Lawmakers react to increased Capitol security
By Christine Haines
chaines@yourmvi.com
Security is being bolstered in Harrisburg to prepare for possible demonstrations in all 50 state capitols leading up to Wednesday’s presidential inauguration.
State police and Capitol Police in Harrisburg say there have been no specific threats against the Capitol building, but they still need to be prepared.
Lawmakers have been told to stay in their districts.
“There clearly is an increase in security around the Capitol,” said state Rep. Austin Davis, D-McKeesport. “I don’t know of any direct threats. We have been advised not to come to the Capitol between now and next Thursday, not just the Representatives, but our staff as well.”
Davis said it’s time for politicians to step up to bring communities together.
“Some of the political rhetoric has people questioning our government processes that have worked for us for generations,” Davis said.
State Rep. Bud Cook, R-West Pike Run Township, said security has been stepped up, but he doesn’t feel that he is in danger.
“The Capitol Police had armed guards out front, but there was nothing going on,” Cook said. “There was no sense of fear or concern. I couldn’t feel more safe than when I’m out there.”
He said trust needs to be built between constituents and their government.
“I don’t see the trust gap closing. The trust gap is getting wider. My intent going forward is to do the very best I can to close that gap,” Cook said. “We need a cooling down period.”
State Rep. Eric Davanzo, R-South Huntingdon Township, said between the virus and the election, these are troubling times that have people on edge, though he generally feels safe in Harrisburg.
“It’s unfortunate that we have to worry about security out there though. We should never have to worry about vandalism or destruction at the Capitol. It’s a shame we have to disrupt the government. We have people who can’t do their jobs,” Davanzo said of the weeklong-shutdown.
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