Voters Guide Fall 2012
Content
’ GUIDE VOTERS
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Lancaster County Nonpartisan
October 21, 2012
2012
PA House 37th District
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Mindy Fee
Rus sell U. Stahley
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TODD B. SPIDLE / LANCASTER NEWSPAPERS
Tho . mas Garman Jr
PA House 96th District
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Tom Smith
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U.S. Senate
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Mike Sturla
Bob C y Jr. ase
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U.S U.S. Senate US S
Paul Culbreth
Ray burn D. Smith
This guide may be taken in the votingto booth.
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Compiled by
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THE LEAGUE
OF WOMEN VOTERS
Polls open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6
Todd B. Spidle d pidle i
Sponsored by Lancaster Newspapers
2 OCTOBER 21, 2012
GENERAL ELECTION 2012
Lancaster , P a.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The material in this guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund and the League of Women Voters of Lancaster County. It was produced as a joint effort of the League and Lancaster Newspapers Inc. This material may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the League. Each candidate’s reply has been printed as submitted, except to use standard abbreviations and by editing for length when a candidate’s reply exceeded the word limit. The candidates listed are those whose names appear on the ballot as of Sept. 15. Additional information, including “Polling Place Lookup,” can be found by going to www.smartvoter.org and typing in your address and zip code.
U.S. President, Vice President
The president is the head of state of the United States of America and is the chief executive officer and commander in chief of all military forces. The powers of the president are described in the Constitution and federal law. The president appoints, subject to Senate approval, the members of the Cabinet, Supreme Court Justices, federal judges and ambassadors to other nations and the United Nations. Along with the Cabinet and its agencies, the president is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the laws of the United States. The president also may recommend legislation to the U.S. Congress. Every four years, political parties nominate candidates to run for president of the United States in a general election that is held on the first Tuesday in November of years divisible by the number four. The president’s term is four years, and presidents are limited to two terms. The president’s base salary is $400,000 per year. This year the ballot offers four teams of candidates: Democrat, Republican, Green and Libertarian. Vote for one team. n Barack Obama, a Democrat, is seeking his second consecutive term as president of the United States. Educated at Columbia University and Harvard Law School, Obama, 51, of Chicago, has served as a community organizer, an attorney, an Illinois state senator from 1997 to 2004, a U.S. senator from 2004 until 2008 and as U.S. president since 2009. His running mate is Vice President Joe Biden, formerly a U.S. senator from Delaware.
FOR ELECTION INFORMATION
For election information, contact the Lancaster County Board of Elections at 299-8293 or the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Information Center, which can be reached toll-free at 1-800-692-7281. Or visit the League’s website at www.palwv.org. Election information, absentee ballot applications and other forms can be downloaded at www.votespa.com.
Associated Press
Associated Press
Democrat Barack Obama
Republican Mitt Romney
ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS
If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on Election Day and the problem cannot be resolved at the polling place, the judge of elections at the polling place should telephone the Lancaster County Board of Elections at 299-8293. The problem could be resolved by phone if your name appears on the county records. If it does not and you want to try to resolve the problem, you can go in person to the county Board of Elections at 150 N. Queen St., where a judge from the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas will be on duty to resolve election problems. Alternatively, you can ask for and vote by provisional ballot. If it is later determined that you were eligible to vote, your ballot will be counted. You will be given instructions on how to determine if your vote was counted.
ONLINE GUIDE
The Voters’ Guide and other useful information for voters can be found on the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania home page: www.palwv.org. The guide also is available at lancasteronline.com and www.lwv lancaster.com.
n Republican Mitt Romney is a politician and businessman challenging Obama for the presidency VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES after receiving his party’s nominaAny voter with a disability having questions regard- tion in August. Educated at Brigham Young Uniing the accessibility of a polling place should consult versity and Harvard Business and the Lancaster County Board of Elections at 299-8293. Law schools, Romney, 65, served as CEO of Bain Capital from 1984 to 1998, CEO of the SLC Olympic ComINDEX mittee in 2002 and governor of MasAbsentee ballots ......................3 Polling place changes .............7 sachusetts from 2003 to 2007. His home is in Belmont, Mass. ID requirements .......................5 Spanish version .......................7 His running mate is U.S. Rep. Pa. Attorney General................3 U.S. House ............................3, 4 Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Green Party presidential candi- Libertarian presidential candiPa. Auditor General .................5
Pa. House .............................6, 7 Pa. Senate ................................4 Pa. Treasurer ............................5 U.S. President ..........................2 U.S. Senate...............................3 Write-in ballots .........................5
the presidency. Johnson, 59, Stein, 62, of of Taos, N.M., Lexington, Mass., graduated from graduated magna the University of cum laude from New Mexico in Harvard College 1974 and served in 1973 and from as Republican Harvard Medical governor of New School in 1979. Mexico from A physician, a 1995 to 2003. longtime teachAn entreer of internal Obama’s running mate is Vice preneur before medicine and a President Joe Biden. Romney’s running for ofpioneering envi- running mate is U.S. Rep. Paul fice, Johnson, to ronmental-health Ryan of Wisconsin. help pay his way advocate, she has through college, twice been elected to town meeting started a door-to-door handyman in Lexington and is the founder and business that eventually became past co-chair of a recycling com- one of the largest construction committee appointed by the Lexington panies in New Mexico, with more Board of Selectmen. Her running mate is Minneapo- than 1,000 employees. In 2009, he also formed the OUR lis native Cheri Honkala, a leading America Initiative, a 501c(4) nonadvocate for poor and homeless in profit. America for the past 25 years. His running mate is Judge n Libertarian Gary Johnson also James P. Gray, who served on Caliis challenging Obama in the presi- fornia’s Orange County Superior Court from 1989 to 2010. dent’s bid for re-election.
n Green Party candidate Jill Cheri Honkala as her vice presi- ning with James P. Gray as his Stein also is challenging Obama for dent. vice president.
date Jill Stein, left, is running with date Gary Johnson, left, is run-
Lancaster , P a.
GENERAL ELECTION 2012
OCTOBER 21, 2012 3
U.S. Senate
Term: 6 years Salary: $174,000 The U.S. Constitution prescribes that the Senate be composed of two senators from each state and that a senator must be at least 30 years of age, have been a citizen of the United States for nine years and, when elected, be a resident of the state from which he or she is chosen. Approximately a third of the total Senate membership is elected every two years. The Senate has several exclusive powers not granted to the House, including consenting to treaties, a precondition to their ratification; consenting or confirming appointments of Cabinet secretaries, other federal executive officials, military officers, regulatory officials, ambassadors, and other federal uniformed officers; putting on trial federal officials impeached by the House. Vote for 1
U.S. House of Representatives: 7th District
Term: 2 years GEORGE BADEY Salary: $174,000 Congress, the legislative DEMOCRAT branch of the federal governHome: St. Davids ment, is composed of two housAge: 54 es, the Senate and the House Occupation: Lawyer in priof Representatives. A majority vate practice vote of both houses is required since 1982 to pass a law. Education: Attended Philadelphia public PATRICK L. MEEHAN schools, graduated as valeREPUBLICAN dictorian of Home: Drexel Hill his class from Age: 56 South PhilaOccupation: U.S. Representa- delphia High tive, 7th District School in 1975; Education: B.A., University of PennsylvaB.A., Bowdoin nia, 1979; J.D., Villanova UniverCollege; J.D., sity, 1982. Temple UniverQualifications: Attorney in sity School of private practice for 30 years, Law. representing working people Qualificaand families; lived in Radnor tions: District Township, Delaware County, attorney of Delfor the last 25 years; vice chair aware County, and chair of the Radnor Town1996-2001; U.S. ship Democratic Committee for attorney for the Eastern District more than eight years. of Pa., 2001-08. Reply: From a federal standReply: No response point, I support the use of meWebsite: www.meehanfor dicinal cannabis for those sufcongress.com fering from cancer. I plan to support legislation that would legalize medicinal cannabis in all states. Website: www.badey.com Question: CANCER is causing the suffering and/ or killing of many of our Lancastrians as well as their pets. The National Institute of Cancer, a component of the U.S. government’s National Institutes of Health, is stating that the medicinal cannabis can be used successfully for symptom management and also for its possible direct antitumor effect. Legal medical marijuana / hemp / cannabis States include our neighbors New Jersey and Delaware. Please explain your “Pro” or “Con” position concerning Pennsylvania’s use of medical hemp for treatment with nausea and pain relief as well as the use of THC hemp oil that a Harvard Medical Study has shown has reduced tumors and prevented the spread of cancer cells. Also, describe what you will do to object to or advocate for a bill on this issue within your first year of office.
ABSENTEE VOTING
TOM SMITH
TOM SMITH of Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County, a Republican running for the U.S. Senate, did not respond to the League’s request for information.
Registered voters who are ill, are disabled or will be absent from the municipality on Election Day may vote by absentee ballot. Completed applications for absentee ballots must be received by the Lancaster County Board of Elections by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30. Completed civilian absentee ballots must be received by the Board of Elections by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. If an emergency arises (unexpected illness or business trip) after the Tuesday application deadline, call the Lancaster County Board of Elections at 299-8293 for information on emergency absentee voting. Proof of emergency will be required. Qualified electors who become physically disabled or ill, or are called away from home by reason of occupation, business or duties, which fact was not known or could not reasonably be known prior to 5 p.m. on the Friday preceding Election Day, may file a request for an absentee ballot with the appropriate Court of Common Pleas. Any disabled voter having questions regarding the accessibility of a polling place should consult the county board of elections.
BOB CASEY JR.
BOB CASEY JR. of Scranton, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate, did not respond to the League’s request for information.
