Fayette Commissioners Informed Keystone Opportunity Zones May Extend Into New Decade

Update June 21, 2008

Looks like the state House passed the HB 2297 legislation which implements an extension of KOZ on undevelopmed properties. We've warned our Fayette board of commissioners this might be coming our way again.

As a short recap.

Commissioner Vincent Vicites has taken a position publicly over the course of a few years against KOZs for property zoned for residential housing and commercial.

Newcomer, and Chairman, Vincent Zapotosky made public comments on Bob Foltz radio program during campaigning last year that he did not support KOZ for residential housing developments.

Commissioner Angela Zimmerlink has opposed tax exemptions and made a statement regarding them being unfair after a man spoke during the May 22, 2008 commissioners' business meeting that he was in support of tax breaks for the companies who were planning to build windmill turbines in the Fayette area.

We'll track further developments.

This is how the political game is played. Won't locate unless we're in a KOZ... is it another Fortune 500 Company seeking the tax exemption for 7 to 10 years?

PetSmart Inc. is eyeing the Valley View Business Park for a possible distribution center that could bring 663 jobs to the area.

A major hurdle still exists, however, as the company first wants the state to extend the Keystone Opportunity Zone designation, which gives tax incentives to relocating companies, for an additional seven years.

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19667055&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=415891&rfi=6

Net the Truth Online

News from the Pennsylvania General Assembly
By The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 05/07/2008 04:57:19 PM EDT

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2008
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A program that offers tax breaks to companies that develop former industrial sites and other blighted areas would be expanded under a bill passed by the House 126-72. The measure would allow municipalities and school districts to extend the tax abatement period for undeveloped land within existing Keystone Opportunity Zones for at least seven years. The program was established under a 1999 state law. The bill goes to the Senate. (House Bill 2297)

http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_9183471

Key Votes:
HB 2297: Expansion of the Keystone Opportunity Zone

Issues: Budget, Spending and Taxes, Business and Consumers, Housing and Property Issues
Date: 05/07/2008

http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=19231&can_id=47407

This editorial aired on AM 1410 WLSH on Wednesday, May 21 and Thursday, May 22

A BILL EXTENDING KEYSTONE OPPORTUNITY ZONE & EXPANSION ZONE PROGRAMS PASSED 126-72 IN THE STATE HOUSE RECENTLY. 1 AREA STATE REP & HOUSE LEADER, WHO USED TO BE A STRONG KOZ SUPPORTER, VOTED NO TO HOUSE BILL 2297.

http://www.wmgh.com/editorial.html

pennsylvania bill 2297 keystone opportunity zones

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=pennsylvania+bill+2297+keystone+opportunity+zones&btnG=Search

HB 2297 PN 3702 susp mot rules

Y MAHONEY

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/RC/Public/rc_view_action2.cfm?sess_yr=2007&sess_ind=0&rc_body=H&rc_nbr=1678


Referred to FINANCE, May 12, 2008

An Act amending the act of October 6, 1998 (P.L.705, No.92), known as the Keystone Opportunity Zone, Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone and Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zone Act, providing for extension for unoccupied parcels, for additional subzones authorized, for substitution of parcels and for cap and trade; further providing for sales and use tax, for corporate net income tax, for local earned income, net profits and business privilege taxes and for local sales and use tax; and providing for recapture and for work performed...

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2007&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=2297

HOUSE PASSES OPPORTUNITY ZONE BILL
The state House recently passed a bill designed to promote more redevelopment of former industrial land in Pennsylvania communities. The bill, HB 2297, is one component of Gov. Ed Rendell's economic stimulus package. It would extend and expand the Keystone Opportunity Zone program, which allows tax abatements for redevelopment of specifically designated idle or abandoned properties. The bill also extends the abatement period for another seven years to stimulate development in existing KOZ districts...

http://www.psats.org/legislation/psatnews.htm

Update June 21, 2008

Recall state Rep. Tim Mahoney publicly agreed on Bob Foltz radio program that KOZs were unfair, not uniform according to PA Constitution, and unconstitutional..

