Local politicians and volunteers working the polls in Chalfont, Bucks County were disappointed at the low turnout at this morning elections. With the polls open for a little over two hours, only fifty people actually showed up to place their vote.
State Representative Chuck McIlhinney (R) said he would surprised if even 30 percent of the voting population decides to show up today.
Volunteers working the polls claim part of the poor turnout could be due to rainy weather as of this morning. Others say that since this is an off year election many people don’t feel that it is as important as the Presidential or Senatorial Election.
Major issues facing the Bucks County Candidates are Open Space, Route 202 traffic and continuing development in the area.
Meanwhile, in New Britain, Bucks County, Jim Scanzillo - Republican running for re-election for New Britain Township Supervisor - has been a resident for 21 years and has been serving the public for the past 18 years. A major issue he plans to address is control on development. He feels that all the other problems such as congestion and traffic stem from excessive development.
Scanzillo’s opponent, Democrat John Mihalich proposes to address the same issue as his opponent, but in addition he would like to curb taxes and provide an open government.
Recently the Bucks County area has been seeing an increase in the Democratic voters. This may pose a threat to Scanzillo reelection. Scanzillo said in an interview, “It’s not about politics it’s about public service.” He assures the community despite what party an individual may identify with, he is here to serve the people.
Voter Tom Garon is a high school senior and a registered Democrat. Although he considers himself to be a liberal, when it comes time to vote he will not let this influence his decisions.
“I wouldn’t vote for the people who I didn’t think could do a good job,” said Garon. “Local government elections are just as important as the Presidential elections.”
Candidates throughout the county share Garon's opinion and want all people to know that all local government elections are important regardless of the township or borough.
Megan Gaffney is a senior at Temple University majoring in Broadcast Journalism. Megan will be talking to voters in Chalfont, Bucks County about issues that will affect who they vote for in the races for County Commissioner. She will be talking to a local state representative who is not up for re-election about the political situation in Bucks --- both issues and the future of the Republican stronghold on the county.