Size of legislature-planks-Babb

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===James Babb wrote in emails in October, 2006:===
Why do so many people want to reduce the number of legislators?
Unless you are a lobbyist, I can't imaging why anyone would want less
localized representation. I can think of a 100 better ways to reduce
the cost to taxpayers.
Instead of concentrating power in fewer politicians, let's go the
other way and institute a New Hampshire style, part-time, volunteer,
citizen legislature with one rep for every 4500 voters. Put the
marble palace on eBay and buy some off-the-shelf video conferencing
gear. Rent the Harrisburg Hilton if needed for a few in-person
sessions. No perks, hair-cuts, pensions or salaries to worry about.
Imagine the special interest's shock and horror when they need to
bribe 2030 representatives, who don't even have offices in Harrisburg
and hold real jobs on the outside.
Imagine the sweating incumbents, when challengers only need to
convince 1000 neighbors to win their seat.
Some may complain that the legislature won't be able to get anything
done with that many reps. If true, that may be the best benefit of all.
James Babb http://www.JamesBabb.com
===Follow up:===
James,
I for one don't know about the New Hampshire legislature. Please tell more
about it!
Sounds good!! I think there are many people who are qualified (have some
kind of background perhaps for them) and they would serve the people. I do
feel that making more laws doesn't solve much.
By the way, you did great on the Durgin show!! You had a somewhat hard time
getting Bob Durgin to understand where you were coming from, but I
understood you just fine! I believe it was on gun controll, was I right?
KC
===James Babb to pacleansweep===
Thanks KC! I did have a good time talking with Bob Durgin. Some of
the callers were very good.
The legislature in the "Live Free or Die" state is part-time and all
volunteer. I'm sure they would get a chuckle over our pay-raise
troubles. They have the best representation at the lowest cost, of
any state.
Here in Pennsylvania, we have about 45,000 voters per state rep. NH
has more than 10x the number of reps per voter. They have over 400
reps, with a much smaller population. The equivalent in Pa would be
over 2000 reps (with day jobs).
Jim
==Links==
* James Babb
* Size of legislature
category:Planks_from_elsewhere