Pa. Attorney General
Term: 4 years; Salary: $152,443 The basic duties of the attorney general, as outlined by the Commonwealth Attorneys Act are to: serve as the commonwealth’s chief law enforcement officer; collect all debts, taxes and accounts due to the commonwealth; represent the commonwealth and all agencies in any action brought by or against the commonwealth; administer the provision relating to consumer protection laws; represent the commonwealth and its citizens in any action brought about for violation of the antitrust laws.
KATHLEEN G. KANE
KATHLEEN G. KANE of Waverly Township, Lackawanna County, a Democrat running for state attorney gentensive experience necessary eral, did not to protect Pennsylvania fami- respond to the League’s relies, seniors, children and small quest for information. business owners from crime and corruption. I have handled thousands of cases during my time as a prosecutor, private practice MARAKAY J. ROGERS attorney and district attorney. I MARAKAY J. ROGERS of am confident that I’ll bring the York, a Libertarian running for principled leadership and integrity expected of Pennsylvania’s the U.S. Senate, did not respond to the League’s request for inchief law-enforcement officer to formation. the office. Website: www.David FreedforAG.com Question: If elected, what do you believe to be your most important priority in this office, and how will you pursue it?
RAYBURN DOUGLAS SMITH
RAYBURN DOUGLAS SMITH of Scranton, a Libertarian running for the U.S. Senate, did not respond to the League’s request for information.
DAVID J. FREED
REPUBLICAN Home: Camp Hill Age: 42 Occupation: Cumberland County district attorney Education: B.A., Washington and Lee University, 1992; Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law, 1995. Qualifications: Cumberland County D.A., 2005-present; Cumberland County first district attorney, 2001-05; Cumberland
County asst. district attorney, 1998-2000; York County deputy p r o s e c u t o r, 1997-98; executive committee member, Pa. District Attorneys Association. Reply: The safety of our citizens. I am the only candidate running for Attorney General with the proven ability and ex-
4 OCTOBER 21, 2012
GENERAL ELECTION 2012
Lancaster , P a.
U.S. House of Representatives: 16th District
Term: 2 years Salary: $174,000 Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government, is composed of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. A majority vote of both houses is required to pass a law. Question: CANCER is causing the suffering and/or killing of many of our Lancastrians as well as their pets. The National Institute of Cancer, a component of the U.S. government’s National Institutes of Health, is stating that the medicinal cannabis can be used successfully for symptom management and also for its possible direct antitumor effect. Legal medical marijuana / hemp / cannabis States include our neighbors New Jersey and Delaware. Please explain your “Pro” or “Con” position concerning Pennsylvania’s use of medical hemp for treatment with nausea and pain relief as well as the use of THC hemp oil that a Harvard Medical Study has shown has reduced tumors and prevented the spread of cancer cells. Also, describe what you will do to object to or advocate for a bill on this issue within your first year of office.
Pa. Senate: 13th Dist.
Term: 4 years Salary: $82,296 The Pennsylvania State Legislature is commonly referred to as the General Assembly. It has a 50-member Senate and a 203-member House of Representatives. Regular sessions of the General Assembly run two years. They begin at noon on the first Tuesday in January and last until all the business is completed or until Nov. 30 of an even-numbered year, whichever occurs first. By law, the General Assembly must be reapportioned based on population following each U.S. census. Question: Given that Pennsylvania has the second-highest average legislative salary (right behind California) and is in the top four states for size of staff per legislator (8.9), the opportunity to save the state money by trimming time, salaries and staff, not to mention facilities, is difficult to ignore. If you are elected, how would you respond to such legislation, given that you may be voting away your job?
JOSEPH R. PITTS
REPUBLICAN Home: Kennett Square Age: 73 Occupation: U.S. representative, 16th District Education: M.Ed., comprehensive science, W e s t Chester U n i v e rsity, 1972; B.A., philosophy and religion, Asbury College, 1961. Qualifications: U.S. representative, 1997-present; Pa. representative, 1973-97; owner/operator, Landscape Nursery, 197490; teacher, Great Valley High School, Malvern, 1969-72; captain, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam, 1963-69. Reply: I do not support legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes. Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule 1 drugs must have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S. and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Both the DEA and FDA support that status. There are other FDA-approved medications that address symptoms medical marijuana is purported to treat. Website: www.joepitts forcongress.com
ARYANNA STRADER
DEMOCRAT Home: Kennett Square Age: 29 Occupation: Information technology consultant — Software, SAP Education: B.S. in business administration/ operations management; master’s in project management. Qualifications: Iraq War veteran; small business owner; mother of two. Reply: No response. Website: www.strader forcongress.org
JAMES F. BEDNARSKI
INDEPENDENT Home: Lancaster Age: 67 Occupation: Management consultant — strat e g i c planning, organizational development, marketing, lean manufacturing, corporate t u r n around Education: B.A, philosophy, Franklin & Marshall College. Qualifications: Vice president, marketing and chief information officer, Lancaster General; vice president, sales and marketing, Donsco Foundries; senior volunteer leadership positions, Boy Scouts of America for more than three decades; Manheim Township school board member; management trainer, management trainer, American Management Association. Reply: No response. Website: www.jim bednarski.com
JOHN A. MURPHY
INDEPENDENT Home: East Fallowfield Age: 66 Occupation: Retired Education: Saint Anne grammar school, 1 9 6 0 , Philadelphia; Saint J o s e p h ’s Prep, 1964, Philadelphia; B.A. in political Science, Saint Joseph’s University, 1968; MBA, Drexel University, 1978. Qualifications: 45 years of political activism. Reply: There is absolutely no reason to ban the use of cannabis for any purpose at all. The war on drugs is entirely bogus and simply benefits the military industrial prison complex. Legalize cannabis as well as all drugs immediately. Website: www.John MurphyforCongress
LLOYD K. SMUCKER
LLOYD K. SMUCKER of Lancaster, a Republican running for the Pennsylvania Senate, did not respond to the League’s request for information.
TOM G. O’BRIEN
DEMOCRAT Home: Lititz; Age: 59 Occupation: Buyer for a retail corporation Education: B.S. in liberal arts, University of Scranton. Qualifications: Served for 16 years on the Manheim Township school board, vice pesident for eight; county representative for National School Board Federal Relations Organization; member, Joint Operating Committee, Lancaster Career and Technology School; member, Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Commission; founding member of Envisions, Pre and After School Enrichment programs; member, Manheim Township Educational Foundation. Reply: I do not favor a part-time Legislature. Pennsylvania’s legislators should be free of possible conflict-of-interest allegations. I may support reducing the size of the Legislature, as long as districts that are created are not too large. Large districts encourage big money in politics. When there are too many constituents to be served, legislators become more and more dependent on larger contributors for re-election. Smaller districts bring legislators closer to the people that they serve. Website: www.OBrienforPASenate.com
LEAGUE PURPOSE AND POLICY
The purpose of the League of Women Voters-Citizen Education Fund is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League is nonpartisan. It does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement of any candidate by the League of Women Voters-Citizen Education Fund. To learn more about the Lancaster chapter of the League, contact President Susan Leinberger at 3938323 or www.LWVlancaster.org.
NOTE ON CERTIFICATION
As of the publication date of this guide, the slate of candidates listed herein is accurate based upon the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Elections unofficial ballot.
Lancaster , Pa.
GENERAL ELECTION 2012
OCTOBER 21, 2012 5
Pa. Auditor General
Term: 4 years; Salary: $152,443 The principal role of the auditor general is to determine whether state funds are being used in accordance with the purpose and guidelines that govern each use of the commonwealth’s dollars. The auditor general conducts financial and performance audits of individuals, state agencies and organization that receive state funds, including school districts, state liquor stores and public employee pensions. These audits are designed to measure how effectively government programs are using public money to meet their stated goals and objectives. The office performs more than 6,000 audits each year and is responsible for auditing all federal funds that are allocated to Pennsylvania state programs. Question: If elected, what do you believe to be your most important priority in this office, and how will you pursue it?
Pa. State Treasurer
Term: 4 years; Salary: $152,443 The duty of the Pennsylvania Treasurer is to safeguard the commonwealth’s financial assets, which total more than $120 billion in public monies. The office manages several programs to better serve the financial needs of Pennsylvanians. The Treasury Department is also responsible for: reuniting unclaimed property with its rightful owner; investigating loss, theft and fraud involving commonwealth checks; reviewing real estate leases and contracts entered into by commonwealth agencies; and maintaining the Pennsylvania contracts electronic library. The treasurer has specific duties in addition to the oversight of the department: serving as Chair of the Board of Finance and Revenue, which selects banks to serve as depositories for state money; setting interest rates paid on commonwealth deposits; and hearing and deciding state tax appeals. Question: If elected, what do you believe to be your most important priority in this office, and how will you pursue it?
ID REQUIREMENTS
All voters will be asked to present an accepted form of Photo Voter ID in this election but will be permitted to vote if they do not have one. All photo IDs must be current and contain an expiration date, unless noted otherwise. The picture must match the face. Acceptable IDs include: n Photo IDs issued by the U.S. federal government or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: 1) Pennsylvania driver’s license or non-driver’s license photo ID (IDs are valid for voting purposes 12 months past expiration date) 2) Valid U.S. passport (not expired) 3) U.S. military ID-active duty and retired military (a military or veteran’s ID must designate an expiration date or designate that the expiration date is indefinite). Military dependents’ ID must contain an expiration date n Employee photo ID issued by Federal, PA, County or Municipal government (not expired) n Photo ID cards from an accredited public or private Pennsylvania college or university (not expired) n Photo ID cards issued by a Pennsylvania care facility, including long-term care facilities, assisted living residences or personal care homes (not expired) If you do not have one of these IDs and require one for voting purposes, you may be entitled to get one FREE OF CHARGE at PennDOT Driver License Center. To find the Driver License Center nearest you, and learn what identification and residency documentation you will need to get a photo ID, or for more information, visit www.Votes PA.com or call 1-877-VotesPA (1-877-868-3771). You can also learn how to vote if you have a religious exemption to having your photograph taken. Keep in mind, however, that you will be permitted to vote in this election even if you do not have one of these IDs. Voters must have IDs by the next general election, in November 2013.
