Bill Scott for Mayor of West Chester http://www.votebillscott.org/ en Copyright 2009 Fri, 15 May 2009 17:28:34 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Jim Jones endorses Bill Scott for Mayor I have taken so long to write about this, because I needed the time to sort out my feelings about [Bill Scott and Carolyn Comitta] as people, and weigh that against my understanding of what the Borough needs from its mayor. ...I am casting my vote for Bill Scott at Tuesday's primary. Read On My Mind (May 15) below (key points) to learn why Borough Council member Jim Jones chose Bill Scott and why ...the kind of confrontation that Scott is willing to offer [will] make a great mayor for West Chester. And visit Jim at WCJIM.COM. On My Mind (May 15) by Jim Jones As numerous people have pointed out to me, I can not claim to comment on important Borough issues without saying something about the Democratic mayoral primary. As everyone probably knows by now, there are two people competing for the nomination, and no Republican has surfaced to challenge the winner in November. That means next Tuesday's vote will determine the next mayor of West Chester, so there's no doubt that the issue is important enough to deserve comment. I have known Bill Scott since 1997 when he ran for his first term on Borough Council, and I have known Carolyn Comitta since 2005 when she ran for Council during my own campaign for mayor. I have worked with both of them, I like both of them, and I don't want to hurt the feelings of either of them. That's why I have taken so long to write about this, because I needed the time to sort out my feelings about them as people, and weigh that against my understanding of what the Borough needs from its mayor. For the past fifteen and a half years, the Borough has had two men serve as mayors who focused on acting as advocates for the police department. The police department needs an advocate because its officers operate at the vortex of a complex web of forces, both criminal and political, and sometimes have to make decisions on a split second's notice. That is why their training is so intense, and why having an advocate is a good thing. There are times when police officers need someone who understands the pressures they face and can explain their decisions to the public. But the mayor is also expected to serve as an advocate for the public when it has questions or concerns about the activities of the police department. That is ultimately the more difficult task, since it requires reading spreadsheets, studying reports, and developing trusting relationships with police administrators so that they can receive questions and suggestions without taking offense. The task is made difficult by the fact that police department activities generate an extraordinary amount of data and because officers know that mayors come and go. If a mayor presses too hard in an unpleasant direction, it is always possible to wait him or her out. With all of that in mind, I am casting my vote for Bill Scott at Tuesday's primary. His long experience on Borough Council as well as his eagerness to go beyond what was required — by participating in neighborhood activities, "showing his face" around town, and supporting events throughout the Borough — have given him an understanding of the personalities and issues that face our community. Please note: Bill and I have often disagreed, but he is always well informed and ready to hear a well-reasoned counter-argument. On more than one occasion, I have been able to change his mind, and on other occasions, he has done the same to me. Former mayor Clifford DeBaptiste, the Republican who served from 1996 to 2001, was quoted in yesterday's Daily Local News to the effect that "compared to Comitta, Scott would make a very confrontational mayor." What the article failed to mention was that Scott, along with many other people, confronted DeBaptiste — who otherwise did a pretty good job as mayor — because of his ties to a group of landlords who fought every effort to get them to clean up their act. Fortunately for the Borough, Scott and his supporters prevailed. If that's the kind of confrontation that Scott is willing to offer, he'll make a great mayor for West Chester.
— Jim Jones, Borough Council Member, Sixth Ward ]]> http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/05/jim_jones_endorses_bill_scott_1.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/05/jim_jones_endorses_bill_scott_1.html Fri, 15 May 2009 17:28:34 -0500 Resume R3 Rail Service to West Chester Resumption of R3 rail service to West Chester should be a top priority. West Chester University President, Greg Weisenstein, agreed, saying in a May 14th letter of support for the project, "Rail transportation has significant advantages over commuting by automobile. Sky-rocketing gas prices, the cost of parking and its limited availability, insurance expenses, and traffic congestion are all good reasons to choose rail service over the automobile. In addition, passengers are able to work and/or study while commuting. Just as important, however, the restoration of rail service to West Chester would provide valuable long-term benefits for the environment."

