8/14/2019 Bruce Jones Letter
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Where does the money come from? The $13.3 million for a new
library and $12.6million for the new fire
headquarters/station/communications building are proven highdemand
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 agenuinely fiscally conservative decision 5 years
ago. You may recall, following oursuccessful petition drive, many
of you voted to save the $34 million in TIF money theyproposed
spending on one recreation center. Both the new fire station and
this incrediblenew library are tangible evidence of a promise
fulfilled in my Trustee campaign 4 yearsago to make higher
priorities possible.
Otherwise, of the $43 million available in UCB TIF fund
borrowing capacity, $34 millionwould have been depleted, leaving $9
million. To say nothing of the millions since spentfor required
improvements to and widening of the Union Centre Blvd.
infrastructure, thefunds 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 centerbudgetary burden, as evidenced by the
Mason experience, Ive since heard countlessadvocates of the rec
center express a sigh of relief that the center was voted down.
Thebottom line is, that was a battle we all won.
Sometimes battles are necessary. However, to look at the
vitriolic debates on the stateand national stages, the
controversies in our county, the nasty whisper campaigns of
ourlocal elections and challenges in our personal lives, there can
be just too much. For me, itis a season for something other than
political infighting. As I promised in a previouscampaign, the
possibility of higher priorities is in fact being realized. I
continue to seekan environment that realizes our community
opportunities, building bridges, realizing
common success . . . in the middle. That environment just isnt
there, now.
Bruce Jones will not be a candidate for West Chester Trustee. I
can do that. Rather, Illbe pulling up a chair right next to you,
listening intently to what the candidates have donefor us in the
past and what they can do for us in the future. Though the Board
ofElections 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 November3rd.
Ive at least met all but 1 of the 9 candidates for West Chester
Trustee and believe each ofthem to be people of fine character,
very caring for our community, and many eager topresent their
qualifications to you. There is one exception, however, I cannot
help butaddress: Several weeks ago I briefly met Sean Rogers before
a football game. Heimpressed me as a fine young man, though very
uncomfortable with the role hes beencast as a candidate, obviously
not of his choosing. I along with so many others fine itvery
disturbing that this young man must be forced to publicly bear a
cross not of hisdoing. Kay, in the name of decency, please let Sean
realize the God given dignity hepersonally deserves. Though not
apparent to you, this is just too obvious to so many ofus.
8/14/2019 Bruce Jones Letter
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I have by no means given up. Bruce Jones will always believe in
West Chester, where Igrew up, returned to raise my daughters, and
look forward to continue sharing this timeon our Lords earth
together.
I actually enjoy growing older and, considering my community
involvement with manyof you, believe I am doing so with some of the
finest people on the planet. With a spiritof humility, I hope my
future service meets your expectations. Theres always tomorrow.Yes,
Ill meet you there.
Bruce JonesWest Chester
