…the state of affairs in the Capitol.
I will begin by saying that there are folks that have been around this town much longer than me who agree that the animosity in the capitol is as bad as it’s ever been. I’m not saying this to cast aspersions on any one individual or group of individuals, but to indicate that these new challenges prevent constituencies from moving forward on issues of importance for Pennsylvania.
The core problems are not partisan in nature. Philosophical differences between the parties can surface on any given day, but they do not necessarily displace productive public policy action. Rather, there is a lack of trust. And that lack of trust has threatened to bog down state government (which some argue is a good thing).
Ralph Waldo Emmerson once said, “Our distrust is very expensive.” How fitting -- as leaders in Harrisburg struggle to regain the ability to constructively approach the important public policy matters that are at hand.
The pay raise issue has certainly shaken Pennsylvania’s trust in our leaders, but we can not allow that distrust to topple the institution itself.
If anything, our role is to re-establish ourselves as leaders. And in so doing, we must have respect and tolerance for individuals, as well as the institution itself. That is not to say we can’t have differences and debate the merits of any issue. It is to say, however, that we are ALL responsible for setting Pennsylvania on a track that allows us to become economically, ethically and politically an example of which to be proud. This is a great state whose image has been tarnished nationally by the events of recent weeks. Let’s get back to being a Pennsylvania we are all proud of.
With that off my chest, I welcome your comments.
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