YORK COUNTY'S THIRD PARTY CANDIDATE
MAKES MARK AT STATE TREASURER DEBATE

THE YORK DISPATCH, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1996 YORK, PA

by Heidi Russell - The Associated Press

While Republican Barbara Hafer and Democrat Mina BakerKnoll exchanged the usual campaign barbs, a Bible toter fromYork County and an architect urged voters to considercandidates from lesser-known political parties during aradio debate for the state treasurer race.

Hafer and Knoll, who have clashed frequently during thecampaign, remained the focal point of the latest debate.But they had to share the limelight with ConstitutionalParty candidate Dean Snyder and Libertarian candidate JohnFamularo. Reform party candidate Michael Klein did not participate.

"Glory be to God," said Snyder, of North Codorus, whosaid the Bible would guide how he manages taxpayers' money."If you're fed up with status quo politics, so am I."

The debate, sponsored by the Pennsylvania League of WomenVoters, was featured on WHYY - FM's program, "Radio Times,"and broadcast statewide.

THE JOB: There are no job qualifications for thestate treasurer, whose chief duties include investing statefunds, processing unemployment checks, issuing statepaychecks and paying the state's bills.

In another debate earlier this month, Hafer and Knollsparred viciously, but last night they politely kept to amoderator's questions. They repeated past accusations,bickering over a promise that Hafer made four years agoduring her campaign for auditor general and whether Knollhad accepted contributions from out-of-state.

Hafer harped on Knoll's decision to run for thePennsylvania office after spending the past 18 years in NewYork City.

Knoll, daughter of incumbent Treasurer Catherine BakerKnoll, hit back by accusing Hafer of trying to divertattention from her qualifications.

SNYDER'S STAND: Snyder, a leader of a York Countytaxpayer group and retired Air Force officer, focused on hiscampaign platform that values and biblical principles wereneeded in the office. He said he shares theConstitutional Party's anti-abortion stance and the right ofcitizens to own guns.

"It's clear the more we get away from ourbiblical teachings, the more problems we have," he said."When important decisions come up, I will pray andask for guidance."

Contributed by Jesse C. Wagner II