League of Women Voters of Chester County Citizen Education Fund
Nonpartisan Voters Guide GENERAL ELECTION, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012 Polls are open 7 A.M. to 8 P.M.
This Voters Guide may be taken into the voting booth. FOR ELECTION INFORMATION
Contact your county Board of Elections. The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Information Center also provides election information. CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-692-7281 or Smart Voter at: www.SmartVoter.org
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The material in this Guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund. 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 from the bottom when a candidate’s reply exceeded the word limit. The candidates listed are those whose names appear on the ballot as of September 5, 2012 and they are listed according to their ballot order.
ON-LINE VOTERS GUIDE
The Voters Guide and other useful information for voters can be found on the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Homepage: chesco.palwv.org
PURPOSE AND POLICY OF THE LEAGUE
The purpose of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-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 parties or candidates. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement of any candidate by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund.
ABSENTEE VOTING
Registered voters who are ill, 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 county Board of Elections by 5 P.M., Tuesday, October 30, 2012 Completed absentee BALLOTS must be received back at the Board of Elections by 5 P.M. on Friday, November 2, 2012. If an emergency arises (unexpected illness or business trip) after the Tuesday application deadline, call your county Board of Elections for information on emergency absentee voting. Proof of emergency may be required. Qualified electors who become physically disabled or ill between 5 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day and 8 p.m. on Election Day or if they find out after 5 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day that they will be absent from their municipality of residence on Election Day because of business, duties or occupation, they may receive an Emergency Absentee Ballot. They must complete and file with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where they are registered to vote, an emergency application or a letter or other signed document, which includes the same information as that provided on the emergency application. Any disabled voter having questions regarding the accessibility of a polling place should consult their county Board of Elections.
WRITE-IN VOTING
Information for write-in voting will be available at the polling place
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 county Board of Elections. 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, then you can go in person to the county Board of Elections where a judge from theThe Court oftheCommon Pleas bebuilding on duty to resolve problems. success of League of Women Voters iswill all about partnerships and coalitions.election We work to establish relationships everyday our legislators, ourballot. voters, our neighbors Alternatively you can askthese for and vote bywith provisional If it is later determined and most importantly, our members. Become a member, join acounted. committee, or attend bring abe given instructhat you were eligible to vote your ballot will be Youandwill guest to an event. Take advantage of the commitment and knowledge of our members. Our tions on how to determine if your vote was counted. Membership (OPEN HOUSE) Meetings will start again this spring. We can't wait to meet you and your guests for this opportunity to get to know each other and learn more about the League.
If you are a new voter, you will need to prove your identity. Check www.smartvoter.org for YOUR local ballot for the November 6, 2012ALL election. VOTERS IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR
The PA Courts have delayed full implementation of the voter ID law until after the confirm your registration and polling place www.chesco.org/election Nov. 6 election.ToPoll workers will still ask voters for a photo ID, but you do not need to produce photovoting ID record to vote. To see aacandidate's www.votesmart.org However, an individual voting for the first time ever or for the first time at a new polling place must show valid proof of identification to vote on a voting machine. You can show either photo identification or non-photo identification. Approved forms of voter identification include: Photo Identification: • Pennsylvania driver’s license or PENNDOT ID card • ID issued by any Commonwealth agency • ID issued by the U.S. Government • U.S. passport • U.S. Armed Forces ID • Student ID • Employee ID
Non-photo Identification (showing name and address) • Voter registration card issued by voter registration commission • Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth • Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. Government • Firearm permit • Current utility bill • Current bank statement • Current paycheck • Government check
© Copyright 2012 LWVPA - CEF
*CERTIFICATION NOTE* As of the publication date of this guide, the slate of candidates listed below is accurate based upon the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Elections unofficial ballot.
