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League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-- Citizen Education Fund Voters Guide --MUNICIPAL ELECTION, November 8, 2005Copyright 2005 LWVPA-CEFThe League of Women Voters publishes this information neither to endorse nor to reject the views of any candidate quoted and does not assume responsibility for the contents of a candidate's reply. Each candidate’s reply has been printed as submitted, except to use standard abbreviations in the interest of space and to edit from the bottom of a candidate’s answer when the total response exceeds the word limit. PENNSYLVANIA JUDICIAL RETENTION ELECTION The following candidates were asked to list their education, occupation and qualifications for this office. They were also asked to reply to the following question: Question: What specific suggestions do you have for improving the administration of justice in Pennsylvania? Justice of the Supreme Court—Job DescriptionThe Pennsylvania Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the Commonwealth. In addition to being the final court of appeals, it serves as administrator of the unified court system and is responsible for ensuring that all Pennsylvania courts perform their duties properly. The Court hears decisions of the Superior and Commonwealth Courts and in certain cases, including those involving the death penalty, from the Courts of Common Pleas. It may also assume jurisdiction over any case pending before a lower court that involves an issue of immediate public importance. There are seven Supreme Court justices, the Chief Justice being the one having the longest continuous service on the Court. Term: 10 years; Salary: $171,800; (Vote Yes or No) Shall Sandra Schulz Newman be retained for an additional term as Justice of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? The Honorable Sandra Schultz NewmanHome Address: Gladwyne, PA; Date of Birth: 11/04/38; Candidate for: Retention, Justice, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Part I—Qualifications A. Education: Drexel University, B.S. 1959; Temple University, M.A. 1969; Villanova Law School, J.D. 1972 B. Occupation: Justice Pennsylvania Supreme Court C. Qualifications for this Office: I had twenty-two years trial/appellate practice, including civil/criminal cases; bachelor and master degrees; service as Judge on Commonwealth Court, and now almost ten years experience as Justice on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court. ANSWER TO QUESTION: Essential to the administration of justice is the court system’s ability to ensure a secure court environment. I have presided over the Supreme Court’s effort to enhance security in court facilities statewide. From our initial improvements at the Magisterial District Judge Courts through our planned initiatives at the Common Pleas and Appellate levels, we are becoming the national model for improving safety for the benefit of jurors, victims of crime, litigants, and the public. (Vote Yes or No) Shall Russell M. Nigro be retained for an additional term as Justice of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? The Honorable Russell M. NigroHome Address: Lower Gwynedd; Date of Birth: 3/23/46; Candidate for: Retention, Justice, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Part I—Qualifications: A. Education: Temple University, 1969, B.B.A.; Rutgers University School of Law, 1973, J.D. B. Occupation: Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice (1996 to Present) C. Qualifications for this Office: Completing ten-year term in present position. Formerly served for eight years on Common Please Court Bench. Rated “Recommended” by Pennsylvania Bar Association on September 14, 2005. ANSWER TO QUESTION: Reducing racial and gender bias in the justice system and enhancing public trust and confidence in that system. To these ends, I will be evaluating the recommendations of the Committee on Racial and Gender Bias in the Justice System and the Commission for Justice Initiatives in Pennsylvania, and working to implement those recommendations that will serve the interests of Pennsylvanians. I also remain committed to upgrading the educational components of our continuing legal education system.
CONTESTED OFFICES IN LEBANON COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY The public prosecutor to the County, charged with representing the Commonwealth in all criminal cases returned to the Court of Quarter Session. Must be a PA lawyer. Annual Salary: $60,612; 4 year term; (VOTE ONE) REPUBLICAN David J. Arnold, Jr. D.O.B.: 11/25/1971; EDUCATION: Cedar Crest High School; Kutztown University; Widner Law School OCCUPATION: Attorney, law firm of Freeman, Mesics and Hopstetter QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: 4 years full time assistant district attorney; 83 percent conviction rate as assistant district attorney; Trail technique instructor, Widner Law School; Trustee, Leadership Lebanon Valley. DEIDRE M. ESHLEMAN D.O.B.:11/27/1956; Education: B.S. (Psychology) Fordham University (1977); J.D. (Law) Duquesne University (1982) OCCUPATION: District Attorney of Lebanon County QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Career prosecutor serving Lebanon County for over 16 years. Appointed District Attorney by the Judges of Lebanon County in 1999. Prosecuted hundreds of cases, including more than 12 murder convictions. Implemented innovative programs including Elder Abuse.....
