(West Chester, PA) — Two Chester County Democrats running campaigns for the State House of Representatives held a press conference today in West Chester to discuss their priorities for reform measures that would make the state legislature more accountable to the public and end the culture of corruption and unethical behavior revealed in recent weeks.

State Representative Barbara McIlvaine Smith (PA-156) is running for reelection this year, and Paul Drucker, is a candidate for the State House District 157. Both have been outspoken leaders on the need for reform in Harrisburg.

McIlvaine Smith detailed a number of reform measures, ranging from a proposal to set term limits and a call for a constitutional convention, to making government transparent and accountable to the people it serves by posting all legislative and caucus expenses online, (McIlvaine Smith currently posts hers on her legislative website, www.pahouse.com/bsmith/Expense-Report.asp) and to ending gerrymandering by reforming our redistricting system.

"As we all know, two wrongs don't make a right, especially when they come at the public's expense," said McIlvaine Smith. "As a freshman legislator from the 156th legislative district, I do not believe in using state employees for campaign-related work, nor do I support paying any bonuses to state workers whatsoever."

McIlvaine Smith also announced that she has signed on as a supporter of the Pennsylvania Candidates Platform for Reform (PennCPR), which was introduced by Drucker in mid-July. PennCPR includes 12 specific reform measures that address lobbying reform, campaign reform and ending perks for legislators.

Drucker, who led a press conference with 16 candidates running for the State House on July 16th announcing PennCPR, thanked McIlvaine Smith for her support, and said that the most important thing that those running for the legislature can do is create an environment for change in how state government does its work.

"Recent events have made it clear that the way business is done in the state capital cannot be allowed to continue," said Drucker. "Those of us who want to serve our communities in the legislature need to continue to press for reform and build momentum for change. There are many good ideas about how to clean up the system — what is needed is a broad-based consensus to move forward with reforms."

"I want to thank Rep. McIlvaine Smith for her leadership on this issue, said Drucker. "I am especially pleased that she is the first incumbent who has signed on in support of the PennCPR platform, and I look forward to working with her on this important issue."