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Pennsylvania State Senate
05/12/2024 07:22 PM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20170&cosponId=26124
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: June 28, 2018 11:46 AM
From: Senator Patrick J. Stefano
To: All Senate members
Subject: Requiring the Attendance of Elected Officials in Local Government
 
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation which would amend our state’s constitution, providing for an additional way to remove elected officials in local municipalities in order to ensure the attendance of elected officials at meetings.

Currently, only action by the State Senate and Governor can remove a public official. This process is rarely used and unlikely to be used in these situations. It seems nearly impossible for one municipality to attract the attention of the State Senate to go through this process of removal. Therefore, I am introducing this amendment to allow municipalities to address these situations without Harrisburg’s involvement.

The taxpayers have a certain level of trust that they place in their elected officials. The people should be able to expect the attendance of the elected officials at the very least. In organizations as small as local governments, a few elected officials conspiring together can bring a local government to a halt for an undetermined amount of time by simply not showing up to the meetings and denying a quorum. This is irresponsible government that punishes the taxpayers and this amendment will ensure this practice cannot happen extensively.

It is my intention to ensure that the taxpayers are fairly represented by the people they elect to serve in these positions. This legislation will provide for circumstances where an elected official is neglecting their duties. After being absent from three consecutive meetings, barring medical rationale, a petition may be filed with the Court of Common Pleas by qualified electors of the municipality. Upon receipt of the petition and verification of the claim, the Court of Common Pleas shall remove the indicated elected official from office.

As a constitutional amendment, this decision will ultimately be made by the taxpayers. The taxpayers deserve to have a means through which to remove a negligent elected official outside of the Governor or the Senate having to act.

I sincerely hope that you will consider joining me in co-sponsoring this legislation. If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact Jake Gery in my office at 717.787.7175.