The College of Arts and Sciences presented "Pennsylvania's Perplexing Politics: Trying to Make Sense of the Personalities and Power at the State Capital" on November 7th, 2007. The event was a D3, a Dinner and Discussion at Drexel, held at the University Club in MacAlister Hall. David Argall, Republican Pennsylvania State Representative of Schuylkill and Berks counties, spoke at the dinner. Approximately 20 students and faculty attended the intimate discussion.
Argall was elected into the House of Representatives in 1985 and has won 11 re-elections since; he is the chairman of the Appropriations Committee and the Minority Whip. He teaches at Pennsylvania State University in Harrisburg, PA.
Argall explained both the theories and realities of Pennsylvania's unique political culture that differentiates it from other states. For example, Pennsylvania is the only state to completely split in half between parties. "We're a classic two-party state," Argall said. "Every eight years since the 1940s, the government has switched parties."
Most Democrats come from Philadelphia and Pittsburg. Southeastern Pennsylvania usually has a large amount of Republicans. However, the right side has recently been on the defense in this area. Argall blames this on the corruption in government. "Every time I think we turned, a corner someone else goes to jail."
During the question and answer period of dinner, Argall explained the evolution of political structures. Legislature was in a different place in the 1970s. It is much more professional now since it is worked on full-time rather than part-time. "Committees are better equipped to deal with the issues—not that they actually do that."
Pennsylvania has shown a slower process moving forward than other states because of its split parties. Argall showed frustration with how the government decides to improve transportation: "There isn't a Republican or Democratic way to build a bridge!"
Argall also touched on unemployment. Pennsylvania's high unemployment is from closing oil mines and factories. No new industry has since opened up to give job opportunities. Unfortunately, this cannot be settled easily either. If there isn't a debate about unemployment, then there's a debate about what kind of jobs are available. There are two other factors that keep unemployment from dwindling. Businesses need better workforce training, and they also need people who can pass the drug test.
Some states have a uniformed code of lawmaking that Pennsylvania cannot settle with. "We're slow to change," Argall said. "We're still living with the system of counties instituted by William Penn." There are some areas that want to slow down growth while others are desperate for it. "We tried to give the government more tools but they have to use them." Although Argall was frustrated about Pennsylvania's lack of progressive- and forward-thinking legislature, he could only shrug his shoulders. "It's part of our history," Argall sighed. "We take our time."
