EVERY VOTE COUNTS MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION Londonderry Township Middletown Borough
Royalton Borough
A nonpartisan voters’ guide published by
Press And Journal
Casting a ballot: An expression of hope
By Jim Lewis Press And Journal Staff It’s all we ask. Every time we cast a ballot. Lead. Lead us to a better time. To prosperity. Make our town, our township, our ward, our neighborhood a good place to live. Lead us. Do it wisely. Fairly. Without bias or grudge. With no selfish motive, no personal gain. With your community’s good at heart. For you and me. For our children. For the present and the future. Lead. Every election, we ask this. Hope for this. Think it as we stand in the voting booth, making our choices, choosing our leaders. Hope is a very American trait that comes, in good measure, from our right to vote, our right to choose those who run our government. Our forefathers fought for it against tremendous odds. Our grandparents and parents defended it. Some of us still defend it, and many more of us indulge in it at polling places – the right to vote. The right to express our hope.
With another spring comes another election, the May 21 primary. In the Middletown area, there are contested races for Middletown Borough Council, where 16 candidates seek their party’s nomination for five seats; for Middletown mayor, where four candidates want to be the face and the conscience of the borough; for Londonderry Twp. supervisor, where three candidates seek the Republican nomination for two seats in a rural township expected to boom with development in
Why do people pass up their right to vote on Election Day? They blame their work schedule. They feel ill. They hate the candidates, and are unwilling to choose the lesser of two evils. It rained. Some insist they forgot it was Election Day. There are many excuses, according to www.statisticbrain.com, a website that loves statistics. Here are the Top 10 Excuses for Not Voting, the website found, based on information collected by the U.S. Census Bureau:
TOP 10 EXCUSES FOR NOT VOTING 1. Too busy – 17.5% 2. Too sick – 14.9% 3. Not interested – 13.4% 4. Dislike the candidates – 12.9% 5. Out of town – 8.8% 6. Uhhh . . . don’t know why I didn’t – 7% 7. Voter registration problems – 6% 8. Can’t get to poll (transportation problems) – 5.3% 9. I forgot! – 2.6% 10. Bad weather – 0.2% (About 11 percent of registered voters polled gave an answer that did not fit any of the Top 10 excuses.) Source: www.statisticbrain.com
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Press And Journal PRIMARY ELECTION VOTER’S GUIDE 2013
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the next several years; and for Royalton Borough Council, where three people are competing for the Republican nomination for two seats representing the First Ward. They all have felt compelled to run. To lead. To earn the power, the chance, to make a difference. We decided to publish this Voters’ Guide to help you make up your mind. To see what the candidates stand for. To understand their goals, their dreams, their hopes for a better community – in their own words, unfiltered. Edited for spelling, punctuation and grammar, but otherwise offered to you – speaking to you, for you to decide who is best to lead us. The rest is up to you – but you’ve always had the power to decide. To choose your leaders. Don’t let the opportunity pass. Vote. Don’t grow complacent. Don’t grow too cynical. Nothing can be gained by surrendering your right to vote, or by skipping the opportunity. It does count. It does mean something. As long as there are elections, there will always be hope.
THE PRESS AND JOURNAL, INC. 20 S. Union Street PHONE: (717)944-4628 FAX: (717)944-2083 E-MAIL: info@pressandjournal.com WEB SITE: pressandjournal.com HOURS: Mon. - Thurs. 8-5; Fri. 8-4 JOSEPH G. SUKLE, JR. Publisher MAXINE J. ETTER General Manager JIM LEWIS Editor DAVE BROWN Sales Manager LYNNE GOMBOC Circulation/Office Manager JOHN SHAFFER Plant Manager The Press And Journal will be mailed to Dauphin and Lancaster counties in Pennsylvania at $30 a year or $20 for six months. In-State at $35 per year or $23 for six months. Out-ofState $45 a year, payable in advance.
