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Can a Constitutional Convention Truly be Limited?
A poll just released by Franklin & Marshall College indicates that 72 percent of Pennsylvanians support a constitutional convention as a method of reforming state government. In addition, since just November 2009, 25 state newspapers, five leading columnists, the leaders of four major good-government groups, and the Commonwealth’s two most popular political analysts have publicly endorsed a call for a convention. This public sentiment serves as a clarion call for action on the matter. But some Pennsylvanians are leery of the notion, due to fear of an attack on individual rights. This fear is not unwarranted, and we need to examine whether such an attack can be prevented... Read more
Hijacking the Reform Train
On Sitting Elected Officials Choosing the Desired Outcomes of a Constitutional Convention
On constitutional issues in Pennsylvania, the governor’s opinion has no more real or deserved weight than the average citizen’s. Perhaps the Governor has some good ideas. Perhaps he doesn’t. Either way, today’s climate dictates that constitutional change should not be viewed only through the myopic lens of the chief executive... Read more
Senate Testimony
Presented to the Senate State Government Committee
Good morning Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, and thank you for this opportunity to testify on what I believe is the most important reform this Commonwealth could undertake. Although I have many opinions regarding improving our most fundamental law, the focus of my testimony will be on the mechanics of a constitutional convention rather than any particular changes to the document... Read more
Citizens’ Convention Would Address Crisis in Confidence
Constitutional Change in 20th Century Pennsylvania and the Need for a Citizens’ Convention Today
The General Assembly should approve an enabling act for a true citizens’ constitutional convention. It must be a convention with a deliberate emphasis on the common interest, rather than self-interest. The process must look forward as well as backward, and it must be focused on the structure and integrity of government rather than partisan issues... Read more
Censored!!
Constitutional Revision in 18th Century Pennsylvania
On May 15, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution directing each of the thirteen colonies to develop a constitution in order to plan for self- governance in anticipation of breaking ties with England. On July 16, less than two weeks after the official Declaration of Independence from the king, Pennsylvania's first constitutional convention opened with the unanimous election of Benjamin Franklin as its president... Read more
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