I’ve never been good at political speak – that special language spoken by State Capitol insiders and the thousands of people working in the gray buildings surrounding it. When a politician says “revenue enhancement,” he means tax hike. When you hear that someone wants to “reduce the contribution to the Commonwealth’s Rainy Day Fund,” that usually means more spending and no savings.
Since my first election in 1996, I’ve tried to translate Harrisburg-speak for the people back home. What is the economic and social impact of gambling? Who gets hurt the most when taxes are raised? What does a $27 billion dollar budget mean to a family farm or small business? I’ll admit however that so much of what happens in Harrisburg is beyond my best explanations. That’s why I launched this blog.
My political philosophy can best be described as “commonsense conservatism.” I’d like to think that my values and beliefs are less about scoring points on the ‘other side’ than finding good solutions to tough problems. Lower taxes, smaller government and personal responsibility are part of my political guideposts, but practical solutions are my end game. I want government to solve problems.
Over the last two years, so much of my work in Harrisburg has been focused on transforming the way we (elected legislators) do business for the taxpayers (you). We’ve had some success, ending late-night legislative votes and prohibiting “lame duck” sessions that take place in the window of time after the November election but before new legislators have been installed. We have a long way to go to restore confidence in elected leaders, but we’re off to an encouraging start.
You should know that I’m calling my blog “Mile89.com” because that’s the exact distance between my front door and your State Capitol. It’s also the rough span between the people and organizations that keep me grounded. I’m a member of Belleffonte’s Kiwanis Club, the Harris Township Lions Club, the Fraternal Order of Police – Bald Eagle Lodge #51. I mention these memberships because more than any famous (or infamous) people I meet during the course of my work in Harrisburg, I’ve found the friends and relationships I maintain back home to be among the most authentic and meaningful.
My church home is at the Faith United Methodist Church in Bellefonte. As a congregation we get our hands dirty with an incredible outward focus to the neighborhood around us. From a food pantry and thrift store to solid, encouraging teaching, the family at Faith United keeps me centered, and puts the political battles and controversies in a clearer perspective.
My incredible wife Michele and I life in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and we’re the proud parents of eight great kids.
I’m looking forward to meeting you somewhere between Mile Marker 1 and 89!