ABOUT THIS VOTERS’ GUIDE
This Voters’ Guide lists candidates in the six contested races who are on the May 21, 2013 primary election ballot and provides their answers to questions posed by the Press And Journal. This Guide is published by the Press And Journal to help voters cast an informed vote when they go to the polls. GROUND RULES
• Questionnaires were sent to all candidates in contested races. Candidates appearing with no photo failed to submit one. • If a candidate did not respond by the deadline, “Did not respond” is printed. • This Voters’ Guide is organized by municipality and office with candidates alphabetically listed by name. The names of unopposed candidates are not listed. • All candidates were invited to provide biographical information and responses to 3 specific questions.
MIDDLETOWN BOROUGH ✔1st WARD COUNCIL Mike Bowman
Republican Did not respond.
Thomas Handley
Republican Occupation: Retired – working part-time as a marketing consultant for American Municipal Power Education: High school graduate What is the most important issue in Middletown today? The restoration of rational financial management of the borough. Open and honest dialogue with the citizens must also be restored to regain some semblance of trust of Borough Council. Once we unite behind common goals this town can accomplish anything we put our minds to. Unity, not divisiveness, is the key. What do you like/dislike about the way Middletown is currently run? The constant reversal of council concerning the finances is more than disturbing. First we are told we have deficits, then we are spending money on projects that were never budgeted. Secondly, the town is being run behind a wall of secrecy and misinformation. There is no open communications between council and the people. This must stop. What can you do to make Middletown better? I would work to bring rational and professional financial stability to the borough. I would also restore access to council and the administration staff. I believe we need more public involvement in the running of our town. This will allow for greater interaction of ideas and provide innovative solutions.
Robert Louer
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inspections would require the property owners to make all necessary improvements or they could not lease their apartments.
Republican (Incumbent) Did not respond.
Rachelle Reid
Republican Occupation: Retired heavy equipment operator for the state Department of Transportation What is the most important issue in Middletown today? The state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Act 47 Early Intervention Program – to this date there is no supporting documentation to substantiate financial consultant Mark Morgan’s claims about borough finances. The documentation needed to make this investigation possible are the 2011 and 2012 audits. This is valuable information that is necessary for grant money from federal, state and county governments – a complete accounting of all monies in all borough accounts. The first thing I would do if elected is to investigate the claims that Mr. Morgan made about the borough’s financial status. Several members of Borough Council promised to bring more and new business into the borough. This has not happened as of this day. If elected, I would form a council of business owners and residents to develop ideas on what they believe the business needs are within the borough. There are too many blighted and abandoned properties within the borough. Council has not seen fit to seek out funding from federal, state and county governments to renovate or build new homes. If elected, I would seek out all funding that our borough would be qualified for to bring in tax revenues from these properties. Finally, too many absentee property owners and/or property owners who are not interested in maintaining their properties. I would institute a rental inspection where the fire marshal would inspect the properties for code and safety violations. These
What do you like/dislike about the way Middletown is currently run? I dislike the lack of simplicity, precision and clarity when requests for all information are made. Several residents – myself included – have requested such information in several Right to Know requests. The responses that have been received from the borough secretary are as follows: No such information exists; the request is not specific enough; or the borough needs 30 days to answer the request. There is no reason that any request for documentation cannot be made available to all residents. I will demand that all information including council and committee meeting minutes be given when requested, as well as post the correct minutes of all meetings on the borough’s website. I find it objectionable that when council is asked a question during or after a council meeting, you receive no response from the majority of council, nor is there any follow-up to questions put forth. If elected, I can promise that I will answer all questions posed to me and if I do not have the answer, we will find the answer together. The majority of council has forgotten they are here to serve all the residents. What can you do to make Middletown better? I would investigate all of Mr. Morgan’s claims about our financial status. I would seek out funding for blighted and abandoned properties and get developers to build on these properties, thereby increasing the borough’s tax revenue. I would bring back rental inspections so that tenants can live in a safe and habitable space. I would find ways to work with businesses and bring new business into the borough. I would bring back integrity to our borough. There are too many things that need to be done, and every one of us has
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• Mayor • 1st ward council (2) • 2nd ward council (2) • 3rd ward council (1) to work together if we are to succeed at making Middletown great. I will finish with this: I have the drive, desire and tenacity to do what needs to be done.
