Ridge begins new term with small House majority

By MATT WUNSCHE
Collegian Staff Writer

As Gov. Tom Ridge enters his second term, some worry his ability to accomplish policy goals may be compromised by his party's political status as the narrow majority in the legislature.

"The small (Republican) majority in the House and the fact that many representatives only won their elections by 500 votes (could affect Ridge's ability to implement policy)," said Robert Bresler, professor of public policy at Penn State Harrisburg.

"His political power is still fairly strong, but (certain issues) show that he does not have that much power with both parties."

Ridge will be inaugurated today as Pennsylvania's chief executive. Despite speculation he has lost some political leverage, there is a possibility he will be a vice presidential candidate in the next election.

"He's been an honest, competent governor, and he's got the résumé," Bresler said.

Republicans in the state House will be highly supportive if Ridge is on the Republican ticket in the 2000 presidential elections, Bresler said. Such a candidacy, however, could weaken Ridge's alliances with House Democrats.

Some students are also worried Ridge is more concerned with his political connections than the issues affecting voters.

"He doesn't pay enough attention to the people our party represents, the middle working class and minorities," said Steve Smith, president of Penn State College Democrats. "I hope he pays less attention to the special interests and more to the voters."

Ridge has said his agenda for this term will be similar to the goals that characterized his first term.

"We must continue to work together to improve Pennsylvania's jobs climate so that every Pennsylvanian has the opportunity to find a family-sustaining job," Ridge said on his campaign World Wide Web site (www.ridge1998.com/issues/home.cfm).

On the Web site, Ridge also cited encouraging school improvement and increasing government efficiency as other goals for his next term.

Matt Vaughn, Penn State College Republicans treasurer, is concerned with some more specific issues.

"I hope he lowers taxes and continues improvement in the roads and infrastructure (of Pennsylvania)," Vaughn said. "He's done a good job working with the legislature and creating jobs."

Bresler, however, said he anticipates Ridge will be largely concerned with stadium funding in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, tax reduction and education vouchers. But Bresler said he doubts Ridge will be able to generate bipartisan support in the state Congress.