Issues

Thank you for allowing me to take a few minutes to share my values with you.

Open­ness and Reform in Harrisburg

Allow me to begin by sharing that I voted NO on the illegal payraise and refused to take the uncon­sti­tu­tional unvouchered expenses. While I believe that the payraise galva­nized many voters across Penn­syl­vania, I don’t believe that the payraise was the only reason we have seen the unprece­dented change in our state govern­ment. I believe that the payraise was only the cata­lyst for the signif­i­cant frus­tra­tion voters feel regarding the open­ness and trans­parency of their state government.

We need to throw open the windows of state govern­ment and shine the light of public scrutiny on the actions of our elected offi­cials. Here are two specific proposals by which I believe we can begin to restore trust in our elected officials:

• Post all votes on the internet within one hour. The United States House of Repre­sen­ta­tives does this. There is no reason the Penn­syl­vania Legis­la­ture cannot do the same!
• Return to a truly part-time legis­la­ture. Penn­syl­vania used to have a part-time legis­la­ture until it was changed in 1967. It is time to return to a truly citizen legislature.

Limited Govern­ment

Certainly Thomas Jefferson had it right when he wrote, “the govern­ment that governs least, governs best.” As we review the history of govern­ments, there is a direct rela­tion­ship between the power of govern­ment and the limi­ta­tions on the free­doms of the governed. Those who repre­sent us must under­stand this rela­tion­ship and actively work to limit the intru­sion of govern­ment into our lives and families.

Limited Taxa­tion

Govern­ment has a proper role in society, and as citi­zens of the Common­wealth we know that it is our duty to pay taxes to fund that role. Unfor­tu­nately, those who hold more expan­sive views of govern­ment have succeeded in promoting wealth redis­tri­b­u­tion through social spending. If elected, I will actively work to keep taxes low by confining govern­ment to its proper role.

Sanc­tity of Life

I have long been concerned that a govern­ment that has ended the rights of the most help­less in our society could end those rights for any part of society. I believe that life from concep­tion to natural death is a gift from God. If elected, I will be a consis­tent advo­cate for the sanc­tity of life position.

Defense of the Tradi­tional Marriage

It is an amazing fact that there are those who would like to recon­struct our social fabric by redefining the tradi­tional family. I am supportive of using the consti­tu­tional amend­ment process to protect marriage from activist judges who seek to destroy this most basic of soci­etal institutions.

The “Bully Pulpit” Concept

Finally, there are respon­si­bil­i­ties which govern­ment is ill equipped to perform. I would not hesi­tate to follow the prin­ciple of Pres­i­dent Theodore Roosevelt and encourage other segments of our society to fulfill their duties. As a leader, I will call on our fami­lies to take the respon­si­bility of raising and caring for their chil­dren. I would also chal­lenge the commu­nity of faith to promote the cause of right­eous­ness and justice in society by raising our sights and showing us a calling higher than self.

Again…thank you for taking a few minutes to read what I believe. If you have any specific ques­tions, please don’t hesi­tate to email me.

Gordon Denlinger