“VOTERS MAY LOOK BEYOND PAY RAISE” (A response to a Patriot-News Article)

The above referenced article was written by Mr. Charles Thompson, and it was suggested by the headline that the voters may look at other issues besides the controversial pay raise when they go to the polls next year.

The opening sentence was quite cryptic, by declaring: "The pay raise is dead," which sounded a lot like "ding dong the wicked old witch is finally dead," from the classic movie The Wizard of OZ. Unfortunately, my response is a resounding I DON'T THINK THE PAY RAISE IS AS DEAD AS YOU MAY THINK! This is one wicked old witch that is going to be around for quite some time. It will not only affect the 2006 election, but it will cast a looming shadow over future elections as voters re-examine just how business is done in Harrisburg.

Some voters have taken a wait and see attitude before making a decision about supporting their respective incumbent Representative or Senator. Frankly, I'm not sure what they're expecting, but I say--don't hold your breath waiting for any great revelations.

One quote I found particularly amusing was--"they fixed it." "Now it's time to move on." Just what did THEY fix? The pay raise was repealed, but not out of any sense of new-found conscience on the part of our esteemed Legislators, but out of a pure sense of self-preservation, and in response to a fire storm of protest and criticism from an outraged electorate. I must agree partially, it is time to move on--it's time to move on to the 2006 election and finishing the job that was started on November 8, 2005.

What is truly amazing is how far some folks will go to make excuses for their Legislators absolute lack of judgment. The wait and see attitude just isn't going to fly. Besides, just what are we expected to wait for anyway? Another pay raise passed in the middle of the night? Another piece of "stealth-legislation" passed with NO public hearings and little or no debate in the General Assembly, because some back-room deal had been made? Just how far do we let these so-called leaders go before we hold them accountable for their actions?

From one voters point of view--I say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! If we do not reign in an out of touch and arrogant Legislature, we will have no one but ourselves to blame when the next problem issue arises.