“All politics is local” goes the well-known axiom, and in this article series I’ll be giving an insider’s view of politics and government in Northeast Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth as a whole. Taking a look “under the hood” into the mechanics of policy and budgets, and showing how people working together can have an impact on how government affects the day-to-day lives of our families and community. You might be surprised.
So let’s get started! What are the political “insiders” of Pennsylvania are up to?
Earlier this year before the primary election, I decided to put my name on the ballot again, and on May 19th I was elected as a member of the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee (PADSC) – as I was the last time I ran, four years ago – to one of the four seats available from Monroe County. I had never thought of it as making me a political insider, but rather as an opportunity to give my perspective on the strategy and direction of the party, and to represent the Poconos when important decisions are being made. But then I recently came across an article from Philly’s NPR station WHYY that described me and the other 361 committee members as “Democratic Party insiders”.
I suppose they aren’t wrong – but in any case, in these articles I try to pull back the curtain and give you a a close-up view of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and the things we have been up to - the process, the meetings, the working groups, our new State Democratic Platform in the works, and other happenings.
So here’s your chance to be an insider too: Subscribe (for free) and stay tuned, as other articles are forthcoming on politics and other topics:
What are three planks I have been working on to be included in our new Pennsylvania State Democratic Platform that will be rolled out next year? Ever since our state party’s founding 234 years ago, we’ve never had our own platform, and that will change next year.
Why did I get to meet and shake hands with President Jimmy Carter?
Why was I arrested in Memphis the following year?
Especially relevant if you know anyone approaching the age of 64 or 65, or already on Medicare: What is the true cost of Medicare Advantage, what are the serious risks of making that choice, and why did Heather Cox Richardson say that pushing people toward Medicare Advantage was outlined as a desired outcome in Project 2025?
Why did I drive an hour from East Stroudsburg to New Jersey for medical appointments, despite having top-tier private health insurance?
Is it true that every American is on the hook to repay $123,000, which is the total national debt (39.66 trillion) divided by the number of citizens, or is it just accounting games and political hype? I’ll explain the answer given by a real, actual expert economist (and most definitely not AI). There is a legitimate concern, but it probably isn’t what you think.
Taking a look “under the hood” into the mechanics of policy and budgets.
Other topics and personal stories.
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And thanks for reading!
Tim Sanders
P.S. And why is this called “The Road to Harrisburg”? It could just as well be the road to Philadelphia, or Pittsburgh, to Stroudsburg. But the timing seemed right, as it’s Harrisburg’s turn to be the site of the next meeting (in January) of the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee (PADSC), the governing body of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, where I will be joining 361 other Democrats from across the Commonwealth at the meeting which is held three times a year.
Bonus question - Who was the Presidential candidate who promised to “look under the hood” of the federal government?