Friday, August 18, 2006
Rendell Recommends Real Reform
In a remarkable change of position Governor Rendell has come out in support of legislator term limits. Setting aside any cynicism about whether the support of term limits is heartfelt, this is a very good proposal. There can be little doubt that one of Pennsylvania’s biggest governance problems is the historical pattern of a few legislators with enormous seniority taking the reins of power and using those positions to make sure they keep that power.
Some argue there are term limits in place; legislators can be voted out of office at election time. The problem with that argument is that the re-election rate of those seeking another term is over 90 percent. The way power is achieved in the General Assembly is to return and return and return. The longer the legislator is in Harrisburg, the more clout he/she has to bring home the bacon and do favors for financial supporters.
Then too, since the legislature has awarded themselves lucrative pension and retirement health care benefits (probably in violation of the Constitution), there is a huge incentive for legislators to stay as long as they can. Most will fight hard to keep their jobs and move in to positions of power as opportunities arise.
Since the system is set up in such a way as to give voters powerful reason to re-elect their legislators unless or until they completely go against the vast majority of voters wishes on some issue such as the pay raise, the best way to create a legislature that is more responsive to needed policy changes is to enact term limits. Besides, it could save the Commonwealth millions of dollars in retirement benefits down the road.
Some argue there are term limits in place; legislators can be voted out of office at election time. The problem with that argument is that the re-election rate of those seeking another term is over 90 percent. The way power is achieved in the General Assembly is to return and return and return. The longer the legislator is in Harrisburg, the more clout he/she has to bring home the bacon and do favors for financial supporters.
Then too, since the legislature has awarded themselves lucrative pension and retirement health care benefits (probably in violation of the Constitution), there is a huge incentive for legislators to stay as long as they can. Most will fight hard to keep their jobs and move in to positions of power as opportunities arise.
Since the system is set up in such a way as to give voters powerful reason to re-elect their legislators unless or until they completely go against the vast majority of voters wishes on some issue such as the pay raise, the best way to create a legislature that is more responsive to needed policy changes is to enact term limits. Besides, it could save the Commonwealth millions of dollars in retirement benefits down the road.
