Political Accountability

The Mon Valley area has been struggling now for quite a few years and we continue to elect the same people to represent us on a Federal, State and county level. I for one believe there should be term limits. I have watched state reps take credit for giving our tax money to companies that come here until the tax credit runs out. They will get their picture in the paper when the company moves in but not when it moves out. I pay to drive on a road that still really goes nowhere. I could go on and on but really in all these years have seen very little progress for the Mon Valley. I notice that politicians are groveling all over the gas companies with little regard to enviromental consequences and so far no real benefit to the Mon Valley. We have been sold down the Monongahela river. I believe that we need to demand more from our political leaders other than library books or vote them out. I also think we are all stupid for continuing to vote these people in. Our standards have been lowered so much that we get giddy when a road gets paved or a fast food joint opens. Just look at the other side of the state. There are two bridges closed with no work going on. Now I am not totally down on these guys they do a few good things but honestly do you ever hear any good plans for economic development in the Valley. Any of us could do the same job. Where is the leadership?? I believe it is time to raise expectations. On this level I don't care what their political affiliation, Give me a politician with a view, a plan and enough piss and vinegar to make something happen. Does anyone agree or am I nuts?

I agree, term limits are needed.
But I don't think any support could be had, the elected ones would be putting a noose around their own necks. And if such a bill would ever get to the point for a vote, it would be voted down overwhelmingly. We would have better luck rejuvenating the line item veto.

The Citizen wrote:

The Mon Valley area has been struggling now for quite a few years and we continue to elect the same people to represent us on a Federal, State and county level. I for one believe there should be term limits. I have watched state reps take credit for giving our tax money to companies that come here until the tax credit runs out. They will get their picture in the paper when the company moves in but not when it moves out. I pay to drive on a road that still really goes nowhere. I could go on and on but really in all these years have seen very little progress for the Mon Valley. I notice that politicians are groveling all over the gas companies with little regard to enviromental consequences and so far no real benefit to the Mon Valley. We have been sold down the Monongahela river. I believe that we need to demand more from our political leaders other than library books or vote them out. I also think we are all stupid for continuing to vote these people in. Our standards have been lowered so much that we get giddy when a road gets paved or a fast food joint opens. Just look at the other side of the state. There are two bridges closed with no work going on. Now I am not totally down on these guys they do a few good things but honestly do you ever hear any good plans for economic development in the Valley. Any of us could do the same job. Where is the leadership?? I believe it is time to raise expectations. On this level I don't care what their political affiliation, Give me a politician with a view, a plan and enough piss and vinegar to make something happen. Does anyone agree or am I nuts?

I agree with you, but you're nuts,...nuts to think it's ever going to change. The media will continue to promote the hand-picked chosen ones despite the plethora of "good people" that should be in office. After all, look at all the press that idiot Sarah Palin is getting,...the most vapid, supercilious political wannabe I've ever seen. My recommendation = run for office. Knock on doors,...meet & greet people,...ask what they like about [insert town you're running for] and what they don't like. Develope a platform that will get people out to vote for you so you'll get the majority vote. Once you're in, start firing people left and right a la Jimmy Hoffa just to send a message. Go from there (County Commish, State Rep, Federal). Just be prepared for people to bitch & complain about you, especially on sites like these. Good luck.

ha, you people still think our talking head "leaders" run anything? hahahahahahahaha