Monday, September 10, 2007
Keystone Opportunity Zones unfair agrees state legislator Tim Mahoney

http://netthetruthonline.blogspot.com/2007/09/keystone-opportunity-zones-unfair.html

Post May 23, 2008 by Net the Truth Online

Friday, May 23, 2008
Windmills Tilting for Fayette Land?

http://netthetruthonline.blogspot.com/2008/05/windmills-tilting-for-fayette-land.html

Post about Special Commissioners' Meeting Discuss Explanation Budget Surplus less than expected

Post June 19, 2008 (after break from focus on local to national campaign blogging)

the board of Fayette County commissioners were informed at the public meeting May 22, 2008 that state legislation was in the works to extend and potentially expand the state's Keystone Opportunity Zone program.

Net the Truth Online blogger (namesless) approached the officials at the meeting during public comment occurring after the business meeting.

Noted were the expansion was part of Governor Ed Rendell's economic stimulus package for 2008.

Also noted was the co-sponsorship of state Rep. Peter Daley.

Mentioned was the fact of long-standing concerns and opposition to KOZs because the program treats taxpayers and residents differently, it's therefore unfair.

And not uniform according to PA Constitution and therefore unconstitutional.

Cited was the Springhill township KOZ site which years back sought a zoning change to expand a housing development project which would have included building even more than already planned houses ranging from $200,000 to $500,000.

The comments included mention that state legislators had been contacted in the past and currently, though no names were mentioned.

Noted was the fact many have stated they don't like the KOZs for housing and commercial projects.

The information was provided as a warning that an extension may be in the works and at some time in the near future an attempt be made to apply the extensions to undeveloped properties already designated KOZs.

the recommendation was for the board to be at the forefront and take the lead to prevent the extensions, especially for housing developments and commercial properties.

Windmill Project Public Input discussion Public Comment

(also see May 23, 2008 Windmills Tilting for Fayette Land?

http://netthetruthonline.blogspot.com/2008/05/windmills-tilting-for-fayette-land.html )

the next speaker spoke about supporting windmill companies if not able to build the windmill project where the current project has determined, build it elsewhere. The citizen stated he would be in favor of tax breaks or tax exemptions for the windmill companies...

Commissioner Angela Zimmerlink responded... Everyone should be fair and equitable in regard to taxation. the state legislators come in and go out every couple of years... they should amend the PA Constitution as the tax exemption programs, any of them are in direct violation of it... doesn't make it right... she wouldn't be one who would ask to exempt a windmill company since that is not fair and equitable... have to make it up somewhere...

Speaker suggested wages be taxed.

Commissioner Zimmerlink said the county doesn't impose a wage tax...

Dan V... spoke in favor of the windmill project... environmental... energy production...

(John Joseph) windmills like landowners rights... taking rights away from landowners... not allowing the windmill...

Zimmerlink asked how is she taking rights away...

Joseph says we're talking about windmill project and setting precedents... and she spoke about setting precendents in other matter... he is of the belief the zoning board set precedents...

Zimmerlink said she was involved only in the lawsuit to make sure the zoning board didn't overstep bounds...

Vicites asked what about the impact what about those living within a few thousand feet of the windmills... what about the impact on them...

Josephs... doesn't see an impact the setbacks were double or triple what they should be so that precaution has been taken... these setbacks were set by county... if those were followed what's the impact... sees economic development and postitive for landowner to get something back from investment...

Commissioner Vicites again questioned the impact on others and said any who wanted to intevene should have made comments during the zoning hearing board hearing, before... not after the fact...

Zimmerlink supportive of individual property rights why said about taxing needs to be fair and equitable and any person should do what they want with their property as long as it doesn't negatively effect the health and well-being of others... not comfortable the zoning hearing board heard all aspects... that's why the intervention measure by two board members (Zapotosky and Zimmerlink)

Gary Williams not closed to project as a whole this can go forward ... everyone can benefit... wonderful pr opportunity for county... how taking step forward if allow something to be built so close to their homes that they are going to move out of the area... doesn't think these should be built so close to houses... don't want to sell... but forced to because these built so close... if zoning has to be changed... if it is changed and allows it change it for both of us... protect people who have to live near this... consider the setbacks of a few of these select turbines... thinks it can go forward.

