So contrary to my belief that newspapers practice haruspicy to figure out which candidate they're going to endorse, there's apparently a much more logical process. You can see all of the responses to the Inquirer editorial board candidate questionnaire here thanks to editorial writer Russell Cooke. Thanks to Tom Ferrick who originally posted this on his Poliblog.
I draw your attention to the following question:
Q. If you are elected, you will represent your district first, but also your party and the Philadelphia region as a whole. Do you see any conflicts among those allegiances, and how will you resolve them?
This happens to be one of my pet issues. I'm a fully sold on the possibilities that regional cooperation hold for the Greater Philadelphia region. In fact, I did a radio feature piece on this issue a while back. The candidate for mayor who can convince me that he or she will be able to play nice with all of the county commissioners, suburban state legislators and other community leaders will go a long way in getting my support, such as it is (i.e. I'll make fun of him or her just a little less than everyone else on this blog).
Now, the reasons for my rageaholism...
Let's peruse some of the answers to this question from some candidates for state legislature. All emphasis is added by me.
From Scott Petri, Republican candidate for the 178th District in Bucks County:
A. My responsibility is to my district. While my district is part of the Philadelphia Region, much of Bucks Countys problems regarding growth and under-funding from the state budget are contrary to the needs of the City of Philadelphia. I represent my district first and foremost.
Aside from the issue I have with the grammatical construction and word choice in that answer, I get the feeling that Petri sees no connection between the sprawl and overdevelopment happening in Bucks County and the population decline in the region's urban core? I can appreciate the sentiment that he represents his district first and foremost but what hope is there for regional cooperation if Petri can't make that basic connection.
From Bill O'Neill, Republican candidate for the 178th District in Bucks County:
A. Wrong assumptions. I represent the citizens of the 178th State Assembly district. Period. 525 ordinary local electors put me on the ballot, not the party and not "the Philadelphia region as a whole." I owe the Party no allegiance and the district does not include any region except the 178th house seat. It is the region that will have to serve the 178th and I can work with anyone who honestly wants to fix this broken system.
One can imagine the lilting rhetoric of O'Neill's victory speech:
"And so, my fellow residents of the 178th District, ask not what your 178th District can do for the region; ask what the region can do for the 178th District."
Very nice. Good luck building your own 178th District mass transit system.
Here's an answer I like, from John Warenda, Democratic state representative candidate in the 140th District in Bucks County:
A. This really is a simple matter from where I stand, both philosophically and politically. There should be no allegiances. Will there continue to be competition for tax dollars and other resources from time to time? Probably. But the 140th District is, in its own way, a keystone in the Philadelphia region. As an essential part of the greater whole, what is good for Philadelphia is good for us.
And another decent answer from 10th State Senate District candidate, Democrat Chris Serpico:
A. An elected official wears many hats, but his or her primary allegiance is to the people living in the district. I will always strive to put the interests of my constituents above party or region where they conflict; although, I will also attempt to influence my co-legislators to take a more regional view when appropriate. The four suburban counties represent 40% of the states taxpayers, and our failure to present a unified position, whenever possible, diminishes our power in the legislature.
Decent answer, but let's not throw numbers around without a source. (According to the census, the five county region represents 31% of the state's population while the four suburban counties represent 20%. If you just include those over 18, which should match up roughly with taxpayers, then the five county region is 28% and the four suburban counties is 16% of the total in the state. Better watch it, Serpico, or I'll bust you down to crossing guard!)
Just to show you that these answers don't break down along partisan lines, there are some Republican candidates who understand regionalism as well. Here's 12th State Senate District Republican candidate, Kathy Mendla's answer:
A. What is good for the citizens of the 12th Senatorial District, my Republican Party, and the Philadelphia Region is good for all. If you really listen to the citizens you will see that their needs are similar truth and honesty in government , fair taxation , quality education, job creation, open space preservation, clean air and water, quality family entertainment do we not all want the same thing? As your Senator, I will make sure the laws work for all the citizens, all the time, every time!
She lays it on a little thick but seems to get the point.
And finally incumbent Republican State Senator Stewart Greenleaf from the 12 State Senate District:
A. I have been dealing with these issues as a suburban legislator, having many constituents with work, transportation and cultural interests in Philadelphia. I have tried to do what is best for my constituents, and often that dovetails with what is best for the entire region. At other times, as is true with the Woodhaven Road Project, the needs and concerns of my constituents must take priority over plans that would seriously affect their quality of life. I think that my record shows I have been independent, fair and thoughtful in dealing with these competing interests.
I'm not expecting any candidate to place the needs of the region above the needs of his district but at least recognize that a vast majority of the time, those needs coincide. We can get a lot further working together than we ever will fighting each other. I'm looking at you too, South Jersey.
Hopefully, we can find a mayoral candidate who understands this.
Comments (1)
Dan: I am heartened to know, from your reference to my answer, that at least three people (you, I, and presumably the editor) read it. If you have any interest, take a look at www.warenda.org. It's still a bit amateurish . . . but I cleave to the hope that some folks will look for substantive information about candidates and the issues.
JJW
Posted by John Warenda | May 15, 2006 7:08 PM