important process.
John E. Hemington Jr.
Carrilee L. Hemington
McMurray