Unidentified... opponent... 21 homes being built 2 are on hold... if we could get 7900 feet he'd be for this... PPM says only 100 decibals... like a swoosh, but what if it's a bang that doesn't sound so nice... mentioned bats there was testimony about bats... property values will go down... making that much noise that close to you... one of properties owns back taxes $8,000... a bad deal... turns over material... filed intervention too... just wants to save his own property if it's built 7900 feet from those few homes, he'd have no objections... says another state will get the electricity... run that wire from a house to the windmill...

Stoffler... opposed not against all of them one Turbine number 3 going to be in back of our yards... already as a transmission line ... if could move or relocte number three be satisfied... he gets no break on county taxes... just want number 3 moved and most of us will be satisfied... only one located near a good bunch of houses... plans open a B & B, spent income and life there... if had the bed and breakfast and a noisy wind turbine nearby would you sleep there... just get it moved...

woman... opposed had road paved concerns with trucks and people traveling that road and seeing how long it would take for state to cover cost of fixing road... restrictions on it... and should not have to use main road... safety issue for 9 homes come through constantly... not quiet any longer

Net the Truth Online

Related

Commissioners Meetings Minutes

http://www.co.fayette.pa.us/fayette/cwp/view.asp?a=2269&q=516995

Monday, March 24, 2008
Full State Legislative Record Ignored in Article

http://netthetruthonline.blogspot.com/2008/03/full-state-legislative-record-ignored.html

Friday, March 14, 2008
PA: Keystone Opportunity Zones Expansion Sought as Expected

http://netthetruthonline.blogspot.com/search?q=keystone+opportunity+zones+peter+daley

Prevailing wage requirement defeats purpose of Keystone Opportunity Zones

Thursday, May 8, 2008
HARRISBURG, PA – The incentives available to businesses that locate within a Keystone Opportunity Zone would be diminished if prevailing wage requirements remain in legislation (H.B. 2297) that would expand the program, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry said today.

"Expansion of prevailing wage would undermine the very purpose of Keystone Opportunity Zones, which is to encourage economic activity in underserved regions of the Commonwealth," said Gene Barr, PA Chamber vice president of government and public affairs.

Pennsylvania's Keystone Opportunity Zone program was enacted in 1998, with additional zones created in 2001, 2003 and 2004. The zones offer property owners, residents and businesses greatly reduced or no tax burden for a period of 10 years.

With the first of the zones set to expire this year, the General Assembly is looking to extend the program. On Tuesday, May 6, the House adopted an amendment on second consideration that would require all future public works projects undertaken within a KOZ be subject to the prevailing wage. The House passed the bill, with the prevailing wage amendment, on Wednesday, May 7.

Prevailing wage rates can add up to 30 percent to the cost of school district and municipal capital projects. Barr said similar cost add-ons could be expected for projects undertaken within opportunity zones.

http://www.pachamber.com/www/news/2008/08_prev_wage_opp_zones.php

Fayette Commissioners: Will Paper Ballot Opti-Scan Win Board Approval

Net the Truth Online will be attending the Fayette County board of commissioners meetings to be held in Uniontown at the 911 Building starting at 12:30 PM today.

Neither of the local newspapers have published an agenda for the Special Meeting, nor have they reported the board may be considering the issue of purchasing additional voting machines to add to a current county inventory of 265 Direct Recording Electronic Hart InterCivic eSlates.

We will be reporting what happens late afternoon, after the meetings to get a news jump on the locals.

Also, we'll be pursuing an upcoming story on how the 'absentee' paper ballots are handled. Will also be lobbying for the PA election laws to be changed to allow for "early voting." This measure could cut down dramatically any potential long lines at the polls, and as well, since paper ballots would be used, we would lobby for adoption of paper ballot optical scans to enable second-chance voting and a paper record.

Daily Courier

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/dailycourier/

Tribune-Review

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/fayette/

Herald-Standard

http://www.heraldstandard.com/site/news.asp?brd=2280

See our previous posts which include links to information concerning Lancaster County's websites, and links to how to use the Hart Intercivic paper ballot optical scan, eScan.

Previous posts covered as many factors as possible to urge the board members who had not yet expressed a preference to adopt the eScans in conjunction with retaining the one handicapped accessible eSlate per precinct.