JOHN MAHER
REPUBLICAN Home: Upper St. Clair (Allegheny County) Age: 53 Occupation: Pa. state representative, 40th District; CPA Education: A.B., magna cum laude, Duke University; scholarship studies, Oxford University; fellowship studies Australian Graduate School of Management. Qualifications: Three decades of experience as a CPA and business builder. Legislator known for fiscal conservatism, fighting waste and improving government accountability, including open records and lobbying reforms. Reply: Pennsylvanians deserve to have an auditor general who actually knows how to audit. I am a CPA expert in government accounting and auditing. I have co-authored a textbook about government accounting and taught government auditing to audiences from Pennsylvania and across the world. As the accountant for accountability, I’ve passed laws to increase sunlight — opening government records to the public and forcing lobbyist disclosures. As auditor general, I will find and fight waste. Website: None given
EUGENE A. DEPASQUALE
DEMOCRAT Home: West Manchester, York County Age: 41 Occupation: Pa. state representative, 95th District Education: B.A., College of Wooster, 1993; master’s in public administration, University of Pittsburgh, 1997; J.D. from Widener University School of Law, 2002. Qualifications: State Representative, 2007-present; deputy secretary Pa. Department of Environmental Protection, 2003-06; director of economic development, City of York, 2002-03. Reply: I will order a performance audit of water-protection programs to ensure our drinking water is safe. I will also work for middle-class Pennsylvanians, protecting education, job-creation programs and public safety. I will order audits that identify any wasteful and inefficient spending to save taxpayer money and enable reinvestment in critical programs. Website: None given
DIANA IREY VAUGHAN
REPUBLICAN Home: Nottingham Twp., Washington County Age: 50 Occupation: Wa s h i n g t o n County commissioner, fifth term, managing 52 departments and nearly 1,000 employees and overseeing county-owned nursing home, airport, parks and bridges. Education: West Virginia Business College, 1981; business, accounting and legal studies course work at Fairmont State College and California University of Pennsylvania. Qualifications: County commissioner, 16 years, led longrange planning resulting in job growth; member of Washington County Pension Board; member of Washington County Prison Board, overseeing operations of correctional facility that maintains lowest cost per day, per inmate in the state. Reply: As commissioner, I fought for fiscal responsibility and good government, balancing seven consecutive budgets with no tax increases, keeping taxes low and putting inmates to work in our community. I provided stewardship for pension funds and formed a strict investment policy statement, with a conservative approach, that met or exceeded industry benchmarks over the past 16 years. I will bring the same discipline and fiscal restraint to serve Pennsylvania. Website: www.friendswith diana.com
ROBERT M. McCORD
DEMOCRAT Home: Lower Merion, Montgomery County Age: 53 Occupation: Pa. state treasurer Education: Harvard, history and economics, 1982; M.B.A., Wharton School of Business, 1989. Qualifications: CEO/chairman and co-founder of the Eastern Technology Council; co-founder and managing director of PA Early Stage Partners. Reply: I will continue to use my business experience to protect taxpayers and invest wisely on their behalf. I won’t allow the office to be distracted by political games of special interest agendas. I will build on our record of success over the last three years and stay focused on creating good jobs and strong public income from investments while making government more accountable and transparent and working collaboratively to find innovative solutions to economic challenges. Website: www.robmccord. com
PATRICIA M. FRYMAN
PATRICA M. FRYMAN of Polk, a Libertarian running for state treasurer, did not respond to the League’s request for information.
BETSY ELIZABETH SUMMERS
BETSY ELIZABETH SUMMERS of Wilkes Barre, a Libertarian running for auditor general, did not respond to the League’s request for information.
WRITE-IN VOTING
Information for writing in the name of a person who is not on the ballot (write-in voting) will be available at the polling place.
6 OCTOBER 21, 2012
GENERAL ELECTION 2012
Lancaster , P a.
Pa. House of Representatives
Term: 2 years; Salary: $82,296 The Pennsylvania State Legislature is commonly referred to as the General Assembly. It has a 50-member Senate and a 203-member House of Representatives. Regular sessions of the General Assembly run two years. They begin at noon on the first Tuesday in January and last until all the business is completed or until Nov. 30 of an even-numbered year, whichever occurs first. By law, the General Assembly must be reapportioned based on population after each U.S. census.
37th District
MINDY FEE
REPUBLICAN Home: Manheim Age: 47 Occupation: Sales executive for TransA m erican Office Furniture Education: Graduate, Manh e i m Central High School, 1983; graduate, Millersville University, economics, 1987. Qualifications: Twentyfive years of business experience with more than $30 million in sales. Reply: As your state representative, I have no problem in exploring every avenue to reduce the size of the government and the expense of the government. Keeping that in mind, I would consider a part-time legislature but would need to be convinced that essential work of the citizens could be timely considered and acted upon. Additionally, reducing the size of the General Assembly and the individual budgets would be supported by me with an eye to the same scrutiny of effectiveness. I am convinced that the commonwealth can do more for the citizens with less overhead and expense. Website: www.mindy fee.com
RUSSELL U. STAHLEY
DEMOCRAT Home: Manheim Age: Not given Occupation: EUB/United Methodist pastor, 196198; retired Education: B.A., Lebanon Va l l e y College, 1 9 6 0 ; master of divinity, United T h e o logical Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, 1963; M.A. in English and modern European history, Univ. of Nebraska, 1969. Qualifications: Certified as a district justice, 1973; chaplain of Pa. State Senate in 1997 session; Realty license in the 1990s. Reply: I am very much in favor making the Legislature part time, and I favor reducing the size of the Legislature by at least half. Pennsylvania is one of only 10 states to have a full-time Legislature. Given the present size of the Legislature, there is too much waste in time, salaries and perks. Pennsylvania provides perks that include a state car, a per diem, a taxpayer-provided pension, free health care for life and an automatic cost of living in salary. In Lancaster County alone, the retired Republicans from the Legislature receive in pensions and free health care nearly $1,000,000 per year (see Jan. 2 in the local newspaper). Some of those retirees are “double dipping,” and when Joe Pitts retires from Congress he will be “triple dipping.” Website: www.lanco gov.com
Question: Given that Pennsylvania has the second-highest average legislative salary (right behind California) and is in the top four states for size of staff per legislator (8.9), the opportunity to save the state money by trimming time, salaries and staff, not to mention facilities, is difficult to ignore. If you are elected, how would you respond to such legislation, given that you may be voting away your job?
43rd District
KEITH J. GREINER
REPUBLICAN Home: Leola Age: 47 Occupation: Certified public accountant, Lancaster County controller Education: Graduate, Conestoga Valley High School; B.S. in accounting, Penn State University. Qualifications: As an accountant in the business world, former township supervisor and now the Lancaster County controller, my experiences have included both protecting the tax dollars of citizens and bringing greater efficiency to government. Reply: I am fully in support of these, and other efforts like them, that would return Pennsylvania to a smaller government that saves tax dollars and is less intrusive in the lives of our citizens. Website: www. keithgreiner.com
JOHN M. WEIGEL
DEMOCRAT Home: Lancaster Age: 53 Occupation: Licensed psychologist/owner, Weigel Counseling Associates Inc. Education: Graduate, Columbia High School, 1977; B.A. in psychology, Lafayette College, 1981; M.S. in clinical psychology, Millersville University, 1985. Qualifications: Involved in local politics for 10 years as committee person and campaign volunteer. In addition, I am active in Lampeter Church of the Brethren and volunteer with community organizations. Reply: During my time meeting with the people of the 43rd district, I have frequently heard complaints about absence and disregard from their legislators. I believe people need to be heard and to have their grievances addressed. For that to occur, there need to be enough active and committed public servants in the community and Harrisburg. The problem has been that the legislators have regularly looked out for themselves at the expense of their people. While some cuts in the number of representatives may make sense, the bigger issue of containing the costs lies with the extremely high budgets, salaries, pensions, health care and “extras” of the legislators. These are overly generous as compared to the private sector and should be aggressively curtailed. Website: www.votejohn weigel.com
41st District
RYAN P. AUMENT
REPUBLICAN Home: Landisville Age: 35 Occupation: State representative Education: Graduate, Solanco H i g h School, 1995; B.S. in education, The Citadel, 1999. Qualifications: As a former local elected official and now as representative, I have a proven record of addressing the issues that matter most to our community. Reply: As a representative, I voted for legislation to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania Legislature, and I support proposals to return the General Assembly to a part-time body. I will continue to lead on reform issues to make government more affordable, more accountable and more transparent. Website: www.elect ument.com
MARCY DUBROFF
DEMOCRAT Home: Lancaster Age: 49 Occupation: Associate director, The POGIL Project Education: Graduate, Sheepshead Bay H i g h School, B.S., Cornell Univ e r s i t y, 1984. Qualifications: Active community volunteer; Hempfield Area committeewoman (10 years); more than 25 years working in higher education; administrator of not-forprofit organization devoted to how students learn best. Reply: The most important thing is to make sure that the legislature is efficient and reformminded, and any changes (whether to reduce the size of the legislature or to return it to a part-time entity) should be premised on careful examination of legislative salaries, benefits and staffing. Of course, the ultimate goals are, and should always be, accountability to constituents, and ensuring that they are well represented. If those goals are met, then it should not matter if some legislative seats are eliminated. Website: www.marcy pa41.com
Lancaster , Pa.