JURY COMMISSIONERS (VOTE ONE); Annual Salary: $8,190 Robert C. Rothermel D.O.B.: 01/02/1942; EDUCATION: Graduate – Lebanon High School and U.S. Army Finance School OCCUPATION: Lebanon County Jury Commissioner QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Two term incumbent. Perform the duties of my office on a daily basis, participated, at my own expense, in state conference on Jury selection. Made changes to comply with State Statutes. REPUBLICAN W. LAWRENCE HESS- no reply
LEBANON CITY MAYOR (VOTE ONE); Annual Salary: $37,000 DEMOCRATIC John E. Gingrich, Jr D.O.B.: 10/04/1963; EDUCATION: 1981 Grad of Cedar Crest H.S. (Academic); 1981 Grad. of Leb. Co. Vo-Tech school (computer Science);1981-1982 under grad Utah State Univ. (pre-med/computers) OCCUPATION: Lab mgr/asst retail manager of Eyeland Optical QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: I know how to "listen" to a person and work towards a goal. I feel I respect the individual voters and will work ... REPUBLICAN BOB ANSPACH D.O.B.: 03/16/1952; EDUCATION: BA, Government & Politics OCCUPATION: Mayor QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Raised in Lebanon and has a keen understanding of Lebanon's residents and the issues they face. Served 22 years in the US Army where leadership and problem-solving skills were honed. Partners with federal, state and local assets for crime fighting and economic development in Lebanon. LIBERTARIAN JASON R. DEITZ – NO REPLY
LEBANON CITY COUNCIL Annual Salary: $1,200; (VOTE TWO) DEMOCRAT Ralph J. Hlavacek – withdrew candidacy REPUBLICAN DARRYL R. COX D.O.B.: 03/29/1953; EDUCATION: Cedar Crest High School Class of 1972 OCCUPATION: Account Executive – Lamar Outdoor Advertising Company QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Resident and property owner in the city for 25 years. Community activist for many years. Professional relationship with many city businesses, an understanding of the needs of the city. Accessible to the people of the city. JAMES M. FICK D.O.B.: 09/08/1935; EDUCATION: A graduate of Lebanon Catholic High; Attended Lebanon Business College OCCUPATION: A career of 41 years in the Insurance profession of which 25 were spent in management of District office. QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: My previous profession has qualified me. I am presently a City Councilman and running for re-election with an active record. GREEN ERIC R. WOLFE D.O.B.: 11/29/1952; EDUCATION: Although education is not primarily governed by council. I feel it is a shame the USA is almost dead last in the world for maths and science. Also adults are politically lacking in knowledge; also in geography. Example: name the states and country surrounding Pa. Students should learn solid empirical science. OCCUPATION: Television camera operator for.....
SCHOOL DIRECTOR AT LARGE Responsible for the policy direction of a school district. Works with the school administration to approve curriculum changes, the school calendar, contracts, real estate and per capita taxes. CORNWALL-LEBANON (VOTE FOUR); CROSS FILED JON ARNOLD D.O.B.: 02/20/1963; EDUCATION: Penn State University, B.S. Electrical Engineering; University of Toledo Law School OCCUPATION: Attorney, Ehrgood & Arnold QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Current school board, IU-13 board & South Lebanon Township Authority member; dedicated to providing students a quality education in a financially responsible manner. JEFFREY L. BENSING – NO REPLY JAMES H. GARRETT,JR. D.O.B.: 03/01/1937; EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Music Education; Master of Music OCCUPATION: Retired Educator; Lebanon Senior Singers Director Church choir director QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: CL teacher 31 years; CL School Board 1999-2003; Four children graduated of CL; Seven grandchildren now or will be students in CL. DEMOCRAT PERRY LATSHAW D.O.B.: 03/10/1952; EDUCATION: Dana Hall School, Wellesley, Mass; Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas OCCUPATION: Homemaker QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Board experience; Interest in academic excellence and student achievement; Desire property tax relief and fiscal accountability..... REPUBLICAN GARY L. WATTS D.O.B.: 08/06/1954; EDUCATION: 1972 graduate of Annville Cleona High School OCCUPATION: V/P, Commercial Banking Group, Lebanon Valley Farmers Bank QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: 10 years of experience as a board member. Current Vice-President. President of Leb. Co. Earned Income Tax Bureau Board. Financial background. Previously served as Board Treasurer. Head of Districts negotiating team. NORTHERN-LEBANON (VOTE FOUR); CROSS FILED STEPHEN P. LUM D.O.B.: 09/23/1963; EDUCATION: BMS Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science OCCUPATION: Funeral Director QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Having served in this capacity for 4 years, I have gained a wealth of information that will be a great asset in the years ahead. DALE SNADER D.O.B.: 01/21/1961; EDUCATION: Graduated Ephrata High School and Brownstown VoTech for electrical occupations OCCUPATION: Owner Dutch Country Egg Farms QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Resident in District since 1983. 2 children graduated NLHS. Business/land owner. Leadership Team at the Mount Zion Road Church of the Brethren. 4 years on school board. Currently Property & Service Committee Chairman. BETTY ANN SMITH – NO REPLY DEMOCRAT SCOTT A. STOUFFER – NO REPLY REPUBLICAN ERIN M. ZIMMERER D.O.B.: 04/27/1975; EDUCATION: Graduated from NLHS. Graduated from Wilson College with BA in Business and Economics. Graduated from Weidner University School of Law with Juris Doctorate. OCCUPATION: Self-employed attorney QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: As a practicing attorney working with juveniles, I have first hand experience with both the problems and solutions for families in today's society. Fiscal responsibility and conservative use of....