Friday, January 04, 2008
Commissioners Aware Paper Ballot Optical Scan Issue

http://netthetruthonline.blogspot.com/2008/01/commissioners-aware-paper-ballot.html

Originally entitled "commissioners deny paper ballot optica scan" unfortunately due to the way the information was presented in a newspaper article. It pays to do some private leg-work to get all of the record straight. Commissioner Zimmerlink had made it known publicly on WMBS radio station she supported acquiring only more DRE eSlates. Commissioner Vicites is not quoted as saying his preference was for only the eSlates, nor did he state publicly he would not consider the paper ballot with optical scan. Commissioner Zapotosky has not recently given his preference, though he did indicate a mere month-and-a-half ago, after the election, he would take a look at the paper ballot optical scan systems and actually thought about them when learning of reports of the long lines and chaos at the polls.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Commissioner denies citizens paper ballot optical scan

http://netthetruthonline.blogspot.com/2008/01/commissioners-deny-citizens-paper.html

Commissioners Aware Paper Ballot Optical Scan Issue

Update: We'll be attending the Special Meeting Monday, Jan. 6, 2008, to be held starting at 12:30 PM (organizational followed by salary board, then special) at the 911 Building in Uniontown. Watch for our upcoming report on this important issue.

Note: Neither of the local newspapers have reported the agenda schedule for the Special meeting, or whether the voting machine issue will be considered during the Special meeting.

(Net the Truth Online)

Apparently in a move to address long lines at the polls the last few elections where Hart Intercivic's daisy wheel eSlates were employed, at least one of the Fayette commissioners is considering adding more of the same electronic voting machines to the county's current array of 268 units.

The 2008 board members were sworn into office Friday, Jan. 4, and will reorganize on Monday at 12:30 PM. Following will be a Salary Board organization meeting and business meeting. Following that will be a special commissioners' board meeting.

Commissioner Angela Zimmerlink stated on a radio talk program that she felt the board needed to act by Monday or Tuesday on the purchase of additional inventory in order to have them delivered and in place by the April Primary.

Zimmerlink indicated she supported purchasing the same eSlates, around 50 to 55 units.

Email to Vincent Zapotosky and Vincent Vicites Saturday, apprising of a post to the message board of VotePA including link to post.

Saturday, January 5, 2008
Dear Commissioner Vincent Vicites

Re: Fayette acquisition additional voting units to alleviate long lines at polls

The following is a message board communication I have posted to the voting integrity organization based in PA known as VotePA.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VotePA/message/3514

The post includes email I sent to both you and Commissioner Zapotosky on Friday. Commissioner Zimmerlink had already expressed her decision to acquire additional eSlates, rejecting the paper ballot eScans. (During WMBS guest spot with Bob Foltz, Friday)

I thought I would apprise you of my VotePA post, as hopefully you and Commissioner Zapotosky will receive input from the organization members prior to the Monday special commissioners' meeting where you might consider adding voting machines units in time for delivery for the April Primary.

I strongly urge you to choose to give Fayette voters the same choice Lancaster County has employed for two-election cycles. Hart InterCivic's eSlate, for handicapped accessibility, and Hart's paper ballot eScan. Both systems comply with Help America Vote Act and state requirements for accessibily, privacy, and second chance voting. At the very least, commissioners should have the benefit of knowing how Lancaster's elections went using the eSlate and eScans in comparison with Fayette's use of only the eSlate.

It is unfortunate that commissioners may be pressed to make a decision Monday - possibly to sign vouchers for the additional machines under contract with Hart InterCivic - before Commissioner Zapotosky has time to set up office email and maybe make a few phone calls to Lancaster County. I have asked also that a town-hall style meeting be held to bring in experts such as VotePA activists and Dr. Rebecca Mercuri, a Philadelphia-based computer expert I've referenced in previous communications to the Fayette board of commissioners.

It seems to me that some arrangement could easily be made with Hart InterCivic to employ one eSlate, handicapped accessible, unit per precinct and swap additional machines for the paper ballot eScans. It seems there wouldn't be any financial loss to the county to swap with the same vendor. Fayette would then have one eSlate per precinct and at least one eScan per precinct. We may not need 3rd or 5th units as it seems Lancaster County has not needed, only backups in emergency cases.

