Bruce Jones Letter

Where does the money come from? The $13.3 million for a new library and $12.6 million for the new fire headquarters/station/communications building are proven high demand community amenities, yet people ask,” Where did they get the $25.9 million?” The great news is that new taxes are not required, our fire levy fund was not funded down — necessitating a new, more expensive fire levy, sooner — because many of us made a genuinely fiscally conservative decision 5 years ago. You may recall, following our successful petition drive, many of you voted to save the $34 million in TIF money they proposed spending on one recreation center. Both the new fire station and this incredible new library are tangible evidence of a promise fulfilled in my Trustee campaign 4 years ago to “make higher priorities possible.” Otherwise, of the $43 million available in UCB TIF fund borrowing capacity, $34 million would have been depleted, leaving $9 million. To say nothing of the millions since spent for required improvements to and widening of the Union Centre Blvd. infrastructure, the funds clearly would not have been available for either a new library or fire safety complex. Because of this fact, as well as the fact we do not bear an ongoing rec center budgetary burden, as evidenced by the Mason experience, I’ve since heard countless advocates of the rec center express a sigh of relief that the center was voted down. The bottom line is, that was a battle we all won. Sometimes battles are necessary. However, to look at the vitriolic debates on the state and national stages, the controversies in our county, the nasty whisper campaigns of our local elections and challenges in our personal lives, there can be just too much. For me, it is a season for something other than political infighting. As I promised in a previous campaign, the possibility of higher priorities is in fact being realized. I continue to seek an environment that realizes our community opportunities, building bridges, realizing common success . . . in the middle. That environment just isn’t there, now. Bruce Jones will not be a candidate for West Chester Trustee. I can do that. Rather, I’ll be pulling up a chair right next to you, listening intently to what the candidates have done for us in the past and what they can do for us in the future. Though the Board of Elections has stated they cannot remove my name from the electronic voting machines, please remember Bruce Jones is not a candidate for West Chester Trustee this November 3rd. I’ve at least met all but 1 of the 9 candidates for West Chester Trustee and believe each of them to be people of fine character, very caring for our community, and many eager to present their qualifications to you. There is one exception, however, I cannot help but address: Several weeks ago I briefly met Sean Rogers before a football game. He impressed me as a fine young man, though very uncomfortable with the role he’s been cast as a candidate, obviously not of his choosing. I along with so many others fine it very disturbing that this young man must be forced to publicly bear a cross not of his doing. Kay, in the name of decency, please let Sean realize the God given dignity he personally deserves. Though not apparent to you, this is just too obvious to so many of us.

I have by no means given up. Bruce Jones will always believe in West Chester, where I grew up, returned to raise my daughters, and look forward to continue sharing this time on our Lords’ earth together. I actually enjoy growing older and, considering my community involvement with many of you, believe I am doing so with some of the finest people on the planet. With a spirit of humility, I hope my future service meets your expectations. There’s always tomorrow. Yes, I’ll meet you there. Bruce Jones West Chester