In the immediate future, I will be introducing a bill to further provide for employment eligibility requirements for Pennsylvania local government officials,  who resign post-election or choose to retire and look to obtain a paid position within the same municipality. 
 
Currently, state law allows a local government official who resigns to immediately apply for or accept a paid position within the same municipality.  Such arrangements can undermine public confidence, create the appearance of prearranged decision-making, diminish the intentions of public service and weaken accountability to voters. This practice may enable a governing body to also appoint a preferred successor to the vacated office rather than allowing for an open and transparent selection process. Clarifying or reforming this provision would help ensure fairness, transparency, and integrity in local government transitions.
 
This has occurred recently in my legislative district , immediately following an election and has garnered many questions of transparency, ethics, honesty, and the meaning of true public service. It has caused a tremendous amount of distrust among the residents and the level of appropriate decision powers across local governments within the Commonwealth. There is also a concern that this type of behavior may disenfranchise voters for future elections. 
 
Consequently, my legislation would restore trust and transparency by requiring that all municipal elected officials must wait one year prior to applying for or assuming a paid position within the same municipality in which they resigned and/or retired.  
 
Please join me in supporting this legislation that works to strengthen public trust and ensure open, honest, and productive local government.  Transparency is everything in public service and we must do all we can to protect it. 
 
If you have any questions regarding this legislation, please contact Christine Zubeck at 717-787-6123 or czubeck@pasen.gov.  Thank you for your consideration.