BOROUGH COUNCIL MEMBERS Holds executive and legislative powers of the Borough. Responsible for passing ordinances and resolutions and managing the business of the Borough. RICHLAND (VOTE THREE); DEMOCRAT WILBUR KEPPLEY – NO REPLY DENNIS J. SELDOMRIDGE – NO REPLY REPUBLICAN JOHN F. MUELLER JR. – NO REPLY JAMES D. NIETHAMMER – NO REPLY MICHELLE A. VOYDIK D.O.B.: 10/19/1964; EDUCATION: ELCO High School class of 1982; Leb. Vo-Tech – licensed Practical Nurse class of 1984 OCCUPATION: Housewife; mother of 3 boys; seamstress ELCO High School musical QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Born and raise in Richland; Grandfather and father were/are mayor; My hearts desire is to better the communication between voters and borough council members for the betterment of the community. Presently I....
TOWNSHIP COMMISSIONERS Holds the executive and legislative power of the Borough. Responsible for passing ordinances and resolutions and managing the business of the Borough. ANNVILLE TOWNSHIP (VOTE TWO) DEMOCRAT KYLE . SMITH – NO REPLY REPUBLICAN CRAIG L. CAMPBELL D.O.B.: 05/08/1957; EDUCATION: Graduate of Cedar Crest High School 1976 OCCUPATION: Highway Superintendent Palmyra Borough QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Resident of Annville Township; Member of the Annville Planning Commission; Employed with a municipality for 5 years; Strong leadership skills; Interested in improving the Annville Community for its citizens. ALLEN R. YINGST D.O.B.: 09/09/1946; EDUCATION: Lebanon High School OCCUPATION: Safety & Security QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Qualified; Experienced; 16 years Twp. Commissioner; 10 years President Board of Commissioners; Vice President Civil Service Committee member; Community Involvement
TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR HEIDLEBERG (VOTE ONE) DEMOCRAT BRUCE S. HEHNLY D.O.B.: 05/11/1967; EDUCATION: ELCO School District graduate; Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Visual Communication/Advertising OCCUPATION: Masonry Contractor, Painter QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS JOB: Lifelong resident, property owner, businessman, skilled in business, management, laws statutes and election process. Good communicator, hard worker, involved citizen. Goals: Serve citizens/Heidelberg Township and utilize Comprehensive Plan support economic/ecological impacts REPUBLICAN BRUCE E. KRAMER – NO REPLY UNION (VOTE ONE) REPUBLICAN LARRY WOLFE D.O.B.: 01/22/1941; EDUCATION: High School Grad.; Auto Shop Vocation; Radio repair (US Army) OCCUPATION: Car Dealer QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: I have lived in Union Township for 47 years; I am for LESS government interference in the citizen's lives; I have been, and will continue to fight for the Constitutional Rights of the residents of Union Township; Most importantly, I have the resident's... DEMOCRAT BARRY BUCK SWANGER – NO REPLY
Polls 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 ABOUT THIS GUIDE The material in this Guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Lebanon County. This material may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the League. Each candidate's reply has been printed as submitted, except for capitalization and when the candidate's reply exceeded the word limit. The candidates listed are those whose names appear on the ballot as of March 23, 2005. They are listed according to their ballot order. PURPOSE AND POLICY OF THE LEAGUE The purpose of the League of Women Voters 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. IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW VOTERS If you are a new voter or if you are voting at a polling place for the first time then you must bring your voter ID card or a photo ID such as a driver’s license, student ID or some other form of Federal or State government issued ID. Some forms of non-photo ID are also acceptable such as a firearm permit, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check. If you do no have any acceptable ID then you must be allowed to vote by provisional ballot. PROVISIONAL BALLOTS If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on election day, you are in the right polling place, and the problem cannot be resolved by the judge of elections, you have the right to 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. 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, May 10. Completed absentee BALLOTS must be received back at the Board of Elections by 5 P.M. on Friday, May 13. 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. An emergency application and ballot can be obtained and voted by 5 P.M. on Friday, May 13. Any disabled voter having questions regarding the accessibility of a polling place should consult the county Board of Elections. WRITE-IN VOTING For write-in voting information, check with the workers at your polling place before entering the voting booth. **PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE NO STATEWIDE CANDIDATES RUNNING IN THE MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTION. LWVLC VOTERS GUIDE – PRIMARY ELECTION, 2005 http://www.lwvlebanon.org (C) Copyright 2005 LWVLC |
