In 88th LD race, Delozier proposes limiting terms for committee chairs

Legislative candidates in Pennsylvania often spend more time explaining how they would reform Harrisburg than how they'd reduce health care costs or cultivate alternative energy.

Sure enough, Sheryl Delozier, a Republican state House candidate in Cumberland County, sent seven reform proposals to PolitickerPA.com this week. Delozier said her experience in state government helped craft the proposals, which she thinks are more specific, concrete and realistic than those typically offered by Pennsylvania candidates.

"I think that's one of the attributes I bring that other candidates don't," Delozier told PolitickerPA.com Thursday. "I know how the legislature operates."

Delozier's seven reform proposals range from eliminating bonuses, requiring lawmakers to submit receipts for reimbursements, and creating term-limits for committee chairwomen and men. Their roots are planted in her experience at the Public Utility Commission and as director for a commission, called "IMPACCT," under former Gov. Tom Ridge (R) that sought to increase efficiency in state government.

"My experience as executive director Gov. Ridge's IMPACCT Commission proved to me that a group of dedicated citizens and activists are the best way to produce change in Harrisburg," she said.

Delozier is seeking to replace state Rep. Jerry Nailor (R-Cumberland County), who is retiring after 20 years in office. Although the favorite in the heavily Republican 88th Legislative District, Delozier does face Democrat Margie Stuski this fall in what is a rare threat to the GOP hegemony in the county.

In addition to eliminating bonuses for state House and Senate staffers, Delozier would also prevent elected officials and staff from using tax dollars to defend themselves in criminal cases, as is happening in some caucuses as they try to fend off "Bonusgate." She'd also ask all caucuses to return their "surpluses," which she estimates at $240 million, to the state treasury.

Perhaps most noteworthy is her proposal to limit the terms of committee chairmen and chairwomen, something sure to face opposition from caucus leaders. She also wants all expenses posted online and the attorney general to play an increased role in gaming oversight.

Although the Capitol is where most reform proposals go to die, Delozier said she thinks the 50 new legislators elected in 2006 and the newly elected this year could push some of them through.

"More and more attention is being paid to the need for reform," she said.

But one reform she would not commit to is a change in leadership. Asked if she would vote for Speaker of the House Emeritus John Perzel (R-Philadelphia) to lead the House Republican Caucus if the GOP reclaims the majority, Delozier said October is much too early for a candidate to declare whom they support in leadership.

"The ballot for who's going to be running for leadership positions has not been decided," she said. "Quite honestly ... I haven't thought about it."