Here are the facts:

  • West Chester is the only county seat in suburban Philadelphia without rail service
  • It is "stimulus time" and this project should be funded now, but nobody is pushing for it hard enough — including the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), which has been tasked with drawing up a list of priority transportation projects for the region which are to receive Federal stimulus dollars (resumption of R3 service to West Chester tied for 8th place in a list of priority projects — the top five were recommended for funding, source: www.dvrpc.org)
  • We propose a small high-level WC based committee that would exist as long as necessary to lobby for the project. The TMACC and the DVRPC and all the townships that would benefit from the SEPTA commuter line must be organized to achieve the goal, but if WC doesn't take the lead, no one else will
  • Return of rail service will result in development of our West Chester terminus area and great benefit of our downtown and Borough, including less automobiles and congestion on Borough streets and area roads
  • Strong and historic support exists for the project from a broad-based group of business and civic leaders, as well as citizens and commuters
From every angle, this is the right project at the right time. As Mayor, it would be my responsibility to advance any cause that would be of benefit to the Borough, and I can't see any other project — economically, environmentally or from a quality-of-life standpoint — more compelling.]]> http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/05/resume_r3_service_to_west_ches_1.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/05/resume_r3_service_to_west_ches_1.html Thu, 14 May 2009 21:51:11 -0500 An Unpublished Letter to the Editor May 8, 2009 Daily Local News 250 North Bradford Avenue West Chester PA 19382 Editor: As the Mayoral election nears, the opposition to Bill Scott's candidacy is distorting the laudable approach he has taken to Borough issues during a fourteen year period. Bill is a strong advocate for what is best for the Borough and is willing to contradict even experts when he feels it is necessary to do so. He has the strength "to speak truth to power." Prior to his election to Council, Bill was a key player in protecting the citizenry's interests in the Friends Hall property transition to single family homes, the Barclay adaptation, and the Milner property transition, to name a few. Some proposed uses for these properties could have destroyed the quality of residential life in our neighborhood. Many of us considered moving from the Borough because the then Council's and Borough Administration's interests did not align with those of the Borough's residents. Bill's leadership and influence kept us here. His subsequent work on Council helped realign the Borough's policies and practices with the best interests of the residents. The First Ward is comprised of active community members from different political parties and people with a range of personalities and life styles. Republicans, Democrats, men, women, straight and gay support Bill based on their experiences through those trying times, his tireless work on Council, and his general community service. Bill energized and unified us and moved us forward. We elected him our Council representative twice. I am proud to call Bill Scott my neighbor and friend. I was proud to call him my Councilman. I will be proud to call him my Mayor. He stood with us during our very difficult times, and I will stand with him now as the unifying leader that he is. Patrick F. Moran 441 North Walnut Street West Chester PA 19380 http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/05/an_unpublished_letter_to_the_e.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/05/an_unpublished_letter_to_the_e.html Wed, 13 May 2009 14:38:26 -0500 One good sign deserves another, but we're just about out Bill Scott for Mayor lawn signs. Now only a handful remains—ask if you want one. Look closely; you'll see the word Mayor covering Chester County Commissioner. Because our campaign is Green, we recycled the leftovers from the 2007 Primary, through the clever conversion efforts of Lane Randall and Jim Salvas. With the economy being what it is, our grassroots campaign intends to continue spending wisely the generous contributions received from so many. Besides, since Bill came in first out of the four candidates in the 2007 primary, these signs are good luck. If you have helped the campaign by displaying a sign in your yard, thank you very much. Please make sure it stays on your private property as required by Borough ordinance. Your sign should be between the sidewalk and your house. If no sidewalk, the sign should be set back as if there were one. Many lawn signs for Bill's opponent—the candidate of the landlord industry, as opposed to single/small rentals—are multiple placements on properties of people who can't vote in the Democratic Primary. Signs don't vote. Our goal is votes, not signs. Some have felt the right to remove some of Bill's signs and probably his opponent's as well. Hopefully, we won't see any more of that. However, the election is a week from Tuesday, and we will be retrieving some of your signs for placement at the polls on Election Day, May 19th. Thank you again for your support. Jordan Norley Field Coordinator]]> http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/05/one_good_sign_deserves_another_1.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/05/one_good_sign_deserves_another_1.html Thu, 07 May 2009 22:28:29 -0500 Morning Show with Bill and Carolyn th, you can click here to hear the show. Tune in Tuesday, May 5, 2009, to WCHE, 1520 AM. Station Manager, Bill Mason, moderates a joint appearance by Bill Scott and Carolyn Comitta.]]> http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/05/morning_show_with_bill_and_car.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/05/morning_show_with_bill_and_car.html Mon, 04 May 2009 20:52:22 -0500 Looking Past the Pretty Rhetoric 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.