from each State (therefore, the Senate currently has 100 Members) and that a Senator must be at least thirty 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. A Senator’s term of office UNITED STATES is six years and approxiPRESIDENT mately one-third of the total Duties: The President membership of the Senate is is the head of state of the elected every two years. United States of America and The Senate has several is the Chief Executive Offiexclusive powers not grantcer and Commander in Chief ed to the House, including of all military forces. The consenting to treaties, a powers of the President are precondition to their ratificadescribed in the Constitution tion consenting or confirmand federal law. The Presiing appointments of Cabinet dent appoints the members secretaries, other federal of the Cabinet, ambassadors executive officials, military to other nations, and the officers, regulatory officials, United Nations, Supreme ambassadors, and other Court Justices, and federal federal uniformed officers, judges, subject to Senate as well as trial of federal approval. The President, officials impeached by the along with the Cabinet and House. its agencies, is responsible Term: 6 years for carrying out and enforcSalary: $174,000 ing the laws of the United (Vote for 1) States. The President may also recommend legislation QUESTION: “What would to the United States Conyou do to improve protection gress. and enforcement of our land, How Elected: Every air, and water quality laws?” four years, political parties nominate candidates to run REPUBLICAN for President of the United Tom Smith (Plumcreek States in a general elecTownship, Armstrong Co.) tion that is held on the first (No response received) Tuesday in November of years divisible by the numDEMOCRAT ber four. Although all parties Bob Casey, Jr. (Scranton, use conventions to nominate Lackawanna Co.) (No retheir candidates, in most sponse received) states the Democratic and Republican parties also run LIBERTARIAN PARTY state-wide primary elections. Rayburn Smith (Clarion The results of the primary Co.) (No response received) influence how the delegates to their respective party’s ATTORNEY GENERAL convention will cast ballots Duties: The basic duties of for candidates for President. the attorney general, as outThe degree to which the lined by the Commonwealth result of the primary election Attorneys Act are to: serve influences the votes of delas the Commonwealth’s chief egates at conventions varies law enforcement officer; from state to state. collect all debts, taxes, and Term: Four years. Limit of account due to the Commontwo terms. wealth; represent the ComBase Salary: $400,000 per monwealth and all agencies year. in any action brought by or Note: The candidate against the Commonwealth; must have made a public administer the provision announcement of her/his relating to consumer prointention to run for her/ tection laws; represent the his Party’s nomination for Commonwealth and its citiPresident; and, the candidate zens in any action brought must meet the Presidential about for violation of the Election Campaign Fund antitrust laws. Act’s minimum contribuTerm: 4 Years tion threshold requirements Salary: $152,443 per year for qualifying for matching (Vote for 1) funds, based on the most reQUESTION: “If elected, cent data publicly available what do you believe to be on the FEC website. your most important priority (Vote for One) in this office and how will you pursue it?” REPUBLICAN Mitt Romney REPUBLICAN David Freed (Camp Hill DEMOCRAT Borough, Cumberland Co.) Barack Obama Web site: www.DavidFreedforAG.com GREEN PARTY D.O.B: 7.30.1970 Jill Stein EDUCATION: 1992, Washington and Lee University, LIBERTARIAN PARTY B.A., 1995, Pennsylvania Gary Johnson State University Dickinson School of Law, OCCUPATION: UNITED STATES Cumberland County District SENATOR Attorney JOB DESCRIPTION QUALIFICATIONS: CumThe U.S. Constitution berland County District prescribes that the Senate be Please see GUIDE on E2 composed of two Senators
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Guide
Widener University School of Law OCCUPATION: Pennsylvania State RepFrom E1 resentative, 95th District (York) Attorney, 2005-Present; QUALIFICATIONS: State Cumberland County First Representative, 2007-presDistrict Attorney, 2001-2005; ent; Deputy Secretary PA Cumberland County AssisDepartment of Environtant District Attorney, 1998- mental Protection (2003200; York County Deputy 2006); Director of Economic Prosecutor, 1997-1998; ExDevelopment, City of York ecutive Committee Member (2002-2003) of the Pennsylvania District ANSWER TO QUESTION: Attorneys Association. I will order a performance ANSWER TO QUESTION: audit of water protection The safety of our citizens. I programs to ensure our am the only candidate rundrinking water is safe. I will ning for Attorney General also work for middle-class with the proven ability and Pennsylvanians, protectextensive experience neces- ing education, job-creation sary to protect Pennsylvania programs, and public safety. families, seniors, children, I will order audits that and small business owners identify any wasteful and from crime and corruption. inefficient spending to save I have handled thousands of taxpayer money and encases during my time as a able reinvestment in critical prosecutor, private practice programs. attorney and District Attorney. I am confident that I’ll LIBERTARIAN PARTY bring the principled leaderBetsy Summers (Wilkes ship and integrity expected Barre, Luzerne Co.) (No of Pennsylvania’s chief law response received) enforcement officer to the office. STATE TREASURER DEMOCRAT JOB DESCRIPTION: Kathleen Kane (Waverly The duty of the PennTwp., Lackawanna Co.) (No sylvania Treasurer is to response received) safeguard the Commonwealth’s financial assets, LIBERTARIAN PARTY which total more than $120 Marakay Rogers (York billion in public monies. City, York Co.) (No response The office manages several received) programs in order to better serve the financial needs of AUDITOR Pennsylvanians. The TreaGENERAL sury Department is also JOB DESCRIPTION: The responsible for: reuniting principal role of the audiunclaimed property with its tor general is to determine rightful owner; investigating whether state funds are be- loss, theft, and fraud involving used in accordance with ing commonwealth checks; the purpose and guidelines reviewing real estate leases that govern each use of the and contracts entered into Commonwealth’s dollars. by commonwealth agencies; The auditor general conmaintaining the Pennsylducts financial and perforvania contracts electronic mance audits of individuals, library. The Treasurer has