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Paul Harner Wins Liberty Township Supervisor Seat Unseating Incumbent

Paul Harner, a write-in candidate running against PRDs and for more
responsible development, won the open seat on the Liberty Township Board of
Supervisors. Although all write-in ballots have not been tabulated, at this
time it appears he won over incumbent Charles Alexander by more than a 65
percent majority.

Paul's victory is solid proof that Liberty Township as a whole is deeply
concerned about land use issues. The precinct had the highest turnout in
Adams County--51 percent. Paul will be sworn in at the January supervisors'
meeting.

Harner opposes a 1,140-home planned residential development that could triple the township's population if approved.

"It doesn't retain a rural area and it doesn't help the environment there," he said." It's a suburb. It will result in major infrastructure changes."

Alexander, a plumber and a farmer, has served as a supervisor since 1998. Prior to becoming a supervisor, he was a member of the Fairfield Area School District board for eight years.

Harner, a retired aeronautical engineer, decided to run a write-in campaign in early October. If elected, he said he'd like to update the township's zoning ordinance to eliminate planned residential developments to ensure Liberty Township retains a rural environment.

Last week the township's planning commission voted 3-2 to recommend supervisors eliminate that type of development from the current zoning rules.

"This agricultural, rural area does not need planned residential developments," Harner said. "supervisors must make decisions on upcoming developments based on whether the plan complies with the zoning ordinance, not just their opinions."

And Harner said the plan for the Community of Liberty ­ the 1,140-unit housing development ­ does not meet the zoning ordinance.

In addition to keeping planned residential developments out of the township, Harner also would like to adopt a uniform building code for the township to assure new buildings are structurally sound, keep taxes reasonable and put the public's welfare first.

"Also, I want open communication," he said. "Township supervisors should let people know about what's going on."

Harner proposes mailing municipal news to the residents monthly or bi-monthly. While campaigning, he said he has found a lot of people with questions about township business.

"They don't know what's going on," he said.

Harner said in addition to his administrative background and communication skills, he knows how to make, read and meet a budget. In 1991, he won a distinguished executive award from former President George Bush.

"I have never run (for election) or assisted with the administration of a township. However, my background is certainly something that would help in this area," Harner said.

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