Politics & Government

Letter to the Editor: Good News is not News

County Commissioner Terence Farrell talks about collective dedication in Chester County.

Good news is not news!

Recent swearing-in ceremonies for Chester County Elected Officials and Common Pleas Judges didn’t make TV and radio headline news.  That’s because (to turn around a well-known phrase) “good news is no news.” In Chester County, the same three-member Board of Commissioners that held the line on taxes for 2012, and that maintained one of the lowest tax levels in Southeastern PA, remains dedicated to providing top-level services and programs for citizens.  

As Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, I will continue to work with Commissioner Kathi Cozzone and Commissioner Ryan Costello to exercise tight control over spending, to look at ways to streamline our operations and find new ways to deliver services efficiently.  This won’t be without its challenges, with cuts in federal funding, and the announcement by the Governor of a $160 million spending freeze and recognition that state revenues are down by nearly half a billion dollars.   The “trickle down” effect of this recession continues to hit residents in many ways – including the decision to close Catholic schools in the region that has brought sadness and disappointment to many families. 

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Chester County’s financial strength has weathered the challenges faced over the past four years, and will continue to withstand them.  We are blessed to be one of the most highly educated and wealthiest counties in the Commonwealth, and ratings agencies Moody’s Investors Service, Standard and Poor’s and Fitch Ratings have reaffirmed our Aaa and AAA ratings, which will allow us to fund our capital program at a lower cost to the taxpayer. 

Chester County’s 2012 capital program includes two major projects that reflect the top priority identified by Chester County citizens as part of our strategic plan – public safety.  Funding has been allocated for the new Public Safety Training Facility, located in South Coatesville, as well as the new Emergency Services Radio System.  Both projects will be of great benefit, not only to the thousands of Chester County Emergency Services personnel and volunteers who serve our residents, but ultimately to every one of us.

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But not all of Chester County’s noted accomplishments and achievements can be solely credited to the “governing body.”  Dedicated groups and individuals abound - Chambers of Commerce, charitable organizations, educational entities, emergency services personnel and thousands of individual volunteers provide the framework that makes Chester County great.  It is the real power of collective dedication that is the key to why Chester County continues to thrive.  I look forward to being a part of this collective effort over the next four years.

Terence Farrell

Chairman

Chester County Board of Commissioners


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