GENERAL ELECTION 2012
OCTOBER 21, 2012 7
Pa. House of Representatives
96th District
THOMAS GARMAN JR.
REPUBLICAN Home: Lancaster Age: 35 Occupation: Owner/operator of Landscaping for All Seasons Education: B.S., business administration, concentration in marketing. Qualifications: I am a s m a l l business o w n e r, running a landscape business. I know the value of a dollar, listening to my customers and respecting their budgets. I understand how real jobs are created, and I will do what it takes to encourage job creation. I work with youth as a hockey coach and encourage development of their life skills, academics and leadership to ensure their future. Reply: I support trimming legislative staff and facilities as is being done now by the Republican House. I will never vote to increase legislative pay or pensions. Texas legislators meet 140 days every other year. In their last session they passed over 1,400 bills. These bills were written by lobbyists and staffers who are full time. Pennsylvanians deserve a full-time legislature that they can hold accountable rather than having the state run by unelected bureaucrats. Website: www.Tom Garman.com Term: 2 years Salary: $82,296 The Pennsylvania State Legislature is commonly referred to as the General Assembly. MIKE STURLA It has a 50-member Senate and a 203-member House of Representatives. Regular sessions of the General AsDEMOCRAT sembly run two years. They begin at noon on the first Home: Lancaster Tuesday in January and last until all the business is Age: 56 Occupation: Democrat- completed or until Nov. 30 of an even-numbered year, ic policy chairman, Pa. whichever occurs first. By law, the General Assembly must be reapporHouse of Representatives Education: Bachelor’s tioned based on population after each U.S. census. in environmental design, University of Kansas, 1979. QualiSTEVEN C. DAVID S. fications: Former MENTZER HICKERNELL s m a l l business REPUBLICAN REPUBLICAN owner; Home: Lancaster Home: Mount Joy m e m Age: 55 Age: 53 ber, LanOccupation: President/ Occupation: State repcaster City Council, founder, Central Ameri- resentative for the 98th 1987-90; board member can Relief Efforts District Chesapeake Bay CommisEducation: Graduate, Education: Donegal sion, Lancaster County Conestoga Valley High High School graduate; Workforce Investment School; Elizabethtown B.S., Elizabethtown ColBoard, Transportation Ad- C o l l e g e , lege. visory Commission, Tech business QualiCentro Advisory Board, adminisfications: Stevens College Advisory tration. State repBoard; House of RepreQualiresentasentatives 1990-present. fications: tive since Reply: Pennsylvania For- and 2 0 0 2 ; has the lowest number nonprofit clerk of of state employees per p r i v a t e courts for capita of any state in the s e c t o r Lancaster nation. Pennsylvania state business C o u n t y, representatives, including experience; active com- 2000-2002; state House myself, and their staffs munity volunteer, local of Representatives staff, work with thousands of elected official. 1983-99. constituents each year to Reply: I support both Reply: I voted in favor help them navigate bu- of these initiatives, and I of legislation that passed reaucratic systems and am committed to reform- the House in April of help them solve every- ing Harrisburg to return this year, which would day problems. I believe power back to the people place before the voters attempts to reduce the of our state and to in- the question of whether number of locally elected crease transparency and the size of the House and officials so that my con- accountability, including Senate should be reduced. stituents have less direct advocating for a Constitu- Under this bill, the numaccess to their represen- tional Convention. Repre- ber of House and Senate tatives is a move in the sentative John Bear has Seats would be reduced by wrong direction. been at the leading edge about 25 percent. I would Website: www.Vote of this effort, and I have also support allowing votsturla.com pledged to continue his ers to decide if they prefer Question: Given that Pennsylvania has the second-highest average legislative salary (right behind California) and is in the top four states for size of staff per legislator (8.9), the opportunity to save the state money by trimming time, salaries and staff, not to mention facilities, is difficult to ignore. If you are elected, how would you respond to such legislation, given that you may be voting away your job?
97th District
98th District
99th District
GORDON R. DENLINGER
100th District
BRYAN D. CUTLER
REPUBLICAN Home: Peach Bottom Age: 37 Occupation: State representative, attorney Education: J.D. with a certificate in Health Law, Widener School of Law; B.S, Healthcare Administration, Lebanon Va l l e y College; radiologictechnology certificate from Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Qualifications: Local government service with Drumore Planning Commission; currently serving a third term in the state House. Reply: I voted in favor of downsizing the legislature. I worked with Rep. Gordon Denlinger to introduce House Bill 1064 to return our legislature to a part-time body. I personally believe that the best government is a smaller one that lives within its means. The best way to ensure an efficient government is return to our part-time roots that has worked since colonial times. Website: www.Elect bryancutler.com
PAUL CULBRETH
PAUL CULBRETH of Lancaster, an Independent running for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 96th District, did not respond to the League’s request for information.
work. I am proud to have his endorsement as the best choice to continue this fight. Website: www.steve mentzer.com
REPUBLICAN Home: Narvon Age: 49 Occupation: State representative and corporate controller Education: B.S. in accounting, Bob Jones University, 1985; certified public accountant, Pa. (inactive). Qualifications: Church e l d e r, l e a d e rship roles in various civic and political organizations. Reply: As a general statement, I support returning the General Assembly to part-time status. If this were joined with a lowered public expectation about the availability of elected officials, the volume of laws and the size of state government could be more easily limited. While I did vote to support a reduction in the size of the House and Senate, I hold reservations about changa full-time or part-time es that disconnect elected legislature. officials from the people, Website: None thereby making them less accountable. Website: www.Gordon Denlinger.com
8 OCTOBER 21, 2012
GENERAL ELECTION 2012
Lancaster , P a.
Step one:
Sign in
Your first step will be to sign the voter registration book. A poll worker will provide you with a ballot. If you prefer not to use a paper ballot, you will be directed to the eSlate electronic ballot.
How to use the voting machines:
A step-by-step guide
Lancaster County voters will use voting machines when they go to the polls for the election. Voters have two options. They can vote on a paper ballot read by an electronic eScan machine, or they can mark their choices on an all-electronic eSlate.
POLLING PLACE CHANGES
The following changes in polling locations have been approved for this fall’s general election. From Columbia Historic Market House, 15 S. Third St., Columbia, to Columbia Borough Municipal Building, 308 Locust St., Columbia. From Denver Borough Fire Hall, 425 Locust St., Denver, to Denver Borough Municipal Building, 501 Main St., Denver. From Durlach Mount Airy Fire Company, 880 Durlach Road, Stevens, to Clay Township Municipal Building, 870 Durlach Road, Stevens. From East Drumore Township Municipal Building, 1246 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville, to East Drumore Township Municipal Office, 925 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville. From Westgate Baptist Church, 2235 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, to Brubaker Inc., 1284 Rohrerstown Road, Lancaster. From James Buchanan Elementary School, 340 S. West End Ave., Lancaster, 17603, to Wheatland Middle School, 919 Hamilton Park Drive, Lancaster.
The eScan paper ballot – fill in the box
Choice
The eScan machine instantly reads and records votes that you cast by filling in boxes on a paper ballot.
A
Step two: Mark your ballot
If you choose to vote on a paper ballot, enter a voting booth and mark your selections in blue or black ink. Fill in the boxes completely. For write-in candidates, fill in the box beside “write-in,” then neatly write the candidate’s name on the adjacent line.
Step three: Scan your ballot
When finished marking your selections, be sure to remove the ballot stub and then insert your ballot into the eScan machine. If the ballot is improperly marked, the machine will alert you and allow you to correct your ballot. If eScan accepts and records your ballot, a digital display will show a waving American flag.
When you see the waving American flag, you know your vote has been counted.
Choice
The eSlate is a tablet-sized electronic voting machine enclosed by a hood. Voters use a dial to scroll through ballot. To vote, you push the ENTER button to confirm your choices. These are the buttons you will use: SELECT Wheel - Rotate the wheel forward or backward to highlight your choices.
Place finger in dimple.
B The eSlate electronic ballot – dial and tap
Step two: Access code
If you choose to vote electronically, you will receive a randomly generated fourdigit access code for security.
Step three: Select language
Turning the SELECT dial, choose a language – English or Spanish.
Step four: Enter access code
Use the SELECT dial and the ENTER button to navigate around the number pad and enter your access code.
VOTERS’ GUIDE IN SPANISH
A Spanish-language edition of this Voters’ Guide will be distributed Wednesday, Oct. 23, in La Voz Hispana, a free monthly publication of Lancaster Newspapers Inc. La Voz is distributed on news racks in more than 79 local stores, restaurants and other outlets, including the Lancaster Public Library, 125 N. Duke St.; Giant Food Stores, 235 N. Reservoir St.; Lancaster Recreation Commission, 525 Fairview Ave.; Spanish American Civic Association, 545 Pershing Ave.; and Lancaster Newspapers, Inc., 8 W. King St.
Rotate wheel to cycle through choices.
ENTER - Press to make a choice. HELP - Press once for instructions, twice to summon poll worker. PREV - Go back a page. NEXT - Go forward a page. CAST BALLOT - Press only when completely finished voting.
Step five: Make your selections
When the ballot appears on screen,use the SELECT wheel to choose a candidate. Press the ENTER button to make your choice.The screen will advance automatically to the next race.
To vote for a write-in candidate, select the write-in space and enter the candidate’s name. Use the SELECT wheel and ENTER button to spell out the name. When you have voted in all contests, a summary page appears. To make changes, use the PREV button to return to previous screens.
Step six: Cast your ballot
After verifying your choices, press the red CAST BALLOT button.This action registers your vote permanently.
