Good catch Joe, yes I am one of the founders of Electra. I am very glad to see an intrest for the Townie ... and I like to read eveybodies opinion, because it will help us to make better bikes and get more people to ride.
We have been making bikes for the casual rider for 11 years, because we belive there is a ton of people who would love to make cycling part of their live without becoming a serious cyclist. And in many cases we have introduced people to cycling by making it fun and not scary - many of these people became serious cyclists after all. If you get a change try one yourself ... oh and yes unlike recumbents you can stand up while riding up hill.