In Harrisburg – To Budget Or Beach?

The General Assembly has a handful of members from both sides of the aisle who have formed a committee to seriously evaluate the way districts are redrawn and, in some cases, outrageously gerrymandered. The lawmakers noted Pennsylvania’s many oddly shaped, gerrymandered districts have created politically impenetrable fiefdoms that pressure lawmakers to toe the party line at the expense of bipartisanship and compromise.

“The time has come, and I think the people throughout Pennsylvania – and for that matter, throughout the United States – are recognizing that this process needs to be reformed,” said State Rep. Steve Santarsiero, one of the initiators. “There are some states that have already embarked on that, and largely they’ve had positive results. There is no perfect model that can completely remove politics from the redistricting process, but we can certainly do better.”

We support that effort, but don’t see it moving any faster than other similar progressive bills affecting that august body, such as reducing the number of House members.

With a new Governor and a General Assembly controlled by the opposition party, we are back to where we have been for many years … budget impasse.

Major obstacle is, and has always been, the efforts of each member to include plums which would create for them more loyalty from voters. Yet, this effort continues on, despite leadership efforts of the two caucus in both chambers who hear the growls of other members pushing for the conclusion of budget debate and agreement.

What legislators often fail to realize is the Governor’s veto is the trump card.

They need to take note, though they are in safe seats, especially in the House, voters are beginning to grumble.

In Philadelphia, this is becoming more and more a growing phenomenon. They want answers, they want a budget that takes care of schools, and they do not want further hidden taxation in any way. For example, Philadelphians driving over to New Jersey know they save three to four dollars and more when they drive over to New Jersey to fill up their vehicle’s gas tank with gasoline. A true case of hidden taxation under the guise of funding better roads. The same goes with many of the Authorities created by the State, all of whom impose additional fees without fear of retaliation from those affected.

What were considered safe House and Senate seats may find themselves becoming vulnerable to PAC-funded opposition from community, civic, or business groups who are beginning to realize they can get challengers with a heavy spread of money. They proved it in the recent Philadelphia primary.

Though House seats may be considered tightly knit units bound to their holders, money talks and it well begin to be heard in the next primary. Remember, you read it here first.

Wojdak Will Be Missed

Register of Wills Ronald R. Donatucci, president of the Board of Directors of City Trusts, noted the death of Steve Wojdak leaves an imprint hard to replace.

He said, “I am deeply saddened by the death of Steve Wojdak, who served with distinction as a member of the Board of City Trusts for nearly two decades. Steve was an outstanding leader who cared deeply about the future of Girard College, Wills Eye Hospital, and all of the charitable trusts administered by the Board. The Board will miss his talent, his professionalism, and his commitment to public service. Steve was a dear friend, and our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Libby and their family.”

R. Wojdak built a company which carried his name and stands as the most-influential and most-effective lobbying and public affairs firm in Pennsylvania today – with a century of collective experience in legislative and government relations. From its extensive relationships with elected officials to its collaborative work with regulatory agencies, Wojdak & Associates built a reputation for helping clients formulate winning strategies and navigate the often-complex terrain of municipal, state and federal government.

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