Franklin County Coalition Releases Its 2001 Primary Election Voting Guide for Township Voters in Franklin County

CONTACT:
Stacey Schmader
709-0457

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chambersburg (May 7) - The Franklin County Coalition, an association of seventeen nonprofit organizations and thirty locally owned businesses in Franklin County, today released its 2001 Primary Election Voter Guide. The Guide is a compilation of responses from candidates running in contested primary elections for Township Supervisor in Washington, St. Thomas, Quincy, Lurgan, and Letterkenny Townships. The Guide also compiles responses from the three candidates running for the U.S. Congressional Seat in the Special Election to fill the seat formerly held by Bud Shuster.

Over previous years, the Coalition has compiled General Election Voter Guides, but this release is the first edition of the Coalition's Primary Election Voter Guide. Candidates in contested Primary Elections were asked seven questions ranging from their position on preservation of forestland and farmland in the County to their support for installation of renewable energy systems in municipal buildings.

For the U.S. Congressional Special Election race to fill the seat vacated by Bud Shuster, the three candidates - Scott Conklin (D), Alanna Hartzok (GRN), and Bill Shuster (R) - were asked the same seven questions.

Tom Linzey, coordinator of the Franklin County Coalition, explained that "many crucial decisions about candidates are made during the Primary Election. This Voter Guide is intended to give voters - in those areas in which there are contested Primaries - answers to how those candidates stand on seven issues important to building a sustainable Franklin County which protects farmland, forestland, and quality of life in Franklin County. Those are the issues important to the Franklin County Coalition."

In the Congressional Special Election, Bill Shuster refused to respond to the Coalition's questionnaire, while Alanna Hartzok of the Green Party agreed with all Coalition positions. Conklin received an equally high grade, with both candidates agreeing that corporate factory farms threaten the 9th District, renewable energy systems needed to be supported with federal tax credits, and preservation of forest, farmland, and wetlands was a critical priority.

Copies of the Voter Guide are available from the Coalition by calling 709-0457. A Chambersburg Borough Voting Guide has also been prepared by the Franklin County Coalition and can be obtained by calling the Coalition.