As I must also reiterate, the paper ballot with the optical scan is the only voting system to currently provide a true paper record. To many, having their vote recorded securely, accurately, and transparently, is important enough to wait any length of time in long lines.

Thank you for your time.

Email to Vincent Zapotosky and Vincent Vicites was sent after the WMBS radio program comments made by current Fayette Chair.

Friday Jan. 4, 2008

Dear Commissioner
As you are aware, I have had a long-standing interest in the election process and voting procedures. Over the years, I've conducted research on the variety of issues concerning the Help America Vote Act, the use of Direct Recording Electronic voting machines, and the use of paper ballots with optical scan readers.

When the board of commissioners determined to adopt Hart InterCivic as the vendor, I emailed the then-board with a recommendation to purchase both Hart's electronic DRE eSlate and Hart's paper ballot system with the optical scan reader, known as eScan.

During that time period, I became aware of several voting related organizations which recommend a paper ballot optical scan over the direct recording systems.

I also had the opportunity during the past two elections to be appointed as an election judge for Uniontown Ward 3. I underwent the training on the eSlate machine, and handled the judge of elections position with interest.

There were instances with long lines and during the last Primary, I requested an additional machine which was supplied. Even with a third machine for that precinct, come the General election, there were still long lines. One woman left after several minutes, she'd completed the process, but she was in tears. We also had one expired access code. A handful of people signed in, left, and some never returned.

It isn't, in my estimation, just a matter of unfamiliarity with the new electronic machines that presents a problem for the voters. The eSlate dial daisy wheel makes it necessary for the individual to turn and highlight each letter in order to do a machine write-in. That alone takes someone a few minutes if doing more than one write-in.

I've assessed that even if voters take only the recommended three minutes to complete the process, in one hour, then, only 20 people can vote per voting machine (eSlate). Should Fayette face a lengthy ballot or list of candidates, and a higher turnout rate, even with additional eSlates, the situation of long lines and frustration will still occur.

Lancaster County adopted both the eSlate and the eScan for their voters and have successfully met the requirements of the Help America Vote Act and state requirements with them.

For our county, since the past elections have been fraught with long lines at the polling place, it is understandable the board of commissioners would want to purchase additional machines.

My question is why not implement, as Lancaster County has, the paper ballot eScans for placement as well in each of the polling places?

Before a decision is made, why not contact the election bureau and/or commissioners of Lancaster County to determine how their voting systems work well together?

I urge you to consider implementing the paper ballot with optical scan voting system, Hart InterCivic's eScan along with the eSlate. Surely, some arrangement can be made to leave one eSlate in place per precinct as that meets the requirement for handicapped accessibility, and swap the second and third machines for the paper ballot optical scan - eScan.

A primary benefit of the eScan is of course the paper ballot. The paper ballot provides a paper record in the event of any disputes or lawsuits that might arise, and in the event a recount is needed.

As well, the time it takes to do a write-in on the eSlate is far more lengthy than on a paper ballot. Many people at the polls either weren't aware of the feature for the write-in process, or they simply chose not to do a write-in because of the difficulty and time consumption.

On a paper ballot, write-ins are less time consuming.

The eScan also presents the voter with the option to review a paper ballot before it is cast, and importantly, make any alterations, corrections before casting the ballot on the optical scan machine.

I have added informational material which I hope you will review. Please call if you have any questions.

Thank you for your time.

Dear Lancaster County Voter:

After several months of careful review, we have selected a new voting system for our voters. Beginning with the Primary Election in May 2006, the Hart Voting System will replace our lever machines. The new voting system has two components: the eScan for paper ballots and the eSlate for accessible voting. Both will be available at each polling place, so you may use either system.

The eScan is a precinct-based digital scanner for paper ballots and the eSlate is an accessible voting machine that ensures those who are blind or have low-vision, have limited or no upper-body mobility, and those who have difficulty reading can vote in privacy without any assistance. If you are an absentee voter, you will continue to vote by mail.