David Rhen
Republican (Incumbent) Did not respond.
Tom Strohm
Republican Occupation: Case Manager, Office of Student Conduct, Penn State Harrisburg Education: Bachelor’s degree from Penn State What is the most important issue in Middletown today? • The funding issues of the Middletown Public Library: The library provides for lifelong education, shared enrichment and cultural experiences and information that is often necessary to people’s lives. • Sense of community that has been lost with the current Borough Council: Constant turmoil of the borough by council has fragmented our community – and problems can’t be solved when the community feels that when questions are asked of council that they fall on deaf ears. Worthwhile discussion cannot be had. • Transparency on what council is doing: Secrecy and the look of secrecy by officials elected by the people cannot be permitted. What do you like/dislike about the way Middletown is currently run? The lack of communication on what council is thinking and the thought process behind decisions, and the behind-closeddoors policy-making must end. Council must seek greater citizen input and be more open on discussion of arising issues. Tom Strohm continued on following page >
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MIDDLETOWN BOROUGH ✔1st WARD COUNCIL Tom Strohm (continued)
What can you do to make Middletown better? Use common sense in decision-making, listen to what the community has to say, and be honest about why, how and the outcome on the issues/concerns that are being addressed. I will always remember that I represent the community that elected me, and will be open to different thoughts and ideas and different ways of thinking.
Donald Sweger
Republican Did not respond.
✔2nd WARD COUNCIL Barbara Arnold
Republican (Incumbent) Did not respond.
Donald Brooks
Republican (Incumbent) Occupation: Telephone Company Technician Education: 1965 graduate of Middletown Area High School What is the most important issue in Middletown today? The most important issue facing Middletown to date is the severe mismanagement of funds affecting every aspect of daily operations and the lack of concern for the borough’s infrastructure over the past four decades. What do you like/dislike about the way Middletown is currently run? As a current council member, I feel the borough is moving in the right direction with the assistance of the professionals from the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Act 47 Early Intervention Program. What can you do to make Middletown better? I have been a resident of Middletown for more than 39 years and I have seen this town slowly deteriorate. I feel I can make fair, informed and unbiased decisions for the benefit of the town as a whole and not for any one person or group of people.
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Anne Einhorn
Democrat Occupation: Community mobilizer, educator and facilitator for Communities That Care. Education: Bachelor’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College in New York; Master’s of Social Work from the University of Southern California. What is the most important issue in Middletown today? The most important issue facing Middletown today is that of communication. Currently, there appears to be a marked lack of communication between borough officials and the general public. This is not a declaration on my part but rather a reflection of what I have heard and been told by many people with whom I have spoken. Along with a lack of communication comes a failure of transparency. Without these two essential components, it is virtually impossible for Borough Council and the people to work together on town matters. What do you like/dislike about the way Middletown is currently run? I do not believe that the people of the town have been given the opportunity to ask questions and/or discuss decisions that are being made by our officials. Ultimately, officials – elected by us – will make the final determination on issues of importance to the borough; however, I think we would all like to believe that we have a voice in determining not only the importance of the issues but also their outcomes as well. What can you do to make Middletown better? I can make myself available and open to discuss the concerns of the public. I can promise that I will be accessible and willing to discuss and consider a variety of ideas and options with regard to the benefit of the town. Lastly, I plan to learn every side of an issue and the ways in which it will affect the people of Middletown and the success of our town.
