February 2006

155th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

URT

CHRODER

STATE REPRESENTATIVE

RSRT STD.S. POSTAGEPAIDARRISBURG, PAERMIT NO. 529

Legislators Call for a ‘Citizens’Constitutional Convention in PA

Joined by several of my House colleagues and two prominent statesenators, I called for a constitutional convention to bring about neededchanges in state government at an August 6 news conference in the Capitolrotunda.I am sponsoring House Bill 2723, which would place a question on theNovember 2009 ballot seeking voter approval for a constitutional conven-tion. My legislation would enlist citizens of the commonwealth to becomedelegates to the convention who would meet over a nine-month periodand draft recommendations for changes to the state’s constitution. Theserecommendations would be presented to the voters for ratification on theNovember 2010 ballot.The last constitutional convention convened on December 1, 1967.While the Speaker’s Reform Commission made some progress with reformsin 2007, there were many items that were not addressed by the GeneralAssembly. I think a constitutional convention, for and by the citizens of Pennsylvania, cuts through the rancorous partisanship that often hindersprogress in Harrisburg, and it represents our best opportunity to bring aboutneeded reforms. My proposal is a true ‘citizens’ convention. No electedofficials or lobbyists would be eligible to run for a delegate position.Recent scandals concerning bonuses for legislative staffers, grand juryinvestigations and charges against state officials signal a need for change inthe way business is conducted in Harrisburg. The citizens of Pennsylvaniaare losing faith in state government as evidenced by a recent poll by Quin-nipiac University showing that 74 percent of Pennsylvania citizens do notbelieve the Pennsylvania Legislature has the ability to pass legislation toend corruption. Clearly there is a problem in Harrisburg and the people of this commonwealth are losing faith in

Reps. Brad Roae (R-Crawford), Barbara McIlvaine Smith (D-Chester),Schroder, RoseMarie Swanger (R-Lebanon) and Scott Boyd (R- Lancaster). Attending, but not pictured, are state Senators Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin/York) and Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon/Berks).

Summer 2008

Effort to Preserve Shryock Property and ExpandStruble Trail a Success

I was pleased to spearheadthe successful effort to preservekey piece of open space incentral Chester County. Theeffort culminated recently whenNatural Lands Trust (NLT) an-nounced an agreement of salehad been reached to acquire28.5 acres of the Shryock prop-erty. Shortly thereafter, fundingcommitments were made by theCommonwealth of Pennsylva-nia, Chester County and Upper Uwchlan Township.The purchase of theShryock property, which isdjacent to Marsh Creek StatePark, the Struble Trail and theEast Branch of the BrandywineCreek, will allow for the expan-sion of the northern end of theStruble Trail and will connect it to Marsh Creek State Park.Much of the land will be incorporated into Marsh Creek StatePark, protecting it from development and allowing all to enjoy it intohe future.I am deeply appreciative of Department of Conservation andNatural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Michael DiBerardinis for hiscommitment from the very beginning of this effort. The NLT put forthremendous effort in reaching this important agreement on behalf of he citizens of Chester County.The combined effort of the state, Chester County and Upper Uw-chlan Township made the preservation of this property possible.

Are You a Korean War Veteran?

If so, read on...

I will be hosting a ceremony in honor of veterans of the Korean War on Friday, October 17, 2008, at the East Brandywine Fire Com-pany, 2096 Bondsville Road in the village of Guthriesville (East Brandywine Township). If you are a veteran of the Korean War, or if youknow a veteran of the Korean War

who lives in the 155th Legislative District

please contact my district ofﬁce at 610-524-5595 toregister for the event. You may also register on my website at www.CurtSchroder.com. We want to recognize and honor these residentswho served our country in order to preserve our freedom and liberty. To do so, I need to hear from veterans who want to participate.