When you see the waving American flag, you know your vote has been counted.
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Lancaster County Nonpartisan
October 21, 2012
2012
PA House 37th District
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TODD B. SPIDLE / LANCASTER NEWSPAPERS
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PA House 96th District
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U.S. Senate
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Mike Sturla
Bob C y Jr. ase
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Paul Culbreth
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This guide may be taken in the votingto booth.
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Compiled by
U.S. Senate Se
THE LEAGUE
OF WOMEN VOTERS
Polls open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6
Todd B. Spidle d pidle i
Sponsored by Lancaster Newspapers
2 OCTOBER 21, 2012
GENERAL ELECTION 2012
Lancaster , P a.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The material in this guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund and the League of Women Voters of Lancaster County. It was produced as a joint effort of the League and Lancaster Newspapers Inc. This material may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the League. Each candidate’s reply has been printed as submitted, except to use standard abbreviations and by editing for length when a candidate’s reply exceeded the word limit. The candidates listed are those whose names appear on the ballot as of Sept. 15. Additional information, including “Polling Place Lookup,” can be found by going to www.smartvoter.org and typing in your address and zip code.
U.S. President, Vice President
The president is the head of state of the United States of America and is the chief executive officer and commander in chief of all military forces. The powers of the president are described in the Constitution and federal law. The president appoints, subject to Senate approval, the members of the Cabinet, Supreme Court Justices, federal judges and ambassadors to other nations and the United Nations. Along with the Cabinet and its agencies, the president is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the laws of the United States. The president also may recommend legislation to the U.S. Congress. Every four years, political parties nominate candidates to run for president of the United States in a general election that is held on the first Tuesday in November of years divisible by the number four. The president’s term is four years, and presidents are limited to two terms. The president’s base salary is $400,000 per year. This year the ballot offers four teams of candidates: Democrat, Republican, Green and Libertarian. Vote for one team. n Barack Obama, a Democrat, is seeking his second consecutive term as president of the United States. Educated at Columbia University and Harvard Law School, Obama, 51, of Chicago, has served as a community organizer, an attorney, an Illinois state senator from 1997 to 2004, a U.S. senator from 2004 until 2008 and as U.S. president since 2009. His running mate is Vice President Joe Biden, formerly a U.S. senator from Delaware.
FOR ELECTION INFORMATION
For election information, contact the Lancaster County Board of Elections at 299-8293 or the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Information Center, which can be reached toll-free at 1-800-692-7281. Or visit the League’s website at www.palwv.org. Election information, absentee ballot applications and other forms can be downloaded at www.votespa.com.
Associated Press
Associated Press
Democrat Barack Obama
Republican Mitt Romney
ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS
If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on Election Day and the problem cannot be resolved at the polling place, the judge of elections at the polling place should telephone the Lancaster County Board of Elections at 299-8293. The problem could be resolved by phone if your name appears on the county records. If it does not and you want to try to resolve the problem, you can go in person to the county Board of Elections at 150 N. Queen St., where a judge from the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas will be on duty to resolve election problems. Alternatively, you can ask for and vote by provisional ballot. If it is later determined that you were eligible to vote, your ballot will be counted. You will be given instructions on how to determine if your vote was counted.
ONLINE GUIDE
The Voters’ Guide and other useful information for voters can be found on the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania home page: www.palwv.org. The guide also is available at lancasteronline.com and www.lwv lancaster.com.
n Republican Mitt Romney is a politician and businessman challenging Obama for the presidency VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES after receiving his party’s nominaAny voter with a disability having questions regard- tion in August. Educated at Brigham Young Uniing the accessibility of a polling place should consult versity and Harvard Business and the Lancaster County Board of Elections at 299-8293. Law schools, Romney, 65, served as CEO of Bain Capital from 1984 to 1998, CEO of the SLC Olympic ComINDEX mittee in 2002 and governor of MasAbsentee ballots ......................3 Polling place changes .............7 sachusetts from 2003 to 2007. His home is in Belmont, Mass. ID requirements .......................5 Spanish version .......................7 His running mate is U.S. Rep. Pa. Attorney General................3 U.S. House ............................3, 4 Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Green Party presidential candi- Libertarian presidential candiPa. Auditor General .................5
Pa. House .............................6, 7 Pa. Senate ................................4 Pa. Treasurer ............................5 U.S. President ..........................2 U.S. Senate...............................3 Write-in ballots .........................5
the presidency. Johnson, 59, Stein, 62, of of Taos, N.M., Lexington, Mass., graduated from graduated magna the University of cum laude from New Mexico in Harvard College 1974 and served in 1973 and from as Republican Harvard Medical governor of New School in 1979. Mexico from A physician, a 1995 to 2003. longtime teachAn entreer of internal Obama’s running mate is Vice preneur before medicine and a President Joe Biden. Romney’s running for ofpioneering envi- running mate is U.S. Rep. Paul fice, Johnson, to ronmental-health Ryan of Wisconsin. help pay his way advocate, she has through college, twice been elected to town meeting started a door-to-door handyman in Lexington and is the founder and business that eventually became past co-chair of a recycling com- one of the largest construction committee appointed by the Lexington panies in New Mexico, with more Board of Selectmen. Her running mate is Minneapo- than 1,000 employees. In 2009, he also formed the OUR lis native Cheri Honkala, a leading America Initiative, a 501c(4) nonadvocate for poor and homeless in profit. America for the past 25 years. His running mate is Judge n Libertarian Gary Johnson also James P. Gray, who served on Caliis challenging Obama in the presi- fornia’s Orange County Superior Court from 1989 to 2010. dent’s bid for re-election.
n Green Party candidate Jill Cheri Honkala as her vice presi- ning with James P. Gray as his Stein also is challenging Obama for dent. vice president.
date Jill Stein, left, is running with date Gary Johnson, left, is run-
Lancaster , P a.
GENERAL ELECTION 2012
OCTOBER 21, 2012 3
U.S. Senate
Term: 6 years Salary: $174,000 The U.S. Constitution prescribes that the Senate be composed of two senators from each state and that a senator must be at least 30 years of age, have been a citizen of the United States for nine years and, when elected, be a resident of the state from which he or she is chosen. Approximately a third of the total Senate membership is elected every two years. The Senate has several exclusive powers not granted to the House, including consenting to treaties, a precondition to their ratification; consenting or confirming appointments of Cabinet secretaries, other federal executive officials, military officers, regulatory officials, ambassadors, and other federal uniformed officers; putting on trial federal officials impeached by the House. Vote for 1
U.S. House of Representatives: 7th District
Term: 2 years GEORGE BADEY Salary: $174,000 Congress, the legislative DEMOCRAT branch of the federal governHome: St. Davids ment, is composed of two housAge: 54 es, the Senate and the House Occupation: Lawyer in priof Representatives. A majority vate practice vote of both houses is required since 1982 to pass a law. Education: Attended Philadelphia public PATRICK L. MEEHAN schools, graduated as valeREPUBLICAN dictorian of Home: Drexel Hill his class from Age: 56 South PhilaOccupation: U.S. Representa- delphia High tive, 7th District School in 1975; Education: B.A., University of PennsylvaB.A., Bowdoin nia, 1979; J.D., Villanova UniverCollege; J.D., sity, 1982. Temple UniverQualifications: Attorney in sity School of private practice for 30 years, Law. representing working people Qualificaand families; lived in Radnor tions: District Township, Delaware County, attorney of Delfor the last 25 years; vice chair aware County, and chair of the Radnor Town1996-2001; U.S. ship Democratic Committee for attorney for the Eastern District more than eight years. of Pa., 2001-08. Reply: From a federal standReply: No response point, I support the use of meWebsite: www.meehanfor dicinal cannabis for those sufcongress.com fering from cancer. I plan to support legislation that would legalize medicinal cannabis in all states. Website: www.badey.com Question: CANCER is causing the suffering and/ or killing of many of our Lancastrians as well as their pets. The National Institute of Cancer, a component of the U.S. government’s National Institutes of Health, is stating that the medicinal cannabis can be used successfully for symptom management and also for its possible direct antitumor effect. Legal medical marijuana / hemp / cannabis States include our neighbors New Jersey and Delaware. Please explain your “Pro” or “Con” position concerning Pennsylvania’s use of medical hemp for treatment with nausea and pain relief as well as the use of THC hemp oil that a Harvard Medical Study has shown has reduced tumors and prevented the spread of cancer cells. Also, describe what you will do to object to or advocate for a bill on this issue within your first year of office.
ABSENTEE VOTING
TOM SMITH
TOM SMITH of Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County, a Republican running for the U.S. Senate, did not respond to the League’s request for information.
Registered voters who are ill, are disabled or will be absent from the municipality on Election Day may vote by absentee ballot. Completed applications for absentee ballots must be received by the Lancaster County Board of Elections by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30. Completed civilian absentee ballots must be received by the Board of Elections by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. If an emergency arises (unexpected illness or business trip) after the Tuesday application deadline, call the Lancaster County Board of Elections at 299-8293 for information on emergency absentee voting. Proof of emergency will be required. Qualified electors who become physically disabled or ill, or are called away from home by reason of occupation, business or duties, which fact was not known or could not reasonably be known prior to 5 p.m. on the Friday preceding Election Day, may file a request for an absentee ballot with the appropriate Court of Common Pleas. Any disabled voter having questions regarding the accessibility of a polling place should consult the county board of elections.
BOB CASEY JR.
BOB CASEY JR. of Scranton, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate, did not respond to the League’s request for information.