Benjamin Kapenstein
Democrat Occupation: Investment Accountant for PFM Asset Management Education: Middletown Area High School (2002-2006), Penn State Harrisburg (20062010, bachelor’s degree in accounting)
Press And Journal PRIMARY ELECTION VOTER’S GUIDE 2013
OPEN SEATS:
What is the most important issue in Middletown today? The most important issue in my mind today is the need to get everyone in our community on the same track – working toward the common goal of revitalizing Middletown. There is a lot of back-andforth bickering between different groups and individuals about what direction we should take moving forward and how we are going to get this town thriving once again. While some disagreement amongst members of the community and Borough Council is inevitable, the excessive arguing is only taking away time and energy that could be spent on working toward us getting back on track. I really believe this has to be fixed before any real improvement can be accomplished. What do you like/dislike about the way Middletown is currently run? My biggest issue with the way Middletown is currently being run is that there is no transparency by council. It seems this issue is not just between the council and the public, but also amongst the council members themselves. Voting on issues where potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars will be spent should require a thorough review of the plan by each member of council before they are able to make an informed decision. Each situation should be looked at differently and put through a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether it should be done or we should research a different option. To me, the non-transparency is the core problem and where we must begin to mend in order to begin the road back to a healthier, happier home for all of us. What can you do to make Middletown better? If elected, I would first like to tackle the problems I have previously discussed and then begin coming up with a longterm stability plan to carry Middletown through the next decade and beyond. I think one of the significant things that must be done is to initiate communication with Penn State Harrisburg. Whether you are happy about it or not, the college is growing at a rapid rate and the smart thing to do is capitalize on it by having a good relationship with the university and its students. I also hope to be in constant discussion with the residents in the borough about what issues are affecting them and what can be done by council to help solve them. After all, we are supposed to be the voice for the citizens we represent. I appreciate the Press And Journal giving the candidates the opportunity to be heard.
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• MAYOR • 1ST WARD COUNCIL (2) • 2ND WARD COUNCIL (2) • 3RD WARD COUNCIL (1) Barbara L. Seibert
Republican Occupation: Owner, Emerald Senior Services Education: High school graduate, some college, life What is the most important issue in Middletown today? Middletown, in its entirety, is aware of the financial instability we are faced with at this time. I interpret the unprofessional and un-businesslike decision-making of the present council as to adding to this problem. What do you like/dislike about the way Middletown is currently run? At this time, I take great comfort in knowing there are a number of residents in this borough who have taken notice to where we are headed and have decided to step out of their comfort zone in order to do something to stop this trend. The most heartbreaking burden I have at this time is witnessing the incompetence of a few people, thus causing the borough’s inability to compete with surrounding communities. As other communities in our area are doing many things to entice growth and tourism, we seem to be doing the exact opposite. What can you do to make Middletown better? I am a firm believer that one should never make a decision without having all the necessary facts and information. The concerns, confusion and frustrations voiced by this community are falling on deaf ears. I will listen and speak in a voice that will be heard.
✔3rd WARD COUNCIL Karen Clark
Republican Occupation: Home health aide for the Dauphin County Department of Aging and former guard at Dauphin County Prison Education: Graduate of John Harris High School, Harrisburg; certified foster parent after completing courses in Maryland and Guam on dealing with handicapped and emotionally-challenged children What is the most important issue in Middletown today? The most important issue is electricity and electric rates and taxes. Elderly people have worked all these hours and years to retire – now that they’re at retirement age, they’re really pinched because of how the >
MIDDLETOWN BOROUGH taxes are. A lot of these people are on Social Security and they’re in a tough spot. They were working for their golden years and now they can’t enjoy their golden years. Also, we’ve talked about things in the borough for kids, like a skateboard park. If kids want something bad enough they’ll work for it. We can establish a fund and they can work for it. There are grants out there – you just have to know who to get in touch with. What do you like/dislike about the way Middletown is currently run? I dislike what council does now. You’ll go to a council meeting, and they’ll talk for five minutes, then go behind closed doors. It leaves the people on the other side of the door wondering. People have told me it’s a waste of time to go to council meetings. They think council will just do what they want to do. I feel voters had no clue it would turn out that way. You have to have more people who want to lead instead of be followers. I just feel there are a lot of important things that should be heard. You don’t have to vote on things that night. What can you do to make Middletown better? I think get with the right council people and do something for the kids, and reach out to the elderly because they’re very much a part of Middletown. I know from working at the prison that there would be kids who came there to do community service. I think any kids can do that – it could be any teenager. In the summertime, it would keep kids out of trouble.
