Why it’s important to vote on constitutional amendments
To the Times:
On May 18, Pennsylvania voters will go to the polls to vote in the primary election.
Normally, only people registered with a specific political party can vote in a primary. This year, it’s different.
There will be three questions on the ballot about changing the Pennsylvania Constitution. Independent voters can and should go to the polls to vote on these important issues.
The first two ballot questions are designed to limit the governor’s powers in an emergency. These questions are:
“Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to change existing law and increase the power of the General Assembly to unilaterally terminate or extend a disaster emergency declaration — and the powers of Commonwealth agencies to address the disaster regardless of its severity pursuant to that declaration— through passing a concurrent resolution by simple majority, thereby removing the existing check and balance of presenting a resolution to the Governor for approval or disapproval?” … and
“Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to change existing law so that: a disaster emergency declaration will expire automatically after 21 days, regardless of the severity of the emergency, unless the General Assembly takes action to extend the disaster emergency; the Governor may not declare a new disaster emergency to respond to the dangers facing the Commonwealth unless the General Assembly passes a concurrent resolution; the General Assembly enacts new laws for disaster management?”
It’s critical that you vote no on both these questions! Why? What’s at stake? A Proclamation of Disaster Emergency is effective for up to 90 days. The governor can renew it if the emergency continues. The emergency disaster declaration gives the governor special powers to help individuals and communities after a disaster. This includes lifting regulations so mitigation can happen quickly, calling up the National Guard to help communities in their disaster rescue and recovery efforts, and expediting procurement of needed supplies and equipment.
Now, imagine your house is on fire. Professional and experienced firefighters arrive and proceed to put the flames out to save your property. But, there’s a law that says they can only put out one floor at a time. In between, they have to consult with your neighbors about how they’re allowed to proceed and get their permission. Your neighbors have questions of self-interest. How much water are they going to use and will it flood their basements? What kind of chemicals are they going to use and will it impact their immaculate landscaping? Why do you need all those floors anyway?
You wouldn’t want your neighbors who have no expertise in firefighting and may actually be antagonistic to your interests to be able to control your fire department’s ability to protect your property, would you?
These two ballot questions will do essentially the same thing to the governor’s ability to combat emergencies. The governor will only be able to declare an emergency for 21 days. After that, the State Assembly will have the say over whether or not it will continue. The same Assembly where members were repeatedly exposed to COVID-19 by other members who refused to wear a mask. The same Assembly that tried to open our State Parks to development as golf courses and amusement parks. The same Assembly
that repeatedly prioritizes the needs of special interests over state citizens.
You wouldn’t want your house to burn down while your neighbors debate. Vote no on these two ballot questions. Let the governor make decisions during long term emergencies that are informed by science and expertise and in the best interest of the majority of Pennsylvania’s
citizens.
The third question adds language to the constitution that protects residents’ equal rights. This is a good thing and we hope you will vote yes on Ballot Question 3.
Remember: Vote no on Questions 1 and 2. Vote yes on Question 3. And tell your family and friends.
PA 5 Indivisible Collective,
Drexel Hill
Madeline Yvonne Green (nee Barnes) died on March 3, 2021 at the age of 91.
Madeline was the daughter of Mary and Raymond Barnes. She graduated from East Lansdowne High School. She was employed at Penn Delco School district for many years and was a fixture in the Sun Valley High School cafeteria.
She is survived by her sister Joan and brother Richard, her daughters Dorothy(Buddy), Catherine and Madalyn (Bill) , her grandchildren Michael, Allison and Billy and two great grandchildren Elsie and Natalie.
Her greatest hobbies were sewing, reading and publishers clearing house. Her friends and family will sorely miss her.
Funeral Mass: Monday March 8th at 11:30 AM in Saint Mary Magdelan Church, 2400 N.Providence Road, Media, 19063 where relatives and friends may call after 10:30 AM. Int. Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be sent to the above named church.
Arrangements by
Home, Broomall.
the
Logan-Videon
Funeral