Voters Want Middle of the Road
Posted 11-14-1996
In the aftermath of the 1996 general election it is time to reflect on the results and its
potential effects on Westmoreland County and our government. First and foremost as a
nation we should be embarrassed that turnout was only 49% across the country. When we
consider that only one half of all eligible voters even bother to register to vote and
then less than half show up to vote, our country's future is being decided by less than
25% of the population. In Westmoreland County, turnout was better. While nearly 68% of
voters participated, it was still nearly 20% less than 1992.
What is the cause of this lack of
participation in the democratic process? Is it apathy? Laziness? Do voters believe that no
matter who they vote for things won't change? Do Americans take the right to vote for
granted? It is probably a combination of all of the above but it is truly a shame. People
across the world and throughout our nation's history have given their lives to preserve
the fundamental freedom to vote and as a country we simply do not appreciate the
importance of voting.
There was no election of county officials
this year yet the election results can have a profound effect on county government. As I
mentioned in earlier articles, $66 million of our county government's budget comes
directly from State and Federal revenues. Another $25 million comes from the State or
Federal governments in the form of Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements. Who we elect in
Washington and in Harrisburg has a direct impact on our operations here. When we hear
candidates say they will get government off people's backs we should be suspicious. If
they choose to not provide the funding necessary to operate programs such as Mental
Health/Mental Retardation or the Children's Bureau, or change the reimbursement ratio for
Medicare, county government will have big problems.
The three congressmen elected to represent
our county understand and appreciate the importance of preserving Medicare. They realize
its value to our society and will work to insure that Medicare will be available and
stable for many years to come. The people we have sent to Harrisburg from our county will
represent us wisely and recognize the importance of the many programs state government
supports at the county level. The real challenge for these gentlemen will be whether a
bi-partisan solution can be found for tax reform. It is the single biggest challenge in
the future of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Real Estate taxes are such a burden on an
aging population and being the only way county governments can generate revenue, are a
very limiting, ineffective tool for the financing of county government.
In conclusion, from the national level to
the state level voters overwhelmingly chose the middle of the road. They did not vote to
move the country or state to the far right or the far left. The message was, people want
effective, efficient government that will not tax excessively but will spend public
dollars wisely. I hope the people elected got the message and only time will tell us if
they did. |