Marcia Cleland
Republican Occupation: Human Resource Manager Education: Certificate in Management and Human Resources What is the most important issue in Middletown today? The lack of communication, honesty and transparency between council and the residents. What do you like/dislike about the way Middletown is currently run? I dislike that it is so difficult to actually speak to someone in the borough administration. You always have to leave a message, and then no one ever returns the call. If you go in person, no one is ever in the offices, whether it is a question regarding your utility bill, calling to rent
a pavilion at Hoffer Park or you just have general questions about services that are provided by the borough. What can you do to make Middletown better? I would like to develop a program to help make Middletown a better place to live. The program would encourage owners of blighted properties to clean up or correct issues. I would also like to encourage more businesses to come to our town.
Kenneth Clugston Republican Did not respond.
Victoria Malone
Democrat Did not respond.
✔MAYOR Mike Bowman
Republican Did not respond.
James H. Curry III
Democrat Occupation: Attorney Education: Northern Lehigh High School, Slatington (graduated in 2002); Lebanon Valley College, Annville (graduated in 2006); Widener University School of Law, Harrisburg (graduated in 2009); passed the Pennsylvania Bar Exam in 2009 As mayor, what would you do to make yourself vital to Middletown? My biggest concern regarding the way Middletown is currently being run is the evident disconnect between the citizenry and elected officials. Elected officials have but one responsibility, which is to execute the will of the people. In order for that job to be accomplished, there must be everpresent communication between the two. Unfortunately, due to differing schedules, obligations and abilities, not all residents are able to attend Borough Council meetings. I will re-establish and strengthen the lines of communication. Only then will our citizens be heard. Only then can our elected officials truly meet their responsibility. I promise to make use of the veto power, where there is a clear difference between the will of the people and the decision at hand. For example, I would have vetoed the approval to spend a few thousand dollars on decals for borough vehicles. Certainly that money could have been
OPEN SEATS:
better spent elsewhere. Secondly, and more importantly, I would have vetoed the decision to spend nearly $300,000.00 to convert the current electric building into a new police station. Concerns were raised by two council members, yet the vote proceeded. The veto power in these situations would have allowed a month for further research, debate and discussion. In turn, this would have allowed for an informed and intelligent vote. What contributions can you make to the borough and police force? What some see as my greatest weakness, I see as my greatest strength. I am a new face to Middletown. There is no doubt about that. That being said, however, I believe this allows me to view things from a fresh perspective. As a youthful candidate, I have the energy to expend to help redirect Middletown toward a brighter future. Many people are concerned about the future of our local library. I was pleased to learn at the most recent Library Board meeting that the library has moved past the issue of its defunding by the borough. It is looking to the future. In order to sustain this vital local resource, we will need energy, volunteers and new ideas. I have offered to support the library in upcoming events and have proposed a possible annual fundraiser. I will do what it takes to help prevent the loss of something so important to our town and our children. A major responsibility of the mayor is to oversee the police department. The importance of a strong police force cannot be overstated. The individuals who dedicate themselves to such service are to be admired. Unfortunately, many have been critical of our police department. There needs to be greater trust between the citizenry and the department. This can be accomplished via greater interaction between the two. We, as residents, need to know our officers. Be it on foot or by car, patrolling officers will get to know our citizens while, at the same time, deterring crime. Having no prior ties to the force, I believe I offer the most objective oversight to the department. How can you make Middletown better? People are concerned about Middletown’s future. For many longtime residents, they feel the town “isn’t what it used to be.” I disagree, however, with the comments of my opponent, who stated, “The borough will never come back to where it was.” A defeatist attitude will not help Middletown move forward. Being the oldest town in Dauphin County, Middletown offers a lot to take pride in. Not only do I believe Middletown can be as great as it once was; I believe it can be better. To accomplish this goal, we will need to
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• MAYOR • 1ST WARD COUNCIL (2) • 2ND WARD COUNCIL (2) • 3RD WARD COUNCIL (1) think outside the box. We, as a community, will need to make use of untapped resources. Penn State is one such resource. The college is here to stay. With an ever-growing populous of students, Middletown needs to consider how to attract them. They need a reason to want to frequent our restaurants, shops, stores, theater, etc. In addition to the college, we should take pride in our history and begin to revitalize our dilapidated and blighted historic properties. Renovations of such buildings as the Band Hall and Ferry House would offer a venue for events, while taking pride in our great history.