The purchase of this new system is necessary to comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) signed into law by the President on October 29, 2002. This law requires voting systems to be accessible so that all voters can cast a vote privately and independently, including those who are blind or who have mobility impairments. It also requires second-chance voting, giving voters a chance to review and change a vote or correct a ballot where an incorrect mark may have been made. Through HAVA, the federal government has appropriated funds to assist with the purchase of new systems.

http://www.cityoflancasterpa.com/lanco/cwp/view.asp?a=977&q=571742&pp=12&n=1

http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lanco/cwp/view.asp?a=977&q=571742

County's 550 new voting machines ready for debut
by Chad Umble - Lancaster New Era
published May 12, 2006

http://www.hartic.com/news/35

How to use

http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lanco/cwp/view.asp?a=977&q=571630

Hart Intercivic white paper

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2005_Jan_20/ai_n8701815

Q & A

http://www.hartic.com/pages/214

Pervious post included the following

Herald Standard article clip

Fayette budget holds tax rate steady
By Amy Zalar, Herald-Standard
01/01/2008
Updated 01/02/2008

...Following adoption of the budget, Zimmerlink spoke about the need to purchase additional electronic voting machines in advance of the April presidential primary. She said when the commissioners initially purchased the 268 machines following a federal mandate that deemed lever machines illegal, at the time they believed there were enough machines for the county's 103 precincts.

However, in the four elections since purchase of the machines, Zimmerlink said the number of negative comments has increased. Following the November election, numerous individuals complained about the long wait time at some precincts.

Zimmerlink said after speaking with a representative of Hart Intercivic, she asked Vicites and commissioner-elect Vincent Zapotosky to respond about purchasing new machines, but then did not get a response.

"I think we need to make a decision on the purchasing of machines," Zimmerlink said.

Following Zimmerlink's comments, Vicites said he is prepared to purchase more machines.

"We put money in the budget. I think we have to get more machines. A presidential year always has a higher turnout," Vicites said.

Zimmerlink said the commissioners put a minimum of $170,000 to use for additional voting machines.

Both Zimmerlink and Vicites said additional outreach is needed to teach voters how to use the electronic machines. Zimmerlink said she wants to make a decision soon about purchasing more machines, although she acknowledged that Zapotosky couldn't really take action until taking office on Jan. 4...

http://www.heraldstandard.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19159657&BRD=2280&PAG=461&dept_id=480247&rfi=6

Tribune Review article clip

Fayette County holds line on taxes
By Liz Zemba
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Fayette County commissioners on Monday passed a budget for 2008 that holds the line on taxes...

Commissioners included $170,000 in the budget for electronic voting machines, said Angela Zimmerlink, commissioner chairwoman.

Zimmerlink said her research has shown that 45 to 55 machines are needed to help reduce waiting times at polls. She added that voting lines will be cut by continuing public demonstrations of the devices and training poll workers.

Zimmerlink said she wants the board to approve the purchase during the next several days to expedite delivery.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/fayette/s_545372.html

Related

Dear Lancaster County Voter:

After several months of careful review, we have selected a new voting system for our voters. Beginning with the Primary Election in May 2006, the Hart Voting System will replace our lever machines. The new voting system has two components: the eScan for paper ballots and the eSlate for accessible voting. Both will be available at each polling place, so you may use either system.

The eScan is a precinct-based digital scanner for paper ballots and the eSlate is an accessible voting machine that ensures those who are blind or have low-vision, have limited or no upper-body mobility, and those who have difficulty reading can vote in privacy without any assistance. If you are an absentee voter, you will continue to vote by mail.

The purchase of this new system is necessary to comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) signed into law by the President on October 29, 2002. This law requires voting systems to be accessible so that all voters can cast a vote privately and independently, including those who are blind or who have mobility impairments. It also requires second-chance voting, giving voters a chance to review and change a vote or correct a ballot where an incorrect mark may have been made. Through HAVA, the federal government has appropriated funds to assist with the purchase of new systems.

http://www.cityoflancasterpa.com/lanco/cwp/view.asp?a=977&q=571742&pp=12&n=1

http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lanco/cwp/view.asp?a=977&q=571742

County's 550 new voting machines ready for debut
by Chad Umble - Lancaster New Era
published May 12, 2006

http://www.hartic.com/news/35

How to use

http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lanco/cwp/view.asp?a=977&q=571630

Hart Intercivic white paper

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2005_Jan_20/ai_n8701815

Q & A

http://www.hartic.com/pages/214