Newsradio 1020 KDKA Editorial: Tom Wolf

On Tuesday – Tom Wolf will be sworn in as Pennsylvania's governor.

His campaign promised a fresh start –

But it won't be easy.

The Democrat will be dealing with a Republican-controlled legislature –

And there was gridlock in Harrisburg – even with a Republican governor.

But before we start griping about our elected officials –

And their inability to get things done –

Maybe we should consider the results of a recent Robert Morris University poll.

More than 65-percent of the voters surveyed nationwide –

Said they supported candidates who shared their values and political philosophy.

About half supported candidates who seemed reasonable and able to work with others.

Fewer than thirty percent supported candidates they trusted.

So – as voters – we want our officials to be in lockstep with what we think –

More than we want to trust them –

Or have them work together for the common good.

In other words – we don't elect leaders who play well with others.

It's hard to solve problems when cooperation is a rare commodity.

Still –

The new governor and the legislature –

Have a chance to build a better relationship.

If that happens – Pennsylvania can get a fresh start.