Robert W. Givler
Republican Occupation: Retired police officer Education: High school graduate and some college As mayor, what would you do to make yourself vital to MIddletown? I plan to re-establish communication between the police and the citizens via the mayor’s office. I will be available to the citizens and respond to their complaints/ concerns to the best of my ability. What contributions can you make to the borough and police force? I would like to re-establish a set place for police to work out of, where citizens can walk in off the streets and speak to a police officer or a representative of the police. How can you make Middletown better? Restore Middletown to a community that listens to its citizens and work toward what the citizens want instead of having a secret agenda.
David Rhen
Republican Did not respond.
Every vote counts. In 1948, Lyndon B. Johnson became a senator by a one-vote margin, while in 1960, John F. Kennedy became president by just one vote per precinct in the state of Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey and Texas.
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LONDONDERRY TOWNSHIP ✔SUPERVISOR Anna J. Dale
Republican (Incumbent) Occupation: Small business owner Education: Bachelors degree from the University of Maryland What is the most important issue in Londonderry Twp. today? The most important issue facing Londonderry Twp. is maintaining the delicate balance between preserving the quality of community already in existence within the township and the need for economic development. One fact is evident: Everyone is dealing with less income. The township is no different. We must look for ways to create a commercial tax base to meet budgetary requirements and make infrastructure improvements to roads and bridges without jeopardizing our community’s nature and character. What do you like/dislike about the way Londonderry Twp. is currently run? What I like about the running of Londonderry is that it is a team effort – a team of supervisors, all different, who use their unique skills and talents to work
with a team of staff that manage the dayto-day operations of the township. I am a firm believer in local government, as it can be the most responsive to the people – because we live here, and local government lets people have a voice in what they believe in. What I dislike are unfunded mandates from the state placing an undue burden on our community. What can you do to make Londonderry Twp. better? Work with talented people to seek creative solutions to bring more economic development to our area where it makes sense without major impact on our infrastructure.
Doug Gellatly
Republican Occupation: Owner and operator of three businesses in Londonderry Twp. Education: College – bachelor’s degree in accounting
Lynn M. Kerr
Republican Occupation: Student/caregiver
What is the most important issue in Londonderry Twp. today? Economic development and maintaining our fragile infrastructure (township bridges, roads and storm water).
What is the most important issue in Londonderry Twp. today? I would like to see some form of cleanup within the township with regards to debris. Whether you are driving through the township or walking in different areas, all you see is debris, and I believe that this needs to be addressed.
✗ More people in their 50s, 60s, 70s and older cast ballots in the
November 2010 election across the U.S. than people between the ages of 18 and 49.
✗ Only 23.9% of U.S. citizens age 18 to 29 voted in the election, the last non-presidential election before this year’s May primary.