state agencies, and organiza- specific duties in addition to tion that receive state funds, the oversight of the departincluding school districts, ment: serves as Chair of the state liquor stores, and Board of Finance and Revpublic employee pensions. enue, which selects banks These audits are designed to serve as depositories for to measure how effectively state money; sets interest government programs are rates paid on commonusing public money to meet wealth deposits; hears and their stated goals and objec- decides state tax appeals. tives. The office performs Term: 4 Years more than 6,000 audits each Salary: $152,443 year, and is responsible for (Vote for 1) auditing all federal funds QUESTION: “If elected, that are allocated to Pennwhat do you believe to be sylvania state programs your most important priority Term: 4 years in this office and how will Salary: $152,443 you pursue it?” (Vote for 1) QUESTION: “If elected, REPUBLICAN what do you believe to be Diana Irey Vaughan your most important priority (Nottingham Twp., Washingin this office and how will ton Co.) you pursue it?” Web site: http://www. friendswithdiana.com REPUBLICAN D.O.B: 08.20.1962 John Maher (Upper St. EDUCATION: 1981, West Clair, Allegheny Co.) Virginia Business College; D.O.B: 11.04.1958 business, accounting and EDUCATION: Duke Unilegal studies coursework versity, A.B., magna cum at Fairmont State College laude; Oxford University, and California University of scholarship studies; AusPennsylvania. tralian Graduate School of OCCUPATION: Management, fellowship Washington County Comstudies missioner, fifth term, manOCCUPATION: CPA/ aging 52 departments and Legislator nearly 1,000 employees and QUALIFICATIONS: Three overseeing county-owned decades of real world nursing home, airport, experience as a CPA and parks, and bridges. business builder. LegislaQUALIFICATIONS: Countor known for fiscal conty Commissioner, 16 years, servatism, fighting waste led long-range planning reand improving government sulting in job growth; Memaccountability including ber of Washington County open records and lobbying Pension Board, managing reforms. pension funds of employees ANSWER TO QUESTION: and retirees; Member of Pennsylvanians deserve Washington County Prison to have an auditor general Board, overseeing operawho actually knows how tions of correctional facility to audit. I am a CPA expert which maintains lowest cost in government accounting per day per inmate in the and auditing. I have costate. authored a textbook about ANSWER TO QUESTION: government accounting and As Commissioner, I fought taught government auditing for fiscal responsibility and to audiences drawn from good government, balancing Pennsylvania and across the seven consecutive budgets world. As the accountant for with no tax increase, keepaccountability, I’ve passed ing taxes low, and putting laws to increase sunlight— inmates to work in our comopening government records munity. I provided stewardto the public and forcing ship for pension funds and lobbyist disclosures. As au- formed a strict investment ditor general, I will find and policy statement, with a fight waste. conservative approach, that met or exceeded industry DEMOCRAT benchmarks over the past Eugene DePasquale (West 16 years. I will bring the Manchester, York Co.) same discipline and fiscal D.O.B: 08.03.1971 restraint to serve PennsylEDUCATION: 1993, Colvania. lege of Wooster, B.A. 1997, Masters in Public AdminDEMOCRAT istration, University of Robert McCord (Lower Pittsburgh; 2002, J.D. from Merion, Montgomery Co.)
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Web site: http://www. robmccord.com D.O.B: 03.15.1959 EDUCATION: 1982, Harvard, History & Economics; 1989, Wharton School of Business, M.B.A. OCCUPATION: Pennsylvania State Treasurer QUALIFICATIONS: Current Pennsylvania State Treasurer, 2008-Present; CEO/Chairman and CoFounder of the Eastern Technology Council; CoFounder and Managing Director of PA Early Stage Partners; Senior Executive at Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. ANSWER TO QUESTION: 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. LIBERTARIAN PARTY Patricia Fryman (No response received) UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 6 REPUBLICAN Jim Gerlach ADDRESS: Chester Springs CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: www.jimgerlachforcongress. com DOB: 2/25/1955 EDUCATION: Lincoln High School, Ellwood City, PA (1970-73) B.A., Political Science, Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA (1973-1977) Law Degree, Dickinson School of Law, Carlisle, PA (19771980) OCCUPATION: Member of Congress, first elected in 2002. Previously served in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives and later the State Senate. QUALIFICATIONS: My years of service in Congress and the state legislature. Representing southeast Pennsylvania has given me valuable insight into the needs of our job creators, taxpayers and various communities throughout the district. I have built a solid record of helping the families and communities of the 6th District. ANSWER: Non-partisan publications have found that my voting record has for years been one of the most independent in Congress. My overriding goal in public service has been to reduce spending, ease the tax burden on families, and ensure we have a positive tax and regulatory climate that allows businesses to grow, builds opportunity and creates jobs. And that goal precisely mirrors the desire of my constituents. DEMOCRAT Manan Trivedi ADDRESS: Birdsboro, PA CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: www.trivediforcongress. com DOB: 5/22/1974 EMAIL: info@trivediforcongress.com EDUCATION: Boston University (B.A.) Boston University School of Medicine (M.D.) University of California - Los Angeles (Master of Public Policy) OCCUPATION: Primary Care Physician QUALIFICATIONS: Fmr. Lt. Cmdr. US Navy Health Policy Advisor to Navy Surgeon General ANSWER: Constituents of the 6th district know that the most important issue facing them now is obtaining a good-paying job so they can support their families, and that is exactly what members of Congress were sent there to help create. Unfortunately, we find too many in Washington who have become more focused on pushing an agenda of self-interest and partisanship, and we’re all
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
paying the price. In Congress, I will be committed to getting things done and finding solutions that meet the needs of everyone in my district.
these and other key issues for too long. On these issues the solutions are fairly clear. We just need leaders with the courage to stop accusing and start doing.
