Oct 6, 2006 2 min read

As a taxpayer, I am frankly tired of reading about how state lawmakers like state Rep. Bill DeWeese have been taking advantage of their elected position by charging taxpayers thousands of dollars each year in travel expenses, while not bringing about serious solutions to rising property taxes, dwindling education programs and a failing business climate. For decades, state government has slowly taken a turn downhill, becoming secretive, sneaky and overall self-serving to those in the Legislature. In order to improve Pennsylvania’s jobs, families and communities, we need a major reform movement in state government. Our government officials should be more willing to fight for their constituents, rather than worrying about fattening their own bank accounts.

Greg Hopkins, the Republican running for the 50th Legislative District, believes that in order to fix Pennsylvania, we must repair the body in which it is governed.

The first step in bringing about effective government reform is removing those legislators who have refused to listen to the needs of their constituents, like DeWeese, who has been flying around in a state-funded plane for meetings and leading the pay raise charge, rather than fighting to reduce taxes and bring about positive change for his district.

Through witnessing the deterioration of our area under DeWeese, Greg Hopkins has recognized the importance of changing the current government climate and listening to constituents. If anyone can bring about positive change, it is Hopkins and his ideas on government reform.

DeWeese has served long enough. He needs to do his constituents a favor and step down so someone with real ideas can get in there and make a positive difference for us, the taxpayers.

Viola H. Blaker

Carmichaels