Pa. Attorney General
Term: 4 years; Salary: $152,443 The basic duties of the attorney general, as outlined by the Commonwealth Attorneys Act are to: serve as the commonwealth’s chief law enforcement officer; collect all debts, taxes and accounts due to the commonwealth; represent the commonwealth and all agencies in any action brought by or against the commonwealth; administer the provision relating to consumer protection laws; represent the commonwealth and its citizens in any action brought about for violation of the antitrust laws.
KATHLEEN G. KANE
KATHLEEN G. KANE of Waverly Township, Lackawanna County, a Democrat running for state attorney gentensive experience necessary eral, did not to protect Pennsylvania fami- respond to the League’s relies, seniors, children and small quest for information. business owners from crime and corruption. I have handled thousands of cases during my time as a prosecutor, private practice MARAKAY J. ROGERS attorney and district attorney. I MARAKAY J. ROGERS of am confident that I’ll bring the York, a Libertarian running for principled leadership and integrity expected of Pennsylvania’s the U.S. Senate, did not respond to the League’s request for inchief law-enforcement officer to formation. the office. Website: www.David FreedforAG.com Question: If elected, what do you believe to be your most important priority in this office, and how will you pursue it?
RAYBURN DOUGLAS SMITH
RAYBURN DOUGLAS SMITH of Scranton, a Libertarian running for the U.S. Senate, did not respond to the League’s request for information.
DAVID J. FREED
REPUBLICAN Home: Camp Hill Age: 42 Occupation: Cumberland County district attorney Education: B.A., Washington and Lee University, 1992; Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law, 1995. Qualifications: Cumberland County D.A., 2005-present; Cumberland County first district attorney, 2001-05; Cumberland
County asst. district attorney, 1998-2000; York County deputy p r o s e c u t o r, 1997-98; executive committee member, Pa. District Attorneys Association. Reply: The safety of our citizens. I am the only candidate running for Attorney General with the proven ability and ex-
4 OCTOBER 21, 2012
GENERAL ELECTION 2012
Lancaster , P a.
U.S. House of Representatives: 16th District
Term: 2 years Salary: $174,000 Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government, is composed of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. A majority vote of both houses is required to pass a law. Question: CANCER is causing the suffering and/or killing of many of our Lancastrians as well as their pets. The National Institute of Cancer, a component of the U.S. government’s National Institutes of Health, is stating that the medicinal cannabis can be used successfully for symptom management and also for its possible direct antitumor effect. Legal medical marijuana / hemp / cannabis States include our neighbors New Jersey and Delaware. Please explain your “Pro” or “Con” position concerning Pennsylvania’s use of medical hemp for treatment with nausea and pain relief as well as the use of THC hemp oil that a Harvard Medical Study has shown has reduced tumors and prevented the spread of cancer cells. Also, describe what you will do to object to or advocate for a bill on this issue within your first year of office.
Pa. Senate: 13th Dist.
Term: 4 years Salary: $82,296 The Pennsylvania State Legislature is commonly referred to as the General Assembly. It has a 50-member Senate and a 203-member House of Representatives. Regular sessions of the General Assembly run two years. They begin at noon on the first Tuesday in January and last until all the business is completed or until Nov. 30 of an even-numbered year, whichever occurs first. By law, the General Assembly must be reapportioned based on population following each U.S. census. Question: Given that Pennsylvania has the second-highest average legislative salary (right behind California) and is in the top four states for size of staff per legislator (8.9), the opportunity to save the state money by trimming time, salaries and staff, not to mention facilities, is difficult to ignore. If you are elected, how would you respond to such legislation, given that you may be voting away your job?
JOSEPH R. PITTS
REPUBLICAN Home: Kennett Square Age: 73 Occupation: U.S. representative, 16th District Education: M.Ed., comprehensive science, W e s t Chester U n i v e rsity, 1972; B.A., philosophy and religion, Asbury College, 1961. Qualifications: U.S. representative, 1997-present; Pa. representative, 1973-97; owner/operator, Landscape Nursery, 197490; teacher, Great Valley High School, Malvern, 1969-72; captain, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam, 1963-69. Reply: I do not support legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes. Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule 1 drugs must have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S. and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Both the DEA and FDA support that status. There are other FDA-approved medications that address symptoms medical marijuana is purported to treat. Website: www.joepitts forcongress.com
ARYANNA STRADER
DEMOCRAT Home: Kennett Square Age: 29 Occupation: Information technology consultant — Software, SAP Education: B.S. in business administration/ operations management; master’s in project management. Qualifications: Iraq War veteran; small business owner; mother of two. Reply: No response. Website: www.strader forcongress.org
JAMES F. BEDNARSKI
INDEPENDENT Home: Lancaster Age: 67 Occupation: Management consultant — strat e g i c planning, organizational development, marketing, lean manufacturing, corporate t u r n around Education: B.A, philosophy, Franklin & Marshall College. Qualifications: Vice president, marketing and chief information officer, Lancaster General; vice president, sales and marketing, Donsco Foundries; senior volunteer leadership positions, Boy Scouts of America for more than three decades; Manheim Township school board member; management trainer, management trainer, American Management Association. Reply: No response. Website: www.jim bednarski.com
JOHN A. MURPHY
INDEPENDENT Home: East Fallowfield Age: 66 Occupation: Retired Education: Saint Anne grammar school, 1 9 6 0 , Philadelphia; Saint J o s e p h ’s Prep, 1964, Philadelphia; B.A. in political Science, Saint Joseph’s University, 1968; MBA, Drexel University, 1978. Qualifications: 45 years of political activism. Reply: There is absolutely no reason to ban the use of cannabis for any purpose at all. The war on drugs is entirely bogus and simply benefits the military industrial prison complex. Legalize cannabis as well as all drugs immediately. Website: www.John MurphyforCongress
LLOYD K. SMUCKER
LLOYD K. SMUCKER of Lancaster, a Republican running for the Pennsylvania Senate, did not respond to the League’s request for information.
TOM G. O’BRIEN
DEMOCRAT Home: Lititz; Age: 59 Occupation: Buyer for a retail corporation Education: B.S. in liberal arts, University of Scranton. Qualifications: Served for 16 years on the Manheim Township school board, vice pesident for eight; county representative for National School Board Federal Relations Organization; member, Joint Operating Committee, Lancaster Career and Technology School; member, Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Commission; founding member of Envisions, Pre and After School Enrichment programs; member, Manheim Township Educational Foundation. Reply: I do not favor a part-time Legislature. Pennsylvania’s legislators should be free of possible conflict-of-interest allegations. I may support reducing the size of the Legislature, as long as districts that are created are not too large. Large districts encourage big money in politics. When there are too many constituents to be served, legislators become more and more dependent on larger contributors for re-election. Smaller districts bring legislators closer to the people that they serve. Website: www.OBrienforPASenate.com
LEAGUE PURPOSE AND POLICY
The purpose of the League of Women Voters-Citizen Education Fund is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League is nonpartisan. It does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement of any candidate by the League of Women Voters-Citizen Education Fund. To learn more about the Lancaster chapter of the League, contact President Susan Leinberger at 3938323 or www.LWVlancaster.org.
NOTE ON CERTIFICATION
As of the publication date of this guide, the slate of candidates listed herein is accurate based upon the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Elections unofficial ballot.
Lancaster , Pa.
GENERAL ELECTION 2012
OCTOBER 21, 2012 5
Pa. Auditor General
Term: 4 years; Salary: $152,443 The principal role of the auditor general is to determine whether state funds are being used in accordance with the purpose and guidelines that govern each use of the commonwealth’s dollars. The auditor general conducts financial and performance audits of individuals, state agencies and organization that receive state funds, including school districts, state liquor stores and public employee pensions. These audits are designed to measure how effectively government programs are using public money to meet their stated goals and objectives. The office performs more than 6,000 audits each year and is responsible for auditing all federal funds that are allocated to Pennsylvania state programs. Question: If elected, what do you believe to be your most important priority in this office, and how will you pursue it?
Pa. State Treasurer
Term: 4 years; Salary: $152,443 The duty of the Pennsylvania Treasurer is to safeguard the commonwealth’s financial assets, which total more than $120 billion in public monies. The office manages several programs to better serve the financial needs of Pennsylvanians. The Treasury Department is also responsible for: reuniting unclaimed property with its rightful owner; investigating loss, theft and fraud involving commonwealth checks; reviewing real estate leases and contracts entered into by commonwealth agencies; and maintaining the Pennsylvania contracts electronic library. The treasurer has specific duties in addition to the oversight of the department: serving as Chair of the Board of Finance and Revenue, which selects banks to serve as depositories for state money; setting interest rates paid on commonwealth deposits; and hearing and deciding state tax appeals. Question: If elected, what do you believe to be your most important priority in this office, and how will you pursue it?
ID REQUIREMENTS
All voters will be asked to present an accepted form of Photo Voter ID in this election but will be permitted to vote if they do not have one. All photo IDs must be current and contain an expiration date, unless noted otherwise. The picture must match the face. Acceptable IDs include: n Photo IDs issued by the U.S. federal government or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: 1) Pennsylvania driver’s license or non-driver’s license photo ID (IDs are valid for voting purposes 12 months past expiration date) 2) Valid U.S. passport (not expired) 3) U.S. military ID-active duty and retired military (a military or veteran’s ID must designate an expiration date or designate that the expiration date is indefinite). Military dependents’ ID must contain an expiration date n Employee photo ID issued by Federal, PA, County or Municipal government (not expired) n Photo ID cards from an accredited public or private Pennsylvania college or university (not expired) n Photo ID cards issued by a Pennsylvania care facility, including long-term care facilities, assisted living residences or personal care homes (not expired) If you do not have one of these IDs and require one for voting purposes, you may be entitled to get one FREE OF CHARGE at PennDOT Driver License Center. To find the Driver License Center nearest you, and learn what identification and residency documentation you will need to get a photo ID, or for more information, visit www.Votes PA.com or call 1-877-VotesPA (1-877-868-3771). You can also learn how to vote if you have a religious exemption to having your photograph taken. Keep in mind, however, that you will be permitted to vote in this election even if you do not have one of these IDs. Voters must have IDs by the next general election, in November 2013.
