Harrisburg-reform advocates hopeful

HARRISBURG - Once again,

reform

has become the "it" word in the Capitol, and everyone from Democrats to Republicans - and from the new governor on down to the legislature - has a plan to make state government more transparent and accountable.

But one question still looms large: Is there the political will to get something done this time around?

The consensus, not just among lawmakers but also among traditionally skeptical advocacy groups, is that this year could usher in some changes to Harrisburg's entrenched and clubby culture.

"I am more hopeful than I've ever been," said Tim Potts, a former legislative aide and cofounder of the activist group Democracy Rising. "This is the first time you've seen all this activity, all at once - and when the citizens are paying a lot of attention.

"For this to be part of the important work to be discussed early on in the legislative session," Potts added, "is a great sign."

Republicans who now control the House are pushing a broad list of bills that would, among other changes, allow the public to inspect no-bid contracts before they are awarded; create a database, called PennWATCH, to track all state spending; and prohibit legislators from creating or maintaining nonprofits that receive taxpayer dollars.

They also want to eliminate state fleet cars, require House members to contribute toward their health care (senators already do so), and mandate documentation for the money its members collect - otherwise knows as per diems - when they stay overnight in the capital.

"We want to make a positive difference," House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R., Allegheny) said Monday at the monthly press club luncheon, where he outlined his caucus' plan. "This is the time to take on real issues, identify solutions, and not be afraid to get the solutions to the governor's desk."

Gov. Corbett, too, has pushed a plan for change - in fact, he built his campaign around the promise of shaking up the status quo in the Capitol.

On the trail, Corbett, a Republican, vowed to help usher in many of the changes advocated by House Republicans, including requiring documentation for per diems and asking House members to contribute toward their health care.

But Corbett has taken it a step further, also calling for an end to so-called "walking-around money," known as WAMs, or special project grants controlled by legislative leaders that help finance pet projects in legislative districts.

The governor also promised to eliminate or sharply pare down legislative surplus funds to help reduce the projected $4 billion-plus deficit in the state budget.

And Corbett, in some of his campaign ads, promised to do so "on Day One," or at the very least, in his first week in office.

The governor's first day in office was last Tuesday. He did not unfurl his government-reform plan then, and has not since.

His press office said he would reveal some details Tuesday.

But during his open house to the public on Sunday, Corbett also reiterated his support for holding a limited constitutional convention - a sentiment echoed Monday in the Capitol by Potts and other government-reform advocates.

Rep. Scott Conklin (D., Centre) said he would introduce a bill formally calling for a constitutional convention in 2012.

Potts said a constitutional convention would allow ordinary citizens, not lawmakers, to debate and consider a long list of legislative changes. They could take on such issues as limiting the size of the legislature, instituting term limits, and changing the highly partisan process for redrawing legislative and congressional districts every decade.

While holding such a convention would require legislative approval, Potts noted, the convention's delegates would make the decisions. Their recommendations would then be placed on the ballot for voters to decide.

"The citizens want this," Potts said. "They have sent the message that the time for playing games is over and that the time for results has come."