To the Editor:

I believe we need to establish minimum requirements for our elected politicians and hold them accountable for each item listed.

•All politicians should be held to term limits.

•They should be required to attend a minimum 95 percent of scheduled voting of legislatures.

•If they fail to meet the 95 percent bench mark, their compensation is adjusted and forfeited accordingly to the percentage shortfall (this includes salary, pensions, medical insurances, expenses etc.).

•Annual budgets must be approved a minimum eight weeks prior to new fiscal year start.

•If annual budget is not agreed on prior to the eight week period, all politicians must stay in session until it is approved. They must meet weekends, holidays and summer vacations.

•Each week delay during the eight week period bench mark, their compensation is adjusted accordingly and forfeited (a one week delay results in estimated (2 percent reduction/forfeiture of all compensation salary, pensions, medical insurances, expenses etc.).

•In the event of a government shutdown, they should be the first line to have all compensations be forfeited and not recoverable during the shutdown period. (This includes salary, pensions, medical insurances, expenses, etc.)

•Prior to submitting their applications/paperwork for election or re-election, they must sign a notarized document confirming upon departure from their government position they will not pursue through any means employment or other involvement as a lobbyist for a minimum 10 year period. Failure to comply will result in the immediate forfeiture of all future and earned pensions insurances, perks and other benefits received to the date of infraction.

•All politicians at the age of 65 must register for Medicare benefits in lieu of private health insurance included or paid for by their elected position,

•All junkets must be preapproved by an outside financial institution to justify the planning of the expenditures.

•No history of income tax evasion or arrears in any taxes. If either apply, payment resolution must be completed and documented prior to application.

•No history of sexual misconduct. No EXCEPTIONS results in disqualification.

•No history of bribery or obstruction of justice. No EXCEPTIONS results in disqualification.

•No history of insider trading or shady investment transactions. No EXCEPTIONS results in disqualification.

•Any abuse of power especially one that generates a financial benefit for the politician or any family member, friend or business associate. No EXCEPTIONS results in disqualification.

•No history of felony acts. No EXCEPTIONS results in disqualification.

The above and any additions to the above if necessary should be published prior to the 2020 elections to the American voters so that it can be the “voter’s bill of rights and expectation of their representatives” and included on the ballot if necessary.

Philip E. Schommer

Lower Macungie

Township