DEMOCRAT Aryanna Strader ADDRESS: 103 Pennfield Drive CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: REPUBLICAN www.straderforcongress.org Patrick L. Meehan DOB: 11/23/1982 ADDRESS: Drexel Hill EDUCATION: Bachelors CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: Degree, DeVry University, www.meehanforcongress. Business Administration, com Operations Management DOB: 10/20/1955 EDUCATION: 1978, Master’s Degree, Keller Bowdoin College, B.A. 1986, Graduate School of ManageTemple University School of ment, MBA, Project Management Law, J.D. OCCUPATION: President/ OCCUPATION: Member of CEO of Arydan LLC- InforCongress representing the mation Technology Software residents of Pennsylvania’s Consultant 7th District QUALIFICATIONS: Iraq QUALIFICATIONS: District Attorney of Delaware War Veteran, Small Business County, 1996-2001 US AtOwner, Mom of two torney for Eastern District ANSWER: Yes. We elect our representatives to office of Pennsylvania, 2001-2008 Representative in the United to reflect the desires of the States Congress, 2011-Pres- voters from within the district as well as how national ent issues will impact our comANSWER: I first ran for munity. Congress because Washington was not listening to BFC PARTY the needs of Pennsylvania’s James Bednarski Lanfamilies. They are tired of caster Co. (No response the fingerpointing and the needless partisanship. They received) want results, and they’re INDEPENDENT right to. That’s why I have John Murphy Chester worked every day with Democratic and Republican Co. (No response received) allies to spur job creation, PA STATE balance our budget and proSENATOR tect hardworking taxpayers - DISTRICT 9 in Pennsylvania. If entrusted with your vote, the priorities REPUBLICAN of the 7th District will drive Dominic F. Pileggi my agenda in Congress. ADDRESS: Chester CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: DEMOCRAT www.dominicpileggi.com George Badey DOB: 12/15/1957 ADDRESS: St. David’s EDUCATION: JD, VillaCAMPAIGN WEBSITE: nova School of Law, 1982; www.Badey.com BA, Economics, St. Joseph’s DOB: 12/991958 University, 1979 EDUCATION: 1979, CURRENT OCCUPATION: University of Pennsylvania, B.A., 1982, Villanova Univer- Attorney; Pennsylvania Senate Majority Leader sity, J.D. QUALIFICATIONS: AdviOCCUPATION: Founding sory Board, Chester Salvapartner/Attorney at Badey, tion Army; Trustee, Saint Sloan and DiGenova, P.C. QUALIFICATIONS: I have Joseph’s University; Former Trustee Lincoln University; been an attorney in private Senator, Pennsylvania Senpractice since 1982 (30 years) representing working ate, 2002-present; Former Mayor, Councilman, and people and families. I have served as the vice-chair and School Board Member ANSWER: Pennsylvania chair of the Radnor Townis an extremely diverse ship Democratic Commitstate, both geographically tee for over 8 years. I am and socially, and I believe involved in the community our job as legislators under as a saxophone player in our representative form of the Mummers Parade since the age of 13 in 1971 and am government is to reflect the desires and interests of the a member of the Fralinger individuals within our reString Band. Since 2008, I spective legislative districts. represented, pro bono, the I have worked on behalf of mummers when the parade was under threat of cancel- local residents as an advocate of open space, affordlation. I founded the “Save able energy, low taxes, job the Mummers” Fund, and creation, and fiscal responremain Chairman of the Board of the Fund, which is sibility, as well as led efforts dedicated to preserving the to increase openness and transparency in government. tradition. ANSWER: Elected ofDEMOCRAT ficials should reflect the Patricia Worrell desires of their constituents. ADDRESS: Chester Pennsylvania is a diverse CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: In state and the needs of one Progress area can be extremely difDOB: 4/3/1960 ferent to the next. EDUCATION: Boston High School, Business UNITED STATES Administration/Finance REPRESENTATIVE – Emmanuel College, FounDISTRICT 16 dations of Financial Management Harvard Business REPUBLICAN School Extension, Paralegal Joseph Pitts Studies Brookline Adult ADDRESS: Kennett Education, Modern Real Square Estate Practices CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: OCCUPATION: Business www.joepittsforcongress. Owner, Handy-Lady Cleancom ing Services, Plus, LLC Real DOB: 10/10/1939 EDUCATION: MEd, Com- Estate Broker QUALIFICATIONS: As prehensive Science, West Chester University, 1972 BA, a Parent I understand education must be a priority. I Philosophy and Religion, believe our society, communiAsbury College, 1961 ties, economic structure and OCCUPATION: U.S. Repfamily values, are based and resentative (PA-16) built on the quality of our QUALIFICATIONS: U.S. public education. As a RealRepresentative, 1997-prestor I understand the need for ent Representative, Pennpolicies that promote responsylvania House of Repsible, sustainable homeownresentatives, 1973-1997 Owner/Operator, Landscape ership, which will in turn Nursery, 1974-1990 Teacher, support overall economic recovery. As a BusinesswomGreat Valley High School, Malvern, PA, 1969-1972 Cap- en I understand job creation and fiscal responsibility! As tain, U.S. Air Force, Vieta Woman I support fair and nam, 1963-1969 equal opportunities and equal ANSWER: On our bigrights! gest issues, the answer is, ANSWER: No. Recent legunfortunately, “no” Energy prices, entitlement security, islation that is being passed and our $16 trillion debt are through the House and Senall problems that can only ate does not reflect the debe solved when both parties sires of the voters, because the Bills just does not make work together for the good of the nation. Partisanship Please see GUIDE2 on E3 has prevented action on US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – DISTRICT 7
