While progressive states like California and Oregon have an active political citizenry and a responsive political culture, Pennsylvania is the polar opposite.

Too often it's a handful of caucus leaders, along with the governor, who make all the key decisions, keeping hundreds of legislators largely out of the picture. An unofficial fourth branch -- a well-funded lobbyist corps that doesn't even have to report its spending -- pulls strings behind the scenes. Citizens, who elect their representatives and pick up the tab, are left wondering why they are cut out of governance.

Welcome to Pennsylvania, the land that reform forgot.

Proof of that was found in the slow reaction and even haughty disbelief by some legislative leaders to the public's outrage at the undebated and unconstitutional pay raise of 2005. A year later, many state officials are still dancing to "Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries," while their constituents are sharpening pitchforks to "We Won't Get Fooled Again."

But wait. There's a better way.

Last week Sen. Jim Ferlo joined the call for a state constitutional convention, the last of which occurred in 1967-68. If Pennsylvania were to follow the same course, the Legislature first would pass a bill calling for a convention, then the proposal would go before the voters. If the convention were approved, voters would elect three delegates per Senate district. Delegates would then discuss and debate proposed amendments and put those they support before the electorate.

Although it would be reckless to launch an open-ended convention that could take on an endless list of subjects (and wreak all sorts of havoc), a session limited to government reform could tackle issues that people grumble about but lawmakers never address.

Like cutting the size of the Legislature. Ending lame-duck sessions. Letting citizens place questions on the ballot. Using a nonpartisan panel to handle legislative redistricting. Appointing rather than electing judges. Shifting a greater percentage of school funding to the state, thereby reducing reliance on property taxes. Reducing the number of municipalities and school districts.

Much can be accomplished and Pennsylvania could be transformed for the 21st century by the work of 150 citizen-delegates to a constitutional convention. But only if the call for reform by Sen. Ferlo and others is joined -- and only if the public outcry to the pay raise can be harnessed for real change.