Bill Scott for Mayor of West Chester

In the years since I ran for Borough Council in 1997, I've become very aware and appreciative of the contributions West Chester University students make to our town. These students are good, helpful neighbors who keep their rentals presentable, don't disturb others, and regularly interact pleasantly with their neighbors.

These are not the off-campus student minority (and associated non-student hangers on) responsible for the noise, boisterousness, vandalism and even serious property damage we hear about all too often. Our highly capable Police Force is dealing with these problems effectively, but it is a difficult and ongoing challenge.

Since the Mayor is the only elected official responsible for supervising police administration, I will continue to discuss my positions with respect to police protection. But, at this moment, I want to focus on the students who deserve our thanks.

A good number of formally-organized student groups engage in programs that greatly benefit others, including Borough residents. With pleasure, I've attended and even participated in quite a few such events; e.g., (from top) the Sigma Pi presentation of $1500 to PAL (Police Athletic League), the WCU Honors College Aid to South Africa Benefit, and the annual Care for Kids Carnival by Kappa Delta Rho, Delta Zeta, and Phi Sigma Sigma.

Protecting our Environment in West Chester

Back in 2002, while Bill Scott was on Borough Council, West Chester resolved to participate in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, sponsored by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). Four years after that promising start, the Borough established the ad hoc BLUER (Borough Leaders United for Emissions Reduction) committee.

Now, after thousands of hours of volunteer work, the BLUER committee is scheduled to present its Climate Action Plan to Borough Council this Wednesday, April 15, from 6 to 7 PM at Borough Hall. We urge all concerned citizens to attend this very important meeting. West Chester has taken a lead on this critical effort, and BLUER is helping lead the way for West Chester.

Cleaning Up for Earth Day

You can also help keep West Chester clean by participating in the 4th Annual Chester Creek Earth Day this Saturday, April 18, by helping to clean up Goose Creek.

Then there's the ALL PARK CLEANUP, sponsored by West Chester Recreation, 9 to 11 AM, Saturday, April 25th. Eleven parks right in the borough of West Chester, and you can select a park! To sign up call (610) 436-9010.

Members of Bill's team will be down at the creek and at the park right in front of his home, along with members of Friends of Marshall Square Park, another community organization Bill helped to get off the ground in 2005.

We are pleased to announce the endorsement of Bill's candidacy by Holly Brown, Borough Council Member from the First Ward. Many also know Holly as the owner of KALY, 37 West Gay Street, one of the longest-lived shops in our downtown. Holly has been a very active member of the West Chester community, working alongside Bill many times for the good of our town.

If you don't know Holly, you can visit Holly's website from her run for Borough Council in 2005.

Also, this Friday, May Day, we're asking you to join us at a party to celebrate the blooming of Spring and to help Bill Scott become the next Mayor of our beautiful town. (Click on the Events button above for details.)

Holly's letter below explains why Bill Scott is The Right Choice for West Chester.

April 25, 2009

An election like no other will be held this May 19th. For the first time since I can remember, the Democratic Party primary winner will likely be the next Mayor of West Chester. Because I have worked with Bill Scott for almost fifteen years on Borough issues, and I know just how hard he has worked on your behalf, I am asking you to help get Bill elected Mayor.

I have often said that running for office is not a popularity contest. It is a time to look past all the pretty rhetoric—for substance, history and accomplishments.

In the past, as both a private citizen and an elected public official, Bill has accomplished so much:

• Bill and the Citizens Business Alliance worked closely more than twelve years ago to fight developers who wanted to eliminate all height and design ordinances in the Borough.
  
• Bill worked to develop a new trash policy and recycling policy.
  
• And, whether or not you like the new Justice Center, it is where it is now because Bill worked tirelessly to prevent it from being built right in the center of town where we would have lost a big inventory of historic properties.

My decision really boils down to one thing: who do I want to be the civilian steward of the police department; who do I want to be in a key seat to help direct operations if there should be an emergency declared in West Chester? It is someone I know who will be there every time he is needed. Someone who is not afraid to make unpopular decisions that are necessary. Someone who will make the right decisions for the town and ALL its citizens, not just the interests of a special few.

Please help me in supporting Bill Scott for Mayor of West Chester. Bill will not be taking any support from large developers or special interest groups. Literature and mailings are expensive, and only weeks remain to communicate Bill's message; if you can contribute, please do so now. If you can put up a yard sign, please do so now. And lastly, please remember to vote for Bill Scott for Mayor on Tuesday, May 19th.

Sincerely,

Holly V. Brown