Opposes amendments
Editor, Gettysburg Times,
I was grateful for the op-ed in the Gettysburg Times on Thursday (4/8/21) explaining the amendments to the Pennsylvania constitution that will be on the ballot during the primary election on May 18. The versions that turn up in local papers as required by state law are really hard to read. In addition, a lot of us—especially independents—may be tempted to skip the primary thinking not much is at stake.
But it turns out quite a bit may be at stake. Though one amendment appears to affirm the rights of all Pennsylvanians, the most important thing the other two would do is to limit the power of a future governor to respond during an emergency. That emergency might be another pandemic like the current one, or something totally unexpected. After twenty-one days, the power to continue the state of emergency would be put in the hands of the state legislature.
That sounds pretty small-d democratic, but have you taken a good long look at our state legislature lately? At the grandstanding, the demonizing of opponents, the political opportunism? Are these really the people to rely on in an emergency? In a time of crisis, do we really want to limit the ability of our Commonwealth to respond effectively in this way?
We are all weary of covid-19 restrictions. But imagine if action on public health measures had been left up to those who are thinking primarily of short-term political advantage. Many more may well have died. In an emergency, a governor may have to do things in the long term interest of our state and its people that are not popular with everyone.
Republicans should remember that our governor will not always be a Democrat and our legislature may not always be Republican.
On May 18 please make sure to vote no on these two amendments.
Will Lane,
Gettysburg