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BS Marketing, 2000 OCCUPATION: Financial Professional / State Representative From E2 QUALIFICATIONS: Lifelong resident of Southern Chester County, State Repany good common sense! resentative 2010 to present, Some elected officials have Active in local community forgotten Article 1 Section organizations 2 of the constitution regardANSWER: Over the past ing political powers that two years, I’ve worked to says, All power is inherent bring jobs to our area and in the “people”, and all free improve the local economy, governments are founded while leading by example on on their authority and the issue of government reinstituted for their peace, form by declining a taxpayer safety and happiness. They funded pension and state have also forgotten Article 6 car. My priority has been Section 3 regarding the oath and will continue to be the of office which says “...I do people of Southern Chester solemnly swear (or affirm) County. that I will support, obey and defend the Constitution of DEMOCRAT the United States, and the Eric Schott Constitution of this ComADDRESS: West Grove monwealth, and that I will CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: discharge the duties of my www.ourbestschott.com office with fidelity” meaning DOB: 09/20/52 with accuracy and truth. EDUCATION: B.S., West Chester University M.S., PA STATE SENATE West Chester M.A., Univer- DISTRICT 19 sity of Delaware OCCUPATION: Teacher, REPUBLICAN Avon Grove SD Christopher J. Amentas QUALIFICATIONS: MemADDRESS: East Fallowber and former Chair, Lonfield don Grove Township Park DOB: 7/31/75 and Recreation Board Chair, EDUCATION: Graduated Township Vacancy Board Boston College 1997 Eng38-year public high school lish degree and Villanova teacher -- educated more University School of Law in than 5,000 area students 2001. 36-year resident of southern OCCUPATION: Attorney Chester County QUALIFICATIONS: Civil ANSWER: Both. A State litigation attorney specializ- Representative has a reing in solving legal problems sponsibility to advocate that vex individuals, local for their constituents and businesses, and our commu- communities in Harrisburg; nities. I was elected an East I will do so tirelessly if Fallowfield Township Suelected. We are also a Compervisor in 2008, and chosen monwealth, and elected by my colleagues to serve officials have an obligation as Chairman of the Board in to move our entire state for2010 and 2011. ward with fair policies that ANSWER: My number one provide every Pennsylvanian priority if elected is to imthe chance to prosper. That prove economic conditions means fighting for good for the residents of the 19th public schools and affordDistrict. I will do this priable college tuition, premarily by working to make serving our state’s agriculPennsylvania the ideal loca- tural heritage, and tackling tion for small businesses infrastructure challenges to to achieve success; specifisupport economic growth. cally, by working to lower PA’s corporate tax rates, PA STATE HOUSE continuing to phase out the OF capital stock and franchise REPRESENTATIVES tax, and eliminating regula- DISTRICT 26 tions whose costs outweigh their benefits to the public. REPUBLICAN This will both strengthen Tim Hennessey our existing businesses and ADDRESS: Pottstown attract new businesses to CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: the region. More businesses www.votehennessey.com means more jobs, higher DOB: 11/4/1947 property values, and higher EDUCATION: St. Pius state income tax revenues, X High School Pottstown revenues which may be 1965 St. Joseph’s University reinvested in our local com- Philadelphia 1969 BS in munities. Marketing and Management Villanova Law School 1972 DEMOCRAT Juris Doctorate Andrew Dinniman OCCUPATION: Full time ADDRESS: Exton legislator CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: QUALIFICATIONS: I www.andydinniman.com have a legal degree. I was a DOB: 10/10/44 Public Defender for 20 years EDUCATION: University and also was a Municipal of Connecticut, B.A. PoSolicitor for North Covenlitical Science University try Township for 15 years of Maryland, M.A. History before becoming a State Pennsylvania State UniverRepresentative. I have 20 sity, D.Ed. Education years in my current position OCCUPATION: State as State Representative. Senator ANSWER: I try to propQUALIFICATIONS: Curerly reflect the thoughts and rent Experience; State