SENATOR

COMMITTEES

LLOYD SMUCKER
13TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT
LANCASTER AND YORK COUNTIES

STATE GOVERNMENT

CHAIRMAN

EDUCATION, VICE CHAIRMAN

Ismuckor@pason.gov

APPROPRIATIONS
INTERGOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

THE CAPITOL
SENATE Box 203013
HARRISBURG, PA 17120-3013
(717) 767-6535

LABOR & INDUSTRY

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

123 NORTH PRINCE STREET

LANCASTER, PA 17603

17171 397-1309
FAX (717) 299-7790

2eziate of 13r1111911[uaztia
November 10, 2014

After twenty-five years running a successful small business, I decided to run for the state Senate.
For me, it was not a move intended to secure a long-running second career, one protected by avoiding
controversial issues and political risks. Rather, my purpose was to respond to community concerns about
the direction of the Commonwealth, and to improve the lives of citizens, taxpayers, and job creators.
Thanks in part to the cooperation of the caucus and to encouragement and guidance from our leaders, there
have been significant wins in the six years since, achieved through effort and teamwork.
Whatever the differences that arise, we all want the Senate Republican brand to stand for adhering
to the principles of fiscal responsibility, fostering robust job creation through private enterprise, and
producing practical, effective, public interest legislation.
In terms of our numhers, in terms of the talent in the room, in terms of the good ideas that
members turn into legislation, Senate Republicans are well-positioned to continue providing responsible
leadership. However, as everyone is aware, there is a push to reevaluate our leadership.
In business, this sort of reevaluation would include looking at the methods and decisions of the
person at the top. That seems a sound practice in politics as well. Joe Scarnati has served as President Pro
Tempore for eight years, and he has provided honest and energetic service during that time. But now he
says we need to change direction, and he has hand-picked a leadership team to carry it out What the
caucus must decide, then, is whether we agree with this maneuver of presenting a leadership slate to us, or
whether it is time for a fresh person to lead us.
When this slate was announced, the reform spirit of 2006 was invoked. Our current leadership had
eightyears to pursue and accomplish reform goals. While some noteworthy reforms were approved,
particularly in respect to Senate operations, there is still much work to be done. There are changes to the
state Constitution, there are changes in the structure of state government, and there are changes in laws
still awaiting action. Clearly, during these eight years, many opportunities were missed.
During the last four years, despite a Republican governor and a Republican-controlled General
Assembly, a lot of good reform has been left on the table, a concern we constantly hear from constituents- If
we are true to the spirit ofan inclusive, member-driven agenda, then the many worthy reforms contained in
bills introduced by caucus members deserve to be debated and voted. Last year, an unexpected problem in

running reform measures became apparent. The push to give first-round approval to an amendment
cutting the size of the General Assembly, something that has tremendous public support and substantial
support in the caucus, came undone when troublesome, marginally-related additions were inserted. It did
not seem consistent with the will of the caucus to push off for two more years offering such a change to the
voters for their approval.
Our determination to advance an agenda is extremely important. Just sitting back and blocking
proposals from the Wolf Administration is not why the people sent us here. They sent us here to
accomplish change on a wide range of issues. The people are looking for execution, not excuses. They want
to see what we are for, and to see us make serious efforts to deliver results that justify the title of reform.
During the last two Rendell years, Pennsylvania faced an extremely challenging budget situation.
We decided that sticking together on a no-tax increase position was the best approach for taxpayers.
Because of our unified front, our position prevailed. We will need to summon the same ability to iron out
differences and come together in the new legislative session.
With these considerations in mind, and after a lot of reflection and consultation, I am seeking your
support and trust to serve as President Pro Tempore. If the members decide that change is necessary, then
I will commit to work with you to change our approach and increase the results.
While preserving the majority is important using that majority to greatest advantage for the people
we represent is vital. A crucial first step is to have a caucus discussion about how we should operate on the
fundamentals of legislating: putting together the agenda, running bills, handling amendments, building
consensus. In order to become more member-driven, some of the power concentrated in the position of
President Pro Tempore should be distributed. Two individuals held the position for nearly thirty years.
That inevitably led to an accumulation of power. A range of decisions could be made with greater
involvement on the part of members, and certain powers could be shared by an effectively operating
leadership team. We should talk through such matters frankly and openly, so that our framework for going
forward is understood by everyone. Again, greater involvement should yield a higher quality process and
product.
As a state Senator, my approach to issues and problems has been practical and measured: asking
questions, analyzing information, taking into account differing viewpoints, deciding the best that can be
achieved, and figuring out how to overcome the obstacles that have prevented action. I have not shied
away from controversial issues or tough votes. As a leader, my approach would not change. My job will be
to work cooperatively to advance as much of our agenda as we possibly can. I am simply not interested in
gaining power, attracting headlines, or dictating direction. My purpose is to serve each member and help
them achieve their goals.
The continuing conversations with each of you are proving to be quite instructive. I very much
appreciate the time and the insights you are offering. Thank you for considering my candidacy, and even
more important the reasons for it.
S cerely,

Lloyd K. Smucker