Onorato Calls for Reform at DRPA

By ONORATO FOR GOVERNOR

PHILADELPHIA: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Onorato today called for reform at the Delaware River Port Authority as part of his plan to make government serve the taxpayers and create the environment for economic growth in Pennsylvania.

“We need to make government live within its means and work on behalf of the taxpayers,” Onorato said. “Getting Pennsylvania’s economy back on track starts with reforming government and creating an environment where businesses can invest with confidence.”

Onorato called for annual independent audits at the DRPA, a permanent end to perks and conflicts of interest, full transparency for the board’s decisions and meetings, stronger fiscal oversight and contracting accountability, and penalties for any violations.

Onorato also praised Gov. Rendell and NJ Gov. Christie for their plans to reform the DRPA, and said that the next Pennsylvania Governor must be committed to the DRPA’s reform for the long-term.

“It is time to put the taxpayers first,” Onorato said. “That is what I did when I reformed Allegheny County, and it’s what I will do as Governor. I am the only candidate for Governor who is not part of the Harrisburg insider culture, and that’s what it will take to turn our economy around.”

Onorato supports a Constitutional Convention focused on reforming government and he released his plan to reform Harrisburg last fall, which includes:
·      Cutting the size and the cost of the Legislature, and enacting term limits;
·      Eliminating per diems, WAMS and the leadership’s slush fund;
·      Making the budget process work on-time and with complete transparency – and permanently docking the Governor and Legislature’s pay for each day if it is ever late;
·      Putting limits on campaign contributions; and
·      Stopping gerrymandering of legislative districts.

As Allegheny County Executive, Onorato already has a record of reforming government to save taxpayers money and to make the region a place where businesses want to invest and create jobs. Under Onorato’s leadership, Allegheny County consolidated six unnecessary elected positions, cut waste and patronage and made government more efficient. Running the state’s second-largest county, Onorato has enacted six consecutive balanced budgets – each one passing on time and never increasing property taxes.

“This election is about jobs and the economy,” Onorato said. “I have a record of making government live within its means, turning reform into reality and creating an environment where companies want to invest. That is exactly what Pennsylvania needs from the next Governor.”

###

pa2010.com publishes press releases, statements and other information from campaigns and political committees. We also publish legislative releases from candidates considering higher office in 2010 and from incumbents holding those offices. E-mail releases to press@pa2010.com.