✗ More 30-year-olds cast ballots – 37.8% – while 46.8% of 40-year-olds voted in the election.
✗ Voter turnout increased with age, with 54.9% of voters in
their 50s casting ballots. Nearly 62% of 60-somethings voted, more than twice as many as their counterparts half their age.
✗ 60% of voters age 70 and older cast ballots. Facts compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Press And Journal PRIMARY ELECTION VOTER’S GUIDE 2013
• TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR (2)
What do you like/dislike about the way Londonderry Twp. is currently run? I like that my wife and I were able to build, from the ground up, three wonderful businesses right here in Londonderry Twp. I’ve experienced first-hand all the regulations – some good, some not so good. What can you do to make Londonderry Twp. better? Anyone who knows me knows I’m a great listener, and love to stay current on the local issues of the day. I’ll be accessible and visible. My wife and I raised our family right here in Londonderry. Maintaining that same quality of life that made raising our family here so wonderful needs to be preserved. We can do that by steering and managing our growth, while keeping a watchful eye on a sound financial plan.
The older we get, the more determined we are to exercise our right to vote.
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I feel that we need to come together as a community and reach a solution in helping those who are physically unable to do for themselves or those that are simply overwhelmed and are embarrassed to ask for help. What do you like/dislike about the way Londonderry Twp. is currently run? I, myself, personally love the event that the township holds with regards to The Stars & Stripes Salute on July 4. It truly is an event for the whole family to enjoy. Also, a portion of the proceeds goes to the Lebanon Veterans Administration Hospital, which is a wonderful way that Londonderry Twp. helps those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. What can you do to make Londonderry Twp. better? In my opinion, it does not matter how much money you make or where you live – it comes down to how much are you willing to assist Londonderry Twp. in progressing in a positive manner. Granted, not everyone has the same opinion on certain topics, but if we try to work together and look at all viewpoints when dealing with certain topics then maybe moving ahead would be much easier.
Voter ID? When you vote on Election Day, you’ll be asked by poll workers to produce an ID. However, an ID will NOT be required for you to cast your ballot. Your ID must: • contain an expiration date that is current, unless noted otherwise • contain your name, though it does not have to exactly match your name on Dauphin County’s voter registration records. However, the names must “substantially conform.’’ Acceptable IDs include: • your Pennsylvania driver’s license or non-driver’s photo ID • your U.S. passport • your U.S. military ID • an employee photo ID issued by federal, state, county or municipal government • a college or university ID from an accredited Pennsylvania school • a photo ID from a nursing home, personal care home or assisted living residence For more information on Pennsylvania’s Voter ID Law, readers may call the Pennsylvania Department of State at 1-877-868-3772 or visit www.VotesPA.com.
ROYALTON BOROUGH ✔1st WARD COUNCIL Gloria Beers
Republican Did not respond.
Christopher A. Flynn Jr. Republican (Incumbent) Occupation: Owner of Chris’ Towing
What is the most important issue in Royalton today? The most important issues are: 1. Improvements needed for storm water runoff conditions. 2. Installation of a booster station to improve water pressure for the Cameron Woods Development.
What do you like/dislike about the way Royalton is currently run? Royalton Borough staff and Royalton Borough Council are willing to work with their residents so we can continue to have a “small town” atmosphere. What can you do to make Royalton better? Work to improve the current infrastructure in the borough so we don’t end up in a financial crisis like bigger cities/towns.
Jody Flynn
Republican (Incumbent) Occupation: Constituent Outreach Specialist for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Education: 1979 graduate of Middletown Area High School
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• BOROUGH COUNCIL, FIRST WARD (2)
What is the most important issue in Royalton today? The most important issues are: 1. Installation of a booster station to provide adequate water pressure for the Cameron Woods Development. 2. Continuing efforts to have residents participate in Royalton’s Emergency Management Agency. 3. Improving upon current infrastructure conditions.
