This is the sixteenth of many weekly analysis pieces detailing what Congressman Platts has voted on, or bills that he has sponsored/co-sponsored. Mike Koffenberger - Libertarian Candidate 4th District, Pa I will briefly describe his action, the bill, and then detail how I would handle the same. Since it is not my full time job to read the entire bill (yet – with your help), I will read the summaries and base my decisions on those. I will also try and describe how libertarian principles apply in my decisions. During weeks that Congressman Platts is not in session or co-sponsoring bills, I will re-visit some of his older votes on legislation that has a had detrimental effect on our liberties.

The fight for the 19th Congressional District has now become the fight for the 4th! Governor Corbett signed the bill into law from the Pennsylvania legislature just days before Christmas. The new 4th District still includes all of Adams and York Counties and loses parts of Cumberland County, but it now also adds all of Harrisburg City.

Congressman Platts most likely did not want the new district to include Harrisburg (due to its overwhelmingly Democratic registered voters), however I welcome our State’s capital city. With the addition of a 2nd financially cash-strapped city into the district, I would relish the opportunity to speak with York and Harrisburg leaders about free market/Austrian economics. In York and Harrisburg City politics, it is all about one political party. Ideas, and other issues, take over conversation from partisan politics. As a Libertarian, conversations about issues can take place, as opposed to them being Republican or Democrat in nature. Perhaps real solutions to the problems we face can be found working together instead of divided by party.

The biggest concern Congressman Platts seems to have with the new district is the realignment in Cumberland County which removes the Army War College, Army Heritage Education Center and Carlisle from the district. I do not think that the lost area will be misrepresented by Congressman Lou Barletta, however one has to remember, these new districts are made by the PA legislature. The election in 2010 brought a Republican Governor and Republican majority legislature, and gerrymandering this time, fell to the Republicans. It will certainly be a breath of fresh air when Libertarians (and other 3rd parties/Independents) start winning seats. Gone will be the days of the senseless “two party system” and blatant pandering.

Finally this week, I believe that it is time for the one district office in Washington, D.C. to work with one district office in the new 4th District. Currently, Congressman Platts has a district office in York, one in Adams County and one in Cumberland County. With the availability of telephone and email, it does not seem that an office in each district best serves the citizens. I would propose having only one full time office, somewhere in the center of the District. This cuts down on staff and office costs on all levels (rent, personnel, gas/electric, telephone, internet, etc.) I believe that a true Representative of the people of the 4th District should be in that district as often as possible. Town hall style meetings can be held in a different area of the district once a week. This would ensure that everyone has an opportunity to address their concerns with their Congressman. Currently, Congressman Platts seems to hold two sets of town hall meetings a year. This plan would result in better communication and ensure that your Congressman addresses your concerns.

Until next week, I wish you and your families a safe and happy new year!

Follow my campaign at mikeforpa.com, Facebook and on Twitter.
You can also follow my campaign and the events of the York County Libertarian Party at yorklp.org and the York LP Facebook page.

For Liberty,
Mike Koffenberger
Libertarian Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives

Previous reports

Koffenberger’s Weekly Platts Report (Dec 19-Dec 25 2011)
Koffenberger’s Weekly Platts Report (Dec 05-Dec 11 2011)
Koffenberger’s Weekly Platts Report (Nov 28-Dec 04 2011)
Koffenberger’s Weekly Platts Report (Nov 21-Nov 27 2011)
Koffenberger’s Weekly Platts Report (Nov 14-Nov 20 2011)

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