Dear Citizens of Chester,
As we progress toward growth and progress, let us not forget the importance of building a clean, safe community with ample recreation opportunities. And this requires collaboration and commitment from both leaders and the community. Together, we can continue building a clean, secure community with recreational activities for all and ensure the best possible future for Chester.
As the Mayor, I have received calls from around the city and county about areas that need to be cleaner and safer and provide more recreational activities for our children. I try to be responsive to all calls, city and county alike. The Public Works Director has been working for months with absentee landlords and property managers of apartment complexes to maintain livable conditions and cleanliness on their properties. These owners have been notified that they will be fined which will affect their businesses financially. Chester is our home, and we should work together as leaders to ensure it’s clean and safe and provide a variety of recreational activities for all.
We must be willing to ‘Get in Good Trouble, Necessary Trouble’ as the late Representative John Lewis would say. Change might not be easy, but it is necessary to make Chester County the best it can be! We must establish collaborative efforts between the City and the County before making significant decisions, ensuring a shared vision for our community’s growth and prosperity. I believe when we work together with the same mission and focus, we can accomplish more.
Financial stabilization is our most important responsibility, so the city has made responsible cuts and restructuring in some departments. We must responsibly ensure funds are allocated for cleanliness, safety, and recreation. These three areas are the heartbeat of a thriving community.
Public safety is a priority, and we must continue to provide our police department with the necessary resources to address our growing community. I believe in Police Chief William Petty and his vision for his department. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to the Police and Fire department staff, who are invested in the city’s future. The Fire Department, led by Chief Jackson, has been exemplary in their response and efforts to save lives. Emotional support and encouraging words help give meaning to first responders’ service, and we must continue to show our appreciation.
Our Parks and Recreation Department, led by Mr. Gregory, has done a great job with limited resources. The department has provided tutoring services, Senior Citizens Services, football, basketball, pickleball, karate, boxing, dance, and swimming at the Aquatic and Fitness Center. A recreational facility that provides health and wellness is paramount for the continued growth of our community. That is why the city has submitted an application to the county for operational funding for the Aquatics and Fitness Center and requested to have a conversation with the school district.
I want to thank the City Administrator Malik Whitaker and the City’s staff for all their hard work and commitment to Chester. Change and growth are noticeable in the City of Chester. Also, I would like to thank the County council members who support the city’s efforts in the newfound life downtown and the city’s growth. With the hard work of the Economic Development Director Robert Long, the county has seen many new industries in Chester. County Administrator Brian Hester and Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Director Brian Stoudemire have been great partners of the city and have been great for Chester County. A recent hire, the new Project Manager Harold Hayes, will use his gifts as an architect to help elevate the community that reared him. Finally, I would like to thank the business owners and citizens who have contacted me personally who want to invest in financing city projects and volunteer because they have seen more activity in the City of Chester in a long time!
I know the City of Chester will do its best by being ambitious, hardworking, and visionary. Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for Chester!