I can't list all of Bill's accomplishments in West Chester in this letter. It would be too long—I guess that's why we have websites like votebillscott.org. But I wanted to take this opportunity to repay Bill for all he has done, for me and for you, with an endorsement of his candidacy. 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]]> http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/04/holly_brown_endorses_bill_for.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/04/holly_brown_endorses_bill_for.html Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:20:59 -0500 Help Protect and Cleanup Our Earth 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. ]]> http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/04/earth_day_cleanup.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/04/earth_day_cleanup.html Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:37:07 -0500 Vast Majority of WCU students a plus for 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. ]]> http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/04/vast_majority_of_wcu_students_1.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/04/vast_majority_of_wcu_students_1.html Sun, 05 Apr 2009 18:40:20 -0500 Lynette & Jane's Excellent Event As the first major event of Bill's campaign for Mayor, we couldn't ask for better than our "Meet the Candidate" Saturday evening in Ward 2W at Magnolia Manor. The Norley home was packed with old friends, stalwart supporters, those just wanting to meet Bill for the first time. Hosts Lynette McGrath and Jane Norley had gathered nearly 50 of us for good food, great conversation and even some basketball (more on that later). Guests included State Representative Greg Vitali, West Chester Borough Council members Holly Brown and Cassandra Jones, East Whiteland Township Supervisor Bill Holmes, and other local figures. There were neighborhood association leaders like Marvin and Shirley Porter of the East End Neighborhood Association, Democratic Party officials and business leaders. But mostly, there were the regular folks who care enough about community to spend their time evaluating candidates. "Community" was surely the evening's theme, when I introduced Bill and which he emphasized in his speech. In fact, it is the theme of Bill's life, which has been devoted to the notion that service to country, family and community is a high ideal. More down to earth, this feeling of community was expressed Saturday night as plain old fun, as you can easily see from the SLIDESHOW I put together. The festive mood was elevated by the celebration of Linda Scott's birthday, Saturday also. But, the night's highlight was easily the heartfelt speech young Savannah Norley wrote and delivered from the "Obama Podium" (see blog entry below, Savvy's Speech). Not wanting the evening to end, we then turned off all non-essential lights to observe Earth Hour. West Chester was officially part of this global event due to a resolution written by Bill Scott, adopted verbatim and unanimously by Borough Council. So, out went most lights at Magnolia Manor leaving the glow of an essential TV tuned to the Villanova-Pitt game, which ended in a splendid win as Earth Hour closed and candles succumbed, once again, to electricity. What a night!]]> http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/03/lynette_janes_excellent_event_1.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/03/lynette_janes_excellent_event_1.html Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:03:49 -0500 Savvy's Speech It was a surprise finale to Bill's speech at the Open House given by The Norley's of Magnolia Manor. Savannah had written a speech for Bill and wanted to deliver it at Barack Obama's podium — Bill bought it from the sound crew the day Obama used it on his Whistle Stop in Downingtown, April 19, 2008. I really want Bill Scott to be mayor. Some resons are good for me, some for you, and some good for all of us.
A good reson for me is one day, Bill came into Homeworks where my art was hanging up. It was $13. It was $13 because next door there was a rabbit I wanted that was $13. So instead of paying, he bought this rabbit for me. Some good resons for us is he is GOING GREEN! We will have a better earth (or West Chester).
