County Commissioner Association of Pennsylvania announces officer elections

Terence Farrell re-elected to CCAP Board as District 5 Representative for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties

(Harrisburg, PA–August 18)—The County Commissioner Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) has elected Jo Ellen Litz, a Lebanon county commissioner, as the 2012 president of the Association during its 125^th Annual Conference, which concluded Wednesday in Somerset  County Pennsylvania. Litz’s term begins January 1.

Other county officials elected to be leaders of the Association include Christian Leinbach, Berks County commissioner, first vice president; Pamela Snyder, Greene County commissioner, second vice president; and Joseph Kantz, Snyder County commissioner, treasurer.

Elected as district representatives were: District 1 Representative Basil Huffman, Forest County commissioner; District 2 Representative Joe Spanik, Beaver County commissioner; District 3 Representative Bob Thomas, Franklin County commissioner; District 4 Representative Jeff Wheeland, Lycoming County commissioner;  District 5 Representative Terence Farrell, Chester County commissioner; District 6 Representative Scott Martin, Lancaster County commissioner and District 7 Representative Mark Smith, Bradford County commissioner.

CCAP is the voice of county government, a statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan Association representing all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. CCAP membership includes the county commissioners, council members, county executives, administrators, chief clerks and solicitors. CCAP strengthens the counties’ abilities to govern their own affairs and to improve the well-being and quality of life for every Pennsylvania resident. It advocates for favorable state and federal legislation, programs and policies on behalf of counties. CCAP is committed to service excellence through education, information, insurance, technology and other programs that support effective county government.

Founded in 1886, CCAP is an affiliate of the National Association of Counties. CCAP celebrates its 125^th Anniversary in 2011.

For more information about Pennsylvania’s counties and CCAP, log on to www.pacounties.org.

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By Terence Farrell

Due to the longest and most severe economic recession since the Great Depression, the prospects for strong and sustainable growth are uncertain. The lingering effects of losses in the stock market and declining home values, combined with declining real wages and elevated unemployment, will impact Chester County, both directly and indirectly. Therefore, the development of the county’s next budget will require continued tough choices to deliver high quality essential services in the most cost effective manner.

Federal and state grants make up more than forty percent of revenues to support programs for county residents. As the state and federal governments reduce funding for such services, many of which are mandated, the financial burden is shifted to local governments. Chester County’s tax base has declined for the second straight year which means fewer revenues to support services for our community. In addition, the second largest local revenue source, interest income, has also declined by almost $2 million.

Revenues for the county have declined while the cost and demand for services have increased. The challenge is now to preserve the most essential services for Chester County citizens. Therefore, the county has confronted these difficult economic challenges with reductions in the operating budget, the elimination of more than 150 positions, privatization of services, consolidation of departments, innovative pension reforms, healthcare plan modifications, improved workforce productivity and elimination of inefficiencies, and salary freezes for employees for the last two years.

At the same time, the county has maintained and strengthened its strong financial condition by attaining Triple-A ratings from all three major bond rating agencies. These ratings place Chester County in the top 1 percent of counties in the United States.

Finally, our strategic planning process referred to as “Managing for Results (MFR)” will assist in critical resource allocation choices. In short, MFR is a customer oriented, results-focused and data driven performance management system which will provide more accountability to the public with regard to services provided by Chester County.

The 2012 budget is a work in progress, and we will continue throughout the year to meet the challenges required of the Chester County government and the mandated services the county provides in these tough economic times. However, success in overcoming those challenges and meeting the goal of no tax increase must be a cooperative effort between the elected officials in Chester County and the citizens and taxpayers of the county. Some services may be cut and everyone will need to do as much, or for that matter more, with less. That is a product of our economic times in order to be fiscally responsible.

Terence Farrell is Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Chester County.   He can be contacted at Commissioner@TerenceFarrell.com.

Commissioners Costello & Farrell cut the ribbon for the new Oxford Area Recreation Field

WEST CHESTER, PA – Chester County Commissioners Ryan Costello and Terence Farrell joined local officials, directors of the Oxford Area Recreation Authority and area residents on May 10th at a celebration marking the grand opening of the Oxford Area Recreation Fields.  The event marked the completion of the first phase of the 68 acre recreational site, consisting of a multi-purpose field, a little league field, parking, loop trail, and a pavilion.

“This site is a testament to what can be accomplished when energetic citizens who want to make a difference in their communities work together toward a common goal,” said Terence Farrell, Chairman of the Chester County Board of Commissioner, who was raised in the Oxford area.  “This process began more than a decade ago with a vision.  Through the cooperation of county and municipal official, and the perseverance of authority directors, that vision is now becoming a reality.”

“These recreational fields will be a tremendous asset to the local communities, residents, and children for generations to come,” said Chester County Commissioner Ryan Costello.  “Having worked on a park project as a Supervisor in East Vincent Township, I know how much commitment and coordination it takes to make an effort like this successful.  This site will be home to a first-class recreational complex that has helped to preserve open space and will enhance the quality of life for local residents.”