JOHN MAHER
REPUBLICAN Home: Upper St. Clair (Allegheny County) Age: 53 Occupation: Pa. state representative, 40th District; CPA Education: A.B., magna cum laude, Duke University; scholarship studies, Oxford University; fellowship studies Australian Graduate School of Management. Qualifications: Three decades of experience as a CPA and business builder. Legislator known for fiscal conservatism, fighting waste and improving government accountability, including open records and lobbying reforms. Reply: Pennsylvanians deserve to have an auditor general who actually knows how to audit. I am a CPA expert in government accounting and auditing. I have co-authored a textbook about government accounting and taught government auditing to audiences from Pennsylvania and across the world. As the accountant for accountability, I’ve passed laws to increase sunlight — opening government records to the public and forcing lobbyist disclosures. As auditor general, I will find and fight waste. Website: None given
EUGENE A. DEPASQUALE
DEMOCRAT Home: West Manchester, York County Age: 41 Occupation: Pa. state representative, 95th District Education: B.A., College of Wooster, 1993; master’s in public administration, University of Pittsburgh, 1997; J.D. from Widener University School of Law, 2002. Qualifications: State Representative, 2007-present; deputy secretary Pa. Department of Environmental Protection, 2003-06; director of economic development, City of York, 2002-03. Reply: I will order a performance audit of water-protection programs to ensure our drinking water is safe. I will also work for middle-class Pennsylvanians, protecting education, job-creation programs and public safety. I will order audits that identify any wasteful and inefficient spending to save taxpayer money and enable reinvestment in critical programs. Website: None given
DIANA IREY VAUGHAN
REPUBLICAN Home: Nottingham Twp., Washington County Age: 50 Occupation: Wa s h i n g t o n County commissioner, fifth term, managing 52 departments and nearly 1,000 employees and overseeing county-owned nursing home, airport, parks and bridges. Education: West Virginia Business College, 1981; business, accounting and legal studies course work at Fairmont State College and California University of Pennsylvania. Qualifications: County commissioner, 16 years, led longrange planning resulting in job growth; member of Washington County Pension Board; member of Washington County Prison Board, overseeing operations of correctional facility that maintains lowest cost per day, per inmate in the state. Reply: As commissioner, I fought for fiscal responsibility and good government, balancing seven consecutive budgets with no tax increases, keeping taxes low and putting inmates to work in our community. I provided stewardship for pension funds and formed a strict investment policy statement, with a conservative approach, that met or exceeded industry benchmarks over the past 16 years. I will bring the same discipline and fiscal restraint to serve Pennsylvania. Website: www.friendswith diana.com
ROBERT M. McCORD
DEMOCRAT Home: Lower Merion, Montgomery County Age: 53 Occupation: Pa. state treasurer Education: Harvard, history and economics, 1982; M.B.A., Wharton School of Business, 1989. Qualifications: CEO/chairman and co-founder of the Eastern Technology Council; co-founder and managing director of PA Early Stage Partners. Reply: I will continue to use my business experience to protect taxpayers and invest wisely on their behalf. I won’t allow the office to be distracted by political games of special interest agendas. I will build on our record of success over the last three years and stay focused on creating good jobs and strong public income from investments while making government more accountable and transparent and working collaboratively to find innovative solutions to economic challenges. Website: www.robmccord. com
PATRICIA M. FRYMAN
PATRICA M. FRYMAN of Polk, a Libertarian running for state treasurer, did not respond to the League’s request for information.
BETSY ELIZABETH SUMMERS
BETSY ELIZABETH SUMMERS of Wilkes Barre, a Libertarian running for auditor general, did not respond to the League’s request for information.
WRITE-IN VOTING
Information for writing in the name of a person who is not on the ballot (write-in voting) will be available at the polling place.
6 OCTOBER 21, 2012
GENERAL ELECTION 2012
Lancaster , P a.
Pa. House of Representatives
Term: 2 years; Salary: $82,296 The Pennsylvania State Legislature is commonly referred to as the General Assembly. It has a 50-member Senate and a 203-member House of Representatives. Regular sessions of the General Assembly run two years. They begin at noon on the first Tuesday in January and last until all the business is completed or until Nov. 30 of an even-numbered year, whichever occurs first. By law, the General Assembly must be reapportioned based on population after each U.S. census.
37th District
MINDY FEE
REPUBLICAN Home: Manheim Age: 47 Occupation: Sales executive for TransA m erican Office Furniture Education: Graduate, Manh e i m Central High School, 1983; graduate, Millersville University, economics, 1987. Qualifications: Twentyfive years of business experience with more than $30 million in sales. Reply: As your state representative, I have no problem in exploring every avenue to reduce the size of the government and the expense of the government. Keeping that in mind, I would consider a part-time legislature but would need to be convinced that essential work of the citizens could be timely considered and acted upon. Additionally, reducing the size of the General Assembly and the individual budgets would be supported by me with an eye to the same scrutiny of effectiveness. I am convinced that the commonwealth can do more for the citizens with less overhead and expense. Website: www.mindy fee.com
RUSSELL U. STAHLEY
DEMOCRAT Home: Manheim Age: Not given Occupation: EUB/United Methodist pastor, 196198; retired Education: B.A., Lebanon Va l l e y College, 1 9 6 0 ; master of divinity, United T h e o logical Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, 1963; M.A. in English and modern European history, Univ. of Nebraska, 1969. Qualifications: Certified as a district justice, 1973; chaplain of Pa. State Senate in 1997 session; Realty license in the 1990s. Reply: I am very much in favor making the Legislature part time, and I favor reducing the size of the Legislature by at least half. Pennsylvania is one of only 10 states to have a full-time Legislature. Given the present size of the Legislature, there is too much waste in time, salaries and perks. Pennsylvania provides perks that include a state car, a per diem, a taxpayer-provided pension, free health care for life and an automatic cost of living in salary. In Lancaster County alone, the retired Republicans from the Legislature receive in pensions and free health care nearly $1,000,000 per year (see Jan. 2 in the local newspaper). Some of those retirees are “double dipping,” and when Joe Pitts retires from Congress he will be “triple dipping.” Website: www.lanco gov.com
Question: Given that Pennsylvania has the second-highest average legislative salary (right behind California) and is in the top four states for size of staff per legislator (8.9), the opportunity to save the state money by trimming time, salaries and staff, not to mention facilities, is difficult to ignore. If you are elected, how would you respond to such legislation, given that you may be voting away your job?
43rd District
KEITH J. GREINER
REPUBLICAN Home: Leola Age: 47 Occupation: Certified public accountant, Lancaster County controller Education: Graduate, Conestoga Valley High School; B.S. in accounting, Penn State University. Qualifications: As an accountant in the business world, former township supervisor and now the Lancaster County controller, my experiences have included both protecting the tax dollars of citizens and bringing greater efficiency to government. Reply: I am fully in support of these, and other efforts like them, that would return Pennsylvania to a smaller government that saves tax dollars and is less intrusive in the lives of our citizens. Website: www. keithgreiner.com
JOHN M. WEIGEL
DEMOCRAT Home: Lancaster Age: 53 Occupation: Licensed psychologist/owner, Weigel Counseling Associates Inc. Education: Graduate, Columbia High School, 1977; B.A. in psychology, Lafayette College, 1981; M.S. in clinical psychology, Millersville University, 1985. Qualifications: Involved in local politics for 10 years as committee person and campaign volunteer. In addition, I am active in Lampeter Church of the Brethren and volunteer with community organizations. Reply: During my time meeting with the people of the 43rd district, I have frequently heard complaints about absence and disregard from their legislators. I believe people need to be heard and to have their grievances addressed. For that to occur, there need to be enough active and committed public servants in the community and Harrisburg. The problem has been that the legislators have regularly looked out for themselves at the expense of their people. While some cuts in the number of representatives may make sense, the bigger issue of containing the costs lies with the extremely high budgets, salaries, pensions, health care and “extras” of the legislators. These are overly generous as compared to the private sector and should be aggressively curtailed. Website: www.votejohn weigel.com
41st District
RYAN P. AUMENT
REPUBLICAN Home: Landisville Age: 35 Occupation: State representative Education: Graduate, Solanco H i g h School, 1995; B.S. in education, The Citadel, 1999. Qualifications: As a former local elected official and now as representative, I have a proven record of addressing the issues that matter most to our community. Reply: As a representative, I voted for legislation to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania Legislature, and I support proposals to return the General Assembly to a part-time body. I will continue to lead on reform issues to make government more affordable, more accountable and more transparent. Website: www.elect ument.com
MARCY DUBROFF
DEMOCRAT Home: Lancaster Age: 49 Occupation: Associate director, The POGIL Project Education: Graduate, Sheepshead Bay H i g h School, B.S., Cornell Univ e r s i t y, 1984. Qualifications: Active community volunteer; Hempfield Area committeewoman (10 years); more than 25 years working in higher education; administrator of not-forprofit organization devoted to how students learn best. Reply: The most important thing is to make sure that the legislature is efficient and reformminded, and any changes (whether to reduce the size of the legislature or to return it to a part-time entity) should be premised on careful examination of legislative salaries, benefits and staffing. Of course, the ultimate goals are, and should always be, accountability to constituents, and ensuring that they are well represented. If those goals are met, then it should not matter if some legislative seats are eliminated. Website: www.marcy pa41.com
Lancaster , Pa.
