When public money is spent, the people deserve to know the ins and outs. It’s encouraging to see Harrisburg lawmakers on this particular bandwagon.
The state Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee opted Tuesday to issue subpoenas to detail the full extent of taxpayer money used to cover certain work at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Montgomery County home.
It is not surprising this vote was along party lines because everything in Harrisburg breaks down to partisanship. The Senate having a Republican majority and the governor being a Democrat provided a built-in tendency for GOP senators to want the subpoenas and Democrats to oppose.
That’s not what should have happened.
The information shouldn’t have required a subpoena. It not only should have been provided willingly by the Shapiro administration, but it also should have been wrapped in a lovely bow and presented without being requested.
However, a subpoena keeps everything official.
Let’s say the subpoena was a good idea. All of the Democrats should have been on board, too. They should have supported loudly with resounding support for full transparency in government. Spend a dime; show the receipts.
The partisanship of the vote makes the whole thing look questionable. There is the appearance of wrongdoing that hasn’t been established. There is an invitation to suspicion when simple, institutional transparency could have ruled the day.
It can’t be ignored that security improvements were required at the official residence because someone tried to burn it down with Shapiro and his family inside during Passover in April.
Cody A. Balmer, 38, not only tossed Molotov cocktails, but he also stalked about with a sledgehammer that he told police he intended to use on Shapiro. Balmer pleaded guilty to aggravated arson, arson and attempted murder in October and was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.
The official residence is being repaired. As of September, $6 million in taxpayer money had been spent. Additional private donations are being collected for further work. While we’re at it, let’s note that the names of those donors also should be disclosed. Transparency is about more than just taxpayer funds. It’s about accountability.
But about $1 million also has gone into work at Shapiro’s private home.
Let’s be clear: This is not unprecedented. There is frequently an investment of public money into the security of significant public figures. Presidents, for example, may have guard shacks or other accommodations added to their homes to make it possible for their security details to adequately do their jobs.
Likewise, the Pennsylvania State Police are charged with keeping the governor and his family safe. Governors use the official residence when they are in Harrisburg, but they are still governors when they are at their private homes.
And recent times have seen multiple assassinations and attempts: Two attempts on Donald Trump in 2024. The June murder of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband and shooting of another legislator and his wife. The September killing of Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk.
Improvements to the Shapiro home to maintain safety are not out of line. Neither is the legislators’ desire to exercise their right to oversight of public funds.
But as long as the lawmakers are interested, let’s encourage it. Can we interest you in a gift ban? How about some campaign finance reform?