What can you do to make Royalton better? I plan to continue to work with other council members to make the best possible decisions with Royalton’s residents in mind.
What do you like/dislike about the way Royalton is currently run? Royalton works well to address any problems or concerns that may arise and welcomes input from residents so that this borough will continue to be the close-knit borough that anyone would be proud to call their home. We have an efficient staff and many committed volunteers who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and pitching in when necessary.
,
MIDDLETOWN
HIGHSPIRE
First Ward, 1st Precinct: Rescue Fireman’s Home Association, 620 S. Union St. First Ward, 2nd Precinct: MCSO Building, Emaus and Catherine streets Second Ward, 1st Precinct: Middletown Presbyterian Church, Water & Union streets Second Ward, 2nd Precinct: Fink Elementary School, 150 Race St. Third Ward, 1st Precinct: Frey Village, 102 N. Union St. Third Ward, 2nd Precinct: Middletown Volunteer Fire Dept., Adelia & Emaus streets
1st Precinct: Citizens Fire House, 272 Second St. 2nd Precinct: Highspire Borough Building, 640 Eshelman St.
LONDONDERRY TWP.
First Ward: Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 2430 S. Third St. Second Ward, 1st Precinct: Prince of Peace Parish, 815 S. Second St. Second Ward, 2nd Precinct: Trinity Lutheran Church, 221 S. Second St. Third Ward, 1st Precinct: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Second and Pine streets Third Ward, 2nd Precinct: Steelton Volunteer Fire House, 185 N. Front St. Fourth Ward: I.W. Abel Hall, 200 Gibson St.
1st Precinct: Middletown Anglers and Hunters, 1350 Schoolhouse Rd. 2nd Precinct: Londonderry Twp. Building, 783 S. Geyers Church Rd. 3rd Precinct: Grace Chapel Church, 2535 Colebrook Rd.
ROYALTON First Ward: Royalton Park offices and District Court, 50 Canal St. Second Ward: Royalton Borough Building, 101 Northumberland St.
LOWER SWATARA TWP. 1st Precinct: Lower Swatara Twp. Fire House, 1350 Fulling Mill Rd. 2nd Precinct: Lower Swatara Twp. Building, 1400 Spring Garden Dr. 3rd Precinct: Church of the Nazarene, Nissley Drive and Rosedale Ave. 4th Precinct: Lower Swatara Twp. Fire House, 1350 Fulling Mill Rd.
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HUMMELSTOWN 1st Precinct: Hummelstown Fire Company No. 1, 249-251 E. Main St. 2nd Precinct: Hummelstown Fire Company No. 1, 249-251 E. Main St.
STEELTON
You’re going to vote on May 21, aren’t you?
Here is where you go to do it.
Press And Journal PRIMARY ELECTION VOTER’S GUIDE 2013 7
DON’T VOTE everything’s perfect just as it is
Issues, Policies and Community Concerns Who votes ultimately has a powerful impact on government: on public policy, laws, appointments, budgets, and regulations enforced (or not). For the voter, the political process is about funding for programs they will benefit from, and about getting attention to the issues that affect their future and the future of their families. Think about how much of your daily life is really decided by local government instead of state or national government. Consider who makes decisions about the following things:
Those elected not only pass laws but have a great deal of power through who they hire for management positions, who they appoint to authorities, and how they determine the funding of parks, libraries and other services. Will property taxes go up? Will electric rates go down? How will zoning or redevelopment issues be decided? Your vote impacts what and how issues are addressed. If you don’t think your vote makes a difference in these local elections, think again. Get over feeling like your vote won’t matter and pay attention. This year, every vote counts. Make sure yours does, too.
Let’s keep making our community better by voting on May 21st.
cast a vote for the future you want to create. A PRESS AND JOURNAL PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
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Press And Journal PRIMARY ELECTION VOTER’S GUIDE 2013
www.pressandjournal.com