Rep. Richard T. Grucela, D-Northhampton, was one member who was stripped of his vice chairman’s post on the agriculture and rural affairs committee after voting against the raise. When questioned by a reporter, Grucela said, “It was probably to be expected. I understand how the institution works.”

On the opposite side of the aisle, a spokesman for House Majority Leader Sam Smith stated that the House Republicans had no plans to make similar committee and subcommittee reassignments.

State representative Kerry Benninghoff, R-College Township, Centre County, and representative Mike Hanna, Centre/Clinton counties, both voted against the pay raise. Hanna was one of the casualties who was demoted. Representative Lynn Herman, R-Phillipsburg, and State Senators Jake Corman, R-Benner Township and John Wozniak, D-Johnstown, all voted in favor of the raise.

Mr. DeWeese has certainly received his share of media pressure from the huge coincidence, in his endeavor to do “what he sees fit”. It comes with a perk though; DeWeese’s salary rose from $100,911 to $134,771 annually.

Perhaps the public needs to follow DeWeese’s statements, and do what WE see fit; contact your congressmen and Governor Rendell to express your concerns. Only by becoming active in the business of democracy will people remain in a democracy. The Governor can be reached at 225 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg, 17120. Phone him at (717) 787-2500; or email his office at governor@state.pa.us .

Internet users can find information for their own (or any other) PA representative by logging onto www.legis.state.pa.us/ . Learn how your representative voted at www.pacleansweep.com/. Log onto the Trees ‘n’ Turf web pages and view our bulletin board for updates to the story, or email us for additional contact information such as addresses for your representative. Our website is http://www.clouserfarm.net/ .

Tell them you’re watching. Tell them you’re not impressed. And tell them that after you’re done working overtime to pay for the kids’ school shoes, you’re gonna vote them out of more than just their committee chair.