Sena- attitudes of my constituents tor Minority Chair, Senate in the votes I cast in HarEducation Committee State risburg and in public posiBoard of Education Ben tions I take in speeches and Franklin Technology Deremarks at both public and velopment Authority Past private events. Having been Experience: Chester County re-elected several times, I Commissioner Downingbelieve that I’ve satisfied town Area School Board the voters by my actions. Chester County ConservaWhile no one can make tion District every constituent happy all ANSWER: State legislathe time, I try to listen to all tors need to reflect the points of view and then use interests of both their local those conversations to cast district and the state as a an informed and thoughtful whole. This requires the vote. ability to stand firm on issues vital to local concerns DEMOCRAT and be willing to responsiMike Hays bly negotiate with others ADDRESS: Spring City to find common ground on CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: issues vital to the state. Of- www.electmikehays.com ten, the work in Harrisburg DOB: 07/31/1981 requires molding various EDUCATION: Bachelor’s interests into a larger state Degree in Business Manageinterest that will be a winment - Widener University, win situation for all. 2005 OCCUPATION: Produce PA STATE HOUSE buyer - independent grocery OF store REPRESENTATIVES QUALIFICATIONS: * 28– DISTRICT 13 year Pennsylvania resident * Local elected official (2009), REPUBLICAN Spring City Borough Council John Lawrence * Two-year chairman of the ADDRESS: Franklin wastewater/sewer commitTownship tee, Spring City * Member, DOB: 6/15/78 Spring City Public Library EDUCATION: The PennBoard of Trustees * Former sylvania State University journalist with experience
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covering legislation in two state capitals ANSWER: Pennsylvania is made up of more than 2,000 municipalities and 67 counties. The needs of urban and rural areas will always differ, to an extent. The main responsibility of a state representative is to advocate for his/her district, and to reflect the desires of the majority of voters. A good lawmaker must also vote his/her conscience in all matters. PA STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 155 REPUBLICAN Becky Corbin ADDRESS: Downingtown CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: www.VoteBecky.com DOB: 11-18-52 EDUCATION: Chatham University, B.S., Chemistry OCCUPATION: Candidate QUALIFICATIONS: Working 21 years as a legislative aide, I gained firsthand knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing state government. A 35-year resident, Zoning Board member, Police Commissioner, and volunteer in my community, I am thoroughly familiar with issues impacting the residents of this district. ANSWER: While Pennsylvania is a large, diverse Commonwealth, rarely do the interests of the district conflict with the needs of the state as it is in everyone’s interest to have a smaller, more efficient and effective state government. In Harrisburg, I will be a strong advocate for the interests of my local community. DEMOCRAT Josh Maxwell ADDRESS: Downingtown CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: www.joshmaxwell.com DOB: 9/3/1983 EDUCATION: B.A. from West Chester University; Majoring in Political Science with a minor in International Business. Pursuing a M.P.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. OCCUPATION: Mayor of Downingtown QUALIFICATIONS: I grew up in Downingtown, graduated from the Downingtown Public School System, and spent 3 years on the Downingtown Planning Commission before running for Mayor in 2009. For the past three years I have overseen our police and volunteer fire departments while working with Borough Council to revitalize our community. ANSWER: The actions of elected officials should reflect the desires of their constituents as well as the needs of the state, but sadly that has not often been the case in Harrisburg. When legislators slash education funding, driving up property taxes, they are avoiding their responsibility and passing the burden on to municipalities. As Mayor of Downingtown, I have passed multiple budgets that required tough decisions. Decisions I had to make for the good of my constituents. PA STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 156 REPUBLICAN Dan Truitt ADDRESS: East Goshen WEBSITE: www.dantruitt. com DOB: 1968 EDUCATION: BS Electrical Engineering, Villanova University, 1992 MS Computer Science, West Chester University, 1999 OCCUPATION: PA State Representative, Legislative District #156 President, Truitt Engineering (Industrial Controls Engineering) QUALIFICATIONS: State Representative, 2011 to present Small Business Owner, 1999 to present Community Volunteer ANSWER: Elected officials should seek out the intersection between the desires of their constituents and the needs of the state and be prepared to negotiate with other elected officials to craft legis-
lation that meets as many of the desires of their constituents as possible while still meeting enough of the needs of the state to reach a consensus that is acceptable to all parties.
