In a message dated 11/2/04 3:50:05 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
My understanding is that polling places in Philadelphia receive a flat fee of $200 which is definitely not worth the hassle or liability exposure.�
Jonathan A. Cass
Before my building at 4728 Baltimore became the Vientiane Cafe, it was a polling place in one election. I don't remember the fee exactly, but I think Jonathan has it about right, and it definitely was an experience which was more hassle than financial reward. Since it was an empty storefront in the middle of renovations, it had to be all cleaned up for voting, so some of the polling place rental fee was spent in advance, on cleaning. Then, the folks who deliver the voting machines tell you an approximate delivery time but don't show up till hours later, so you end up spending a lot of time (which also has a cost) waiting around in your empty building. Then when they do show up, they're rude and careless. And at that point you realize you're going to have to go through it all over again when it's time for them to come back and take the machines away. Then it takes months for the city to send a check. And all that other stuff Craig mentioned about donations and favors - maybe it happens somewhere, but don't let him tell you it ALWAYS happens. There was nothing like that going on at 4728 Baltimore Ave. I was approached because the St. Francis deSales auditorium was undergoing repair and the polling place had to be moved to another location.
I'm not sure what television station will be on at the Abbraccio restaurant and bar tonight, but I think it will be a great place to be among friends on a stressful night. Hope to see a lot of you there! By the way, they serve dinner till 10, and there are always free munchies at the bar.
Melani Lamond
