The LuLac Edition #2655, May 14th, 2014

Our Write On Wednesday logo.

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY

State Representative Phyllis Mundy (Photo: LuLac archives).

MUNDY’S TAKE ON "CITIZEN LEGISLATORS"

Outgoing State Representative Phyllis Mundy has written a response to one of the candidates running for the State House outside her district.  The veteran legislator takes the aspiring candidate Dr. Davis Haire to task for his use of the phrase “Citizen Legislator”. Haire is running against incumbent 117th District Republican Karen Boback. That’s today’s “Write On Wednesday”. Here’s Mundy's  opinion piece:
Editor,
I read with amusement the good Dr. Haire's (candidate in the 117th House race) comments in the newspaper recently. He, like many first time candidates, shows disdain for those in public office even as he seeks to join us. He discounts years of hard work and building consensus on the larger legislative issues and solving personal problems for constituents.
He says, "My patients come to me with a problem. We find out what the problem is and formulate a solution. If it doesn't work, we modify our plan and move forward. What a wonderful concept to institute in government."
Groundbreaking! Revolutionary! As though that isn't what each legislator does when constituents bring problems large and small to us each day! Every day we cut through red tape and find solutions for our constituents. Unfortunately, on the larger issues that require new or expanded programs or complex solutions, reaching consensus among 203 House members, 50 Senators and the Governor is not so easily done, especially given the urban, suburban and rural diversity of Pennsylvania. But we persevere and that is where years of service, seniority and expertise are important.
He would aspire to be a "citizen legislator", an interesting concept since we legislators are all citizens. We live in our districts and interact with other citizens usually at least 4 days a week. We have families, pay taxes and do business in our communities. Serving in public office does not make us less "citizens" than he is.
Another notion often put forth by first time candidates is that of "transparency" and "fresh ideas".
Again, groundbreaking! As though we are not one of the most highly scrutinized and criticized of any profession. We have our own and hear and read about "fresh ideas" from constituents, grassroots advocacy groups and from lobbyists each and every day. I can assure Dr. Haire there is no shortage of "fresh ideas" in the halls of the capitol. Many are "fresh" because the legislators are new, not because those ideas haven't been around before. Building consensus around them to do good things for the people of Pennsylvania is not as easy as Dr. Haire would make it sound.
Phyllis Mundy
Stare Representative
120th District
EDITOR'S NOTE: Phyllis Mundy has served as the State Representative in the 120th District since 1991. Mundy did not seek re-election this year. Mundy's signature policy achievements include leading successful efforts to pass bills that expanded care for senior citizens, improved the rights of foster children, provided stronger home visitation services for low-income expectant mothers, boosted pre-K education, cut property taxes, and expanded prescription drug coverage for seniors.