Tom Wolf's moon, stars, challenges

MAYBE IT'S FITTING that when the sun sets on the day Tom Wolf is sworn in as Pennsylvania's 47th governor, we get a new moon.

That's tomorrow. Perhaps he'll howl.

Astrologers say a new moon symbolizes new beginnings, a time to lay out intentions for things you'd like to create or develop.

So, you know, pretty good timing for the Wolfman's start.

And whether or not he believes celestial bodies influence human affairs, ya gotta think the new guv wants any help available, even astrological.

Because as the 66-year-old York County cabinetmaker whose money and demeanor helped him win the state's highest office is well-aware, he faces enormous tasks.

One could say they're tasks worthy of those born under what's considered astrology's strongest sign - Scorpio.

That's Wolf's sign. His birthday's Nov. 17.

Don't buy it's-all-in-the-moon-and-stars stuff? OK, then, let's get real.

After offering a "fresh start" to lift the state from basement job-creation rankings, after promising "fairer" taxes for all, after pledging more money for public schools, he now must deliver.

The self-proclaimed "different kind of leader" who shrugs at trappings of power, eschews the governor's mansion, travels in a Jeep, declines a salary, stresses transparency and ethical conduct, now must actually govern.

"This is an awesome responsibility I'm taking on, and I hope I'm up to it," Wolf said last week.

All Pennsylvanians should hope so, too.

He arrives amid expectations: Because he didn't come from climb-the-ladder politics (this is his first elective office), and as a practical, successful businessman, he'll be able to get things done.

He also arrives amid skepticism: Because he's untested in elective office or the partisan nature of governing, he'll find enacting progressive policies nearly impossible in Pennsylvania.

He has two sets of challenges: structural/governmental and cultural/political.

The first set includes an estimated $2.3 billion budget shortfall all but certainly requiring new revenue.

This means that the new Democratic governor and the Republican Legislature will duel over hiking taxes, which ones and by how much.

That means wheeling, dealing and expanding the debate to a GOP wish list on pensions and booze, then maybe (if you can imagine) bipartisan cooperation.

In other words, it means Harrisburg actually getting something done.

"This is going to sound really naive," Wolf tells me, "but folks on the other side have been really friendly."

It does sound naive.

But Wolf also says, "Pennsylvania voted for divided government but not dysfunction."

And that sounds like Mitch McConnell, who recently said, "When the American people chose divided government, I don't think it means they don't want us to do anything."

Or exactly like President Obama, who said in 2011, "America voted for divided government, not dysfunctional government."

Am I being picky here?

Wolf's second set of challenges is greater. It calls for improving the state's democracy.

It's harder than plugging a budget hole, and requires full-metal commitment.

Wolf professes interest in changing political basics such as the state's notoriously low voter-turnout rates, which he calls dangerous.

"Our democracy cannot survive this kind of indifference," he said in a speech in September, adding that those in politics must make politics relevant to citizens.

Good idea.

So is making voting easier through mail-in voting, expanded voting times, allowing no-excuse absentee voting, online registration and same-day voting, etc.

Oh, and ending partisan control of reapportionment/redistricting so citizens have actual choices when it comes to voting.

Imagine expanding the state's democracy rather than protecting its status quo.

Imagine what that would take.

They say Scorpios are bold, capable of executing massive enterprises with confidence and control. They say Scorpios can surmount obstacles by maintaining unshakable focus.

I say it won't take long to learn whether Wolf has the traits to push the state forward, or ends up stuck and howling at the moon.

Blog: ph.ly/BaerGrowls

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