University OCCUPATION: State Representative of PA’s 158th district. QUALIFICATIONS: State Rep since 1997, London Grove Twp. Supervisor from 1990 to 1996, Owner/ DEMOCRAT manager of manufacturing Bret M. Binder company in Chester Co for ADDRESS: East Bradford 20 years. WEBSITE: www.bretbindANSWER: Elected legerforpa.com islators should constantly DOB: 04-17-79 stay in touch with and try to EDUCATION: University of represent their constituents, Pennsylvania - BA Econombut they must also use their ics, Minors Mathematics and judgement and experience Mechanical Engineering Vilto anticipate what will serve lanova Law School - JD those constituents best, OCCUPATION: Attorney both now and in the future. Managing Partner of Binder & Canno, LLC Owner - Pudding DEMOCRATIC Lane, LLC Member - Falls FitSusan Rzucidlo ness, LLC ADDRESS: Landenberg QUALIFICATIONS: Bret is CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: a former clerk to the Pennsyl- www.SusanForPa.com vania Supreme Court, estabDOB: 1/16/1963 lished attorney, entrepreneur, EDUCATION: Kennett and small business owner. High School; Associates ANSWER: Elected officials Degree in Farm Manageneed to balance the desires of ment - Cazenovia College their District Voters as well as OCCUPATION: Cothe needs of the state. In the owner Silent Z Farm since current election, those needs 1987; Founder/executive align as we need to protect director SPEAK Unlimited public education, the environ- a nonprofit that educates ment, encourage economic and trains first responders growth and job creation, and to communicate and serve protect our civil liberties. people with disabilities QUALIFICATIONS: PA STATE HOUSE Co-creator of PennsylvaOF nia Premise Alert System REPRESENTATIVES gifted to PA in 2008; Par- DISTRICT 157 enting magazine’s Pennsylvania delegate to 2012 Mom REPUBLICAN Congress on Education; Warren Kampf Created first PA disabilityADDRESS: Paoli focused criminal defense CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: attorney list www.WarrenKampf.com ANSWER: I am an adDOB: vocate and I balance the EDUCATION: Emory desires of the family, with University School of Law, JD the needs of the child and Yale University - BA, English what is possible given the OCCUPATION: State Rep- confines of reality. I strive resentative Attorney to maintain a balance of QUALIFICATIONS: Curall three and while that is rently serving as State Repre- not easy to do, it is what sentative; former Tredyffrin I do and what I would do Township Supervisor where as an elected official. That I cut spending by 15% while balance is critical in all still delivering essential sernegotiations and is a skill vices; private sector experithat is necessary and lackence as partner in a law firm ing in many in government ANSWER: Actions that today. help job creators spark economic growth or help reduce PA STATE HOUSE costs for taxpayers are benOF eficial to all Pennsylvanians REPRESENTATIVES and meet the needs of the - DISTRICT 167 state. Other actions may be more district-specific, such as REPUBLICAN assisting a local municipality Duane Milne or helping a resident or local ADDRESS: Malvern business deal with a state-reCAMPAIGN WEBSITE: lated issue. People are often www.friendsofduanemilne. frustrated by seeming accom tion or inaction on a specific DOB: 6/15/67 issue, but this is usually the EDUCATION: Great Valresult of different legislators ley, k-12 B.A. (Honors), taking positions represenWilliam & Mary Ph.D. tative of their district that (Distinction), University of are diametrically opposed Delaware because their districts have OCCUPATION: State different views. Representative (incumbent) DEMOCRAT QUALIFICATIONS: Paul Drucker Advanced initiatives, in ADDRESS: Paoli a fiscally-prudent manCAMPAIGN WEBSITE: ner, based on sustaining www.Drucker2012.com our high quality-of-life, DOB: including: a robust jobs EDUCATION: Bachelor’s base, highly regarded Degree, History - Lehigh schools, safe communiUniversity Juris Doctorate ties, top tier neighbor- Boston University School hoods and vibrant culture of Law ANSWER: Enlightened OCCUPATION: Attorney public officials must be QUALIFICATIONS: Forstatesmen and thoughtmer Township Supervisor fully balance both con- Tredyffrin Township Board siderations. Citizens in Member, Greater Philadela district directly elect a phia Phoenixville Chamber representative, and repof Commerce Board Memresentatives have a moral ber, Transportation Manage- obligation to support the ment Association of Chester policy preferences of County Former State Repre- those citizens. This must sentative - 157th Legislative be balanced with the recDistrict ognition that state-wide ANSWER: I am commitissues can directly affect ted to the needs of the voters the district and its citiof the 157th District. The zens. Therefore, no reprepriority of those voters, and sentative can best serve a all Pennsylvanians, is jobs local district without also and economic recovery. I taking into consideration know that we must invest in how state-wide issues education, infrastructure and affect one’s local district economic development to and citizens. create a brighter future for all Pennsylvanians. The current DEMOCRAT Administration and LegislaRob Broderick (no retive Majority in Harrisburg sponse received) have not made these investADDRESS: West Whiteland ments and are out of step Township with the priorities of Pennsylvania’s voters and taxpayers. PA State House of PA STATE HOUSE Representatives OF - District 168 REPRESENTATIVES - DISTRICT 158 REPUBLICAN Tom Killian REPUBLICAN Chris Ross DEMOCRAT ADDRESS: Kennett Beth Alois Square DOB: 11/3/1951 EDUCATION: Harvard End of list.
