Chester Cop Referendum Targeted For November

At last week's Chester Township Council meeting, to the Borough by the end of the week.

At Tuesday's meeting of the Chester Borough Mayor and Council, Mayor Robert Davis said that no contract had been received and denied on Tuesday night that he has been involved in negotiations “behind the scenes” between the two parties.

“There is no contract document that has been emailed, sent to us or delivered to us,” Davis said. “I think (the township’s) committee has worked behind the scenes to address contractual issues.”

Davis indicated that a quick decision as to the handling of police services in the two municipalities would be preferable, stating that he would like to have the necessary information from Chester Township by July 15 in order to develop a referendum question.

“By August, we have to have a referendum on the table. I was thinking we need to have something relatively soon,” Davis said. “If we don’t have their information by July 15, we’re in trouble.”

A referendum regarding whether or not to consolidate police services, if properly developed in time, would go on this November’s election ballot, a popular move with council members who noted that this November’s election coincides with the 2012 Presidential Election.

“It’s not going to be something where 300 people show up to vote,” said Councilman Gary Marshuetz said. “Everybody’s going to come out for a presidential election.”

Residents such as retired Port Authority police officer Will Jimeno, came Tuesday night to speak out against the consolidation of departments wanted to know if the public would have a say in the matter (c).

“Will it go for the people to vote on it or will it be a council vote?" Jimeno said. "That’s what most of the residents want to know.”

Jimeno said that his concern is for the effectiveness of one police department serving two municipalities.

“I love the township guys, I love the chief and all those guys, but now you’re covering more ground," Jimeno said. "As an ex-police officer, you can’t be everywhere."

The borough seemed unanimous in its assertion that putting a referendum vote on the matter in the hands of voters was the best course of action. Davis, however, noted that the borough will not be bound by the result of the vote.

“A referendum in a borough form of government is not binding on the governing body,” Davis said. “I think the general feeling is to go to referendum, but if people vote, it still goes back to the governing body to make a final decision.”