A reson for you is because he will care for our town. That is why I will vote for Bill! — Savannah N.]]> http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/03/savvys_speech_1.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/03/savvys_speech_1.html Sat, 28 Mar 2009 22:52:37 -0500 Bill Holmes Lauds Bill Scott "I believe in the adage that people are measured for what they give in life and not what they get. Bill Scott's entire life has been one of service; service to his country, service to his family and service to the Borough of West Chester. Bill takes all things seriously except himself, which is a quality that has always allowed Bill to focus on doing good with little concern about looking good. Bill's endless reservoir of optimism drives him to think big while his experience gives him the ability to make big things happen. It is this unique combination of selflessness, enthusiasm and experience that will benefit all residents of West Chester if they elect Bill Scott as the next Mayor of West Chester." — Bill Holmes, East Whiteland Township Supervisor]]> http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/03/bill_holmes_laudes_bill_scott_1.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/03/bill_holmes_laudes_bill_scott_1.html Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:48:07 -0500 Ides of March, 2009 Our dad is Bill Scott and today is his birthday. We thought that the best gift we could give dad today is to share with you our thoughts about him. Dad represented us in the First Ward for eight years on Borough Council and was elected President of Council. If you lived here the first time he ran, you might remember him knocking on your door to see how he could help you in the First Ward. Rose was in high school and drove around an old car painted with his slogans, and the whole family helped out at the polls. We were somewhat surprised (but ecstatic!) that he won that first race. Dad has worked tirelessly to improve West Chester, whether in office or not. He was instrumental in helping us attain our Eagle Scout and the Girl Scout Gold Awards, with both of our final projects benefiting the Borough. He works for Historic Preservation, and helped to stop any over-developing of our neighborhood. He has also worked to benefit our parks and Library. The Mayor's chief responsibility is to oversee the administration of the Police Department, something our dad would excel at. He was a US Army Intelligence Officer with top secret clearance. He volunteered for duty in Vietnam where he served as a JAG prosecutor. He's always the first to contact and work with the police when there is trouble in the neighborhood. Dad knows everything there is to know about West Chester (try him!); he truly loves this town and is always trying to make it a better place. We live in the Borough too and want dad to be OUR mayor as well as yours. Please vote for Dad on Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Thanks. Your neighbors, Rose & Henri Scott]]> http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/03/ides_of_march_2009_1.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/03/ides_of_march_2009_1.html Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:23:17 -0500 Bill Scott holds press conference about police department expansion Daily Local News article covered Bill's press conference about this issue.]]> http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/03/bill_scott_holds_press_confere.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/03/bill_scott_holds_press_confere.html Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:54:26 -0500 The 2009 West Chester Democratic Primary Will Matter Bill Scott Is The Right Choice February 23, 2009 In this issue: The Right Choice for Democrats, Women, and West Chester Read more...]]> http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/03/the_2009_west_chester_democrat.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/03/the_2009_west_chester_democrat.html Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:21:43 -0500 Photo Gallery Here are a few photos of Mayoral candidate Bill Scott doing his thing both here and in Washington. Attending the Presidential Inaugural... Barack Obama's was the fourth presidential inauguration Bill has attended, going all the way back to John F. Kennedy's in 1961. This photo shows Bill with daughter, Rose, and son, Henri, in this year's standing-room-only crowd. Taking the Polar Plunge... For the second straight year, Bill participated in the Brandywine Valley Association's Polar Plunge 2009, which raised over $17,000 for BVA's conservation efforts in the watershed. In a playful mood, Bill challenged his opponent to also take the plunge and said, "It is important for West Chester's new mayor, as the elected civilian overseer of the West Chester Police Department, to possess nerves of icy steel and be willing to weather any circumstance." Before the Plunge, the Bill-Scott-for-Mayor Team — Rose Scott, Susan Spaulding, Jamie Manos, and Cindy Baek — posed with Bill on the banks of the Brandywine. The "tattoo," BVA 33, was to show support for Brandywine Valley Association at 33 degrees, stamped at the highest level you plunged. If you went totally under, it went on your forehead or the top of your back. All but one went under water, including Bill. Rose and her friends made the T-shirts using one of my photos. Linda Scott stayed onshore with hot towels. Visiting Lincoln on his Birthday And, of course, you know Bill wouldn't miss the 200th celebration of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. He marked the occasion by posing with our 16th President (well, a cutout) at The Lincoln Room in the Borough on Market Street.]]> http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/02/photo_gallery.html http://www.votebillscott.org/2009/02/photo_gallery.html Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:48:08 -0500