Membership (OPEN HOUSE) Meetings will start again this spring. We can't wait to meet you E4 / Daily News www.dailylocal.com October 2012 andLocal your guests for this opportunity to get to know each other and learn moreTuesday, about the30,League.
First-Time Voters are the ONLY voters who need I.D.in the Pennsylvania November 2012 Election
If you are a new voter, you will need to prove your identity.
YOU DO NOT NEED AN I.D. TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 6th UNLESS you are voting for the FIRST TIME.
Check www.smartvoter.org for YOUR local ballot for the November 6, 2012 election. AND ALL VOTERS WHO APPEAR AT A POLLING PLACE FOR THE FIRST TIME MUST SHOW PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION.
To confirm your registration and polling place www.chesco.org/election Approved forms of photo To see a candidate's voting record identification: • Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card • ID issued by any Commonwealth agency • ID issued by the U.S. Government • U.S. passport • U.S. Armed Forces ID • Student ID • Employee ID
If you do not have a photo ID, you can use a non-photo identification that includes your name and address. www.votesmart.org Approved forms of non-photo identification include: Confirmation issued by the County Voter Registration Office. • Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth • Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. Government • Firearm permit • Current utility bill • Current bank statement • Current paycheck • Government check
League of Women Voters Chester County www.palwv.org/chesco 610-644-5960 Check www.smartvoter.org for YOUR local ballot for the November 6, 2012 election
To confirm your registration and polling place, go to www.chesco.org/election
League of Women Voters of Chester County
ANNUAL CALENDAR January Program Planning - North and South Program Planning Consensus Board Meeting Final Membership Count to National Legislative Directories & Bookmarks February Register Voters – High Schools, Mall Commissioners Luncheon Legislative Interviews Board Meeting March Register Voters Confirm Volunteer Poll Workers VOTERS GUIDE Questionnaire VOTERS GUIDE – Fundraising Naturalization Ceremony Nominating Committee Budget Committee Board Meeting Plan June National Convention Plan June Annual Meeting April PRIMARY ELECTION Candidate Forums Print VOTERS GUIDE Nominating Committee Budget Committee Board Meeting Plan June National Convention Plan June Annual Meeting May NC and BC Reports in May VOTER Board Meeting Plan June National Convention Plan June Annual Meeting June State/National Convention Board Meeting Annual Meeting Mailer for Dues Renewal
Chester County Voter Services www.chesco.org/election 610-344-6410
July Start of Fiscal Year Plan September Kick-Off Board Meeting August Naturalization Ceremony September Kick Off Register Voters – Universities, Mall, etc. Candidate Forums VOTERS GUIDE Questionnaire VOTERS GUIDE – Fundraising Start Membership Directory Board Meeting Naturalization Ceremony October Register Voters Candidate Forums Print VOTERS GUIDE Board Meeting Plan Holiday Brunch
To see a candidate’s voting record, go to www.votesmart.org
2012-2013 BOARD AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS BOARD MEETINGS are held the 3rd Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. in West Chester Borough Hall. All members and guests welcome. COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AS NEEDED BOARD President - Susan Carty First VP - Meryle Rothman Second VP - Carol Lorah Bland Secretary - Mary Ciarrocchi Treasurer - Carole Mackrell
DIRECTORS Tina Brogan, Barbara DeWilde Alma Forsyth, Sarah Caspar, Mary Lou Dondero, Dr. Pam Gray Anne Crowley, Susan Fields, Toni Keg
The League of Women Voters Remembering our Powerful History; Standing Up for Democracy; Protecting our Voting Rights and Serving Our Community Through Education and Advocacy!
November GENERAL ELECTION Naturalization Ceremony Distribute Membership Directory Plan Holiday Brunch Board Meeting December Holiday Brunch Board Meeting Various committee meetings and Household Hazardous Waste events are held throughout the year. VOTER published every month and we register voters all year. Members and guests welcome at all of our events and activities and we hope that members have the time and the interest to participate. LWVCC www.palwv.org/chesco Membership - 610-431-9986 mgrothman@verizon.net
The success of the League of Women Voters is all about building partnerships and coalitions. We work to establish these relationships everyday with our legislators, our voters, our neighbors and most importantly, our members. Become a member, join a committee, or attend and bring a guest to an event. Take advantage of the commitment and knowledge of our members. Our Membership (OPEN HOUSE) Meetings will start again this spring. We can’t wait to meet you and your guests for this opportunity to get to know each other and learn more about the League.