GENERAL ELECTION 2012
OCTOBER 21, 2012 7
Pa. House of Representatives
96th District
THOMAS GARMAN JR.
REPUBLICAN Home: Lancaster Age: 35 Occupation: Owner/operator of Landscaping for All Seasons Education: B.S., business administration, concentration in marketing. Qualifications: I am a s m a l l business o w n e r, running a landscape business. I know the value of a dollar, listening to my customers and respecting their budgets. I understand how real jobs are created, and I will do what it takes to encourage job creation. I work with youth as a hockey coach and encourage development of their life skills, academics and leadership to ensure their future. Reply: I support trimming legislative staff and facilities as is being done now by the Republican House. I will never vote to increase legislative pay or pensions. Texas legislators meet 140 days every other year. In their last session they passed over 1,400 bills. These bills were written by lobbyists and staffers who are full time. Pennsylvanians deserve a full-time legislature that they can hold accountable rather than having the state run by unelected bureaucrats. Website: www.Tom Garman.com Term: 2 years Salary: $82,296 The Pennsylvania State Legislature is commonly referred to as the General Assembly. MIKE STURLA It has a 50-member Senate and a 203-member House of Representatives. Regular sessions of the General AsDEMOCRAT sembly run two years. They begin at noon on the first Home: Lancaster Tuesday in January and last until all the business is Age: 56 Occupation: Democrat- completed or until Nov. 30 of an even-numbered year, ic policy chairman, Pa. whichever occurs first. By law, the General Assembly must be reapporHouse of Representatives Education: Bachelor’s tioned based on population after each U.S. census. in environmental design, University of Kansas, 1979. QualiSTEVEN C. DAVID S. fications: Former MENTZER HICKERNELL s m a l l business REPUBLICAN REPUBLICAN owner; Home: Lancaster Home: Mount Joy m e m Age: 55 Age: 53 ber, LanOccupation: President/ Occupation: State repcaster City Council, founder, Central Ameri- resentative for the 98th 1987-90; board member can Relief Efforts District Chesapeake Bay CommisEducation: Graduate, Education: Donegal sion, Lancaster County Conestoga Valley High High School graduate; Workforce Investment School; Elizabethtown B.S., Elizabethtown ColBoard, Transportation Ad- C o l l e g e , lege. visory Commission, Tech business QualiCentro Advisory Board, adminisfications: Stevens College Advisory tration. State repBoard; House of RepreQualiresentasentatives 1990-present. fications: tive since Reply: Pennsylvania For- and 2 0 0 2 ; has the lowest number nonprofit clerk of of state employees per p r i v a t e courts for capita of any state in the s e c t o r Lancaster nation. Pennsylvania state business C o u n t y, representatives, including experience; active com- 2000-2002; state House myself, and their staffs munity volunteer, local of Representatives staff, work with thousands of elected official. 1983-99. constituents each year to Reply: I support both Reply: I voted in favor help them navigate bu- of these initiatives, and I of legislation that passed reaucratic systems and am committed to reform- the House in April of help them solve every- ing Harrisburg to return this year, which would day problems. I believe power back to the people place before the voters attempts to reduce the of our state and to in- the question of whether number of locally elected crease transparency and the size of the House and officials so that my con- accountability, including Senate should be reduced. stituents have less direct advocating for a Constitu- Under this bill, the numaccess to their represen- tional Convention. Repre- ber of House and Senate tatives is a move in the sentative John Bear has Seats would be reduced by wrong direction. been at the leading edge about 25 percent. I would Website: www.Vote of this effort, and I have also support allowing votsturla.com pledged to continue his ers to decide if they prefer Question: Given that Pennsylvania has the second-highest average legislative salary (right behind California) and is in the top four states for size of staff per legislator (8.9), the opportunity to save the state money by trimming time, salaries and staff, not to mention facilities, is difficult to ignore. If you are elected, how would you respond to such legislation, given that you may be voting away your job?
97th District
98th District
99th District
GORDON R. DENLINGER
100th District
BRYAN D. CUTLER
REPUBLICAN Home: Peach Bottom Age: 37 Occupation: State representative, attorney Education: J.D. with a certificate in Health Law, Widener School of Law; B.S, Healthcare Administration, Lebanon Va l l e y College; radiologictechnology certificate from Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Qualifications: Local government service with Drumore Planning Commission; currently serving a third term in the state House. Reply: I voted in favor of downsizing the legislature. I worked with Rep. Gordon Denlinger to introduce House Bill 1064 to return our legislature to a part-time body. I personally believe that the best government is a smaller one that lives within its means. The best way to ensure an efficient government is return to our part-time roots that has worked since colonial times. Website: www.Elect bryancutler.com
PAUL CULBRETH
PAUL CULBRETH of Lancaster, an Independent running for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 96th District, did not respond to the League’s request for information.
work. I am proud to have his endorsement as the best choice to continue this fight. Website: www.steve mentzer.com
REPUBLICAN Home: Narvon Age: 49 Occupation: State representative and corporate controller Education: B.S. in accounting, Bob Jones University, 1985; certified public accountant, Pa. (inactive). Qualifications: Church e l d e r, l e a d e rship roles in various civic and political organizations. Reply: As a general statement, I support returning the General Assembly to part-time status. If this were joined with a lowered public expectation about the availability of elected officials, the volume of laws and the size of state government could be more easily limited. While I did vote to support a reduction in the size of the House and Senate, I hold reservations about changa full-time or part-time es that disconnect elected legislature. officials from the people, Website: None thereby making them less accountable. Website: www.Gordon Denlinger.com
8 OCTOBER 21, 2012
GENERAL ELECTION 2012
Lancaster , P a.
Step one:
Sign in
Your first step will be to sign the voter registration book. A poll worker will provide you with a ballot. If you prefer not to use a paper ballot, you will be directed to the eSlate electronic ballot.
How to use the voting machines:
A step-by-step guide
Lancaster County voters will use voting machines when they go to the polls for the election. Voters have two options. They can vote on a paper ballot read by an electronic eScan machine, or they can mark their choices on an all-electronic eSlate.
POLLING PLACE CHANGES
The following changes in polling locations have been approved for this fall’s general election. From Columbia Historic Market House, 15 S. Third St., Columbia, to Columbia Borough Municipal Building, 308 Locust St., Columbia. From Denver Borough Fire Hall, 425 Locust St., Denver, to Denver Borough Municipal Building, 501 Main St., Denver. From Durlach Mount Airy Fire Company, 880 Durlach Road, Stevens, to Clay Township Municipal Building, 870 Durlach Road, Stevens. From East Drumore Township Municipal Building, 1246 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville, to East Drumore Township Municipal Office, 925 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville. From Westgate Baptist Church, 2235 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, to Brubaker Inc., 1284 Rohrerstown Road, Lancaster. From James Buchanan Elementary School, 340 S. West End Ave., Lancaster, 17603, to Wheatland Middle School, 919 Hamilton Park Drive, Lancaster.
The eScan paper ballot – fill in the box
Choice
The eScan machine instantly reads and records votes that you cast by filling in boxes on a paper ballot.
A
Step two: Mark your ballot
If you choose to vote on a paper ballot, enter a voting booth and mark your selections in blue or black ink. Fill in the boxes completely. For write-in candidates, fill in the box beside “write-in,” then neatly write the candidate’s name on the adjacent line.
Step three: Scan your ballot
When finished marking your selections, be sure to remove the ballot stub and then insert your ballot into the eScan machine. If the ballot is improperly marked, the machine will alert you and allow you to correct your ballot. If eScan accepts and records your ballot, a digital display will show a waving American flag.
When you see the waving American flag, you know your vote has been counted.
Choice
The eSlate is a tablet-sized electronic voting machine enclosed by a hood. Voters use a dial to scroll through ballot. To vote, you push the ENTER button to confirm your choices. These are the buttons you will use: SELECT Wheel - Rotate the wheel forward or backward to highlight your choices.
Place finger in dimple.
B The eSlate electronic ballot – dial and tap
Step two: Access code
If you choose to vote electronically, you will receive a randomly generated fourdigit access code for security.
Step three: Select language
Turning the SELECT dial, choose a language – English or Spanish.
Step four: Enter access code
Use the SELECT dial and the ENTER button to navigate around the number pad and enter your access code.
VOTERS’ GUIDE IN SPANISH
A Spanish-language edition of this Voters’ Guide will be distributed Wednesday, Oct. 23, in La Voz Hispana, a free monthly publication of Lancaster Newspapers Inc. La Voz is distributed on news racks in more than 79 local stores, restaurants and other outlets, including the Lancaster Public Library, 125 N. Duke St.; Giant Food Stores, 235 N. Reservoir St.; Lancaster Recreation Commission, 525 Fairview Ave.; Spanish American Civic Association, 545 Pershing Ave.; and Lancaster Newspapers, Inc., 8 W. King St.
Rotate wheel to cycle through choices.
ENTER - Press to make a choice. HELP - Press once for instructions, twice to summon poll worker. PREV - Go back a page. NEXT - Go forward a page. CAST BALLOT - Press only when completely finished voting.
Step five: Make your selections
When the ballot appears on screen,use the SELECT wheel to choose a candidate. Press the ENTER button to make your choice.The screen will advance automatically to the next race.
To vote for a write-in candidate, select the write-in space and enter the candidate’s name. Use the SELECT wheel and ENTER button to spell out the name. When you have voted in all contests, a summary page appears. To make changes, use the PREV button to return to previous screens.
Step six: Cast your ballot
After verifying your choices, press the red CAST BALLOT button.This action registers your vote permanently.
When you see the waving American flag, you know your vote has been counted.