Chester County has worked closely with the local municipalities in acquiring the property that compose the 68 acre site, as well as funding the first phase of the recreational area.  In 2000, Chester County awarded two separate grants of $250,000 each to Oxford Borough and East Nottingham Township ($500,000 total) to help acquire the 68 acres known at that time as the Gray Farm. In 2006, Chester County awarded the Oxford Area Recreation Authority (consisting of Elk, East Nottingham, West Nottingham, and Lower Oxford Townships and Oxford Borough) an additional $250,000 for Phase 1 development.

Terence Farrell is Chairman of the Chester County Board of Commissioners.  He was raised in the Oxford area and is the first Commissioner from Southern Chester County in over thirty years.  Ryan Costello is a Chester County Commissioner and life-long resident of Chester County.  He previously served as Recorder of Deeds in Chester County from 2008 through 2011.  Costello also served 6 years on the East Vincent Township Board of Supervisors, including 4 years as Chairman of the Board.  Costello is a graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School, Ursinus College, and Villanova Law School.

Terence Farrell was elected Chairman of the Chester County Board of Commissioners at the county reorganizational meeting on Tuesday, January 4th.

“We need to use the economic challenges facing Chester County to refocus our efforts to make Chester County government leaner and more efficient in the coming year,” Farrell said. “During the past three years that I’ve been a Chester County Commissioner, county government has worked hard to eliminate waste and give citizens the best value possible for each tax dollar spent.”

Farrell said the county will utilize the results of its strategic planning process to decide how services are delivered to residents. “The county must adhere to its mission and prioritize, downsize and privatize when it makes sense for the citizens. We will continue to provide essential, valuable services at the lowest cost possible.”

Commissioner Farrell celebrated Veterans Day at Ashbridge Manor in Downingtown with veterans who served as far back as World War II and as recent as the Iraq War. He was joined by World War II Veteran Jesse L. Thomas who is one of the four surviving marines who raised the American flag in Okinawa on July 6, 1946.

Farrell and Thomas are pictured with Downingtown Mayor Josh Maxwell at the Ashbridge Senior Living Center.

Statement by Commissioner Terence Farrell at the Chester County Sunshine meeting on November 15, 2010

On Veterans’ Day – November 11, last Thursday – I was privileged to be asked to speak to a group of about 50 veterans who gathered at Ashbridge Manor in Downingtown. Included in their number was Jesse L. Thomas, a Marine veteran of World War II, who is one of the last four Marines who raised the flag on Okinawa on June 6, 1946. It was a great honor to be there and to hear the stories of these brave veterans.

I was reminded that for a decade now our nation’s troops have been defending our freedom in foreign lands, far from family, home and loved ones. October 7, 2010, marked the ninth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Afghanistan, and we are now entering the tenth year of that conflict. In recognition of the sacrifices that have been made by our armed forces, I think it is appropriate and fitting that we do something to remember and honor our troops and their families not just on Veterans’ Day.

To that purpose, I propose that we, the Commissioners of Chester County, sponsor a winter holiday display for the upcoming season dedicated to our troops and to the principles of freedom, liberty and peace they have pledged to protect and defend.

While Santa and his reindeer should be there along with other festive and traditional symbols of the season, I also want the display to play a role in reminding all of us of the sacrifices that have been made by those who have fought and still fight for our freedom.

Let us emulate what other local governments have done over the years and acknowledge the lights of the seasons as festive symbols of the flame of liberty first lit in this great country.

As Americans, we are all keepers of that flame. Let the celebration of peace and the spirit of goodwill inherent in the holiday season also be recognized and fostered greatly this year. Our nation has gone through difficult times and many are in need of comfort. As the holiday season approaches, let us rekindle the spirit that brings peace to the heart, joy to our souls, and happiness to our minds.

I ask for your support in this and will move the Resolution at our Commissioners’ meeting Thursday that we, the County of Chester, acquire and display on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse appropriate symbols of the season with an acknowledgement that we dedicate our display to our troops, to liberty, and to our legacy of freedom.

Commissioner Farrell welcomes Philadelphia Mayor Nutter, Montgomery and Bucks County Commissioners, and the Delaware County Council to beautiful Chester County for the Metropolitan Caucus meeting at Longwood Gardens.

Commissioner Farrell honored Chester County’s veterans at the Phoenixville Bridge renaming ceremony

On Friday, Commissioner Terence Farrell, joined by Commissioner Cozzone, Veterans Affairs Director Paul Andriole, local veterans and other officials, celebrated the renaming of the new Gay Street Bridge in Phoenixville to the Veterans Memorial Gay Street Bridge.

“This bridge now memorializes the sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, especially those living here in the Phoenixville area and across Chester County,” said Farrell. “I’m proud to celebrate their courage and remember their sacrifice.” The Board of Commissioners issued a citation in honor of the new veterans’ memorial bridge, in remembrance of those local citizens who served in the United States Armed Services.

To view the newspaper article, please visit Daily Local News.

Terence Farrell joins students in dedication of new school

Commissioner Farrell helps the Montessori students dedicate their new school in Valley Forge.