Take Five With Chester Boro Council Candidate Karen Ferrone

Name: Karen L. Ferrone
Political/town background
I am the Tax Collector in Green Township.This will allow me to have different perspective and understanding to spending and budgets.
Have you served on any boards/committees in Chester Borough?   
Chester Borough Recreation Commisioner 3.5 years,  Member of the C.E.R.T. team, PTO Chairperson.
How long have you lived in Chester Borough?  
Seven years in July.

1. If elected, what is the first issue currently facing Chester Borough that you would like to take action on?

The Larison Property issues need to be cleared up. For several months this property has been a topic of discussion at the Council meetings, with no decision ever being made. The land owner has made a re-zoing request. The planning board should be working out the details of this request not the council. It would be beneficial to the taxpayers if this property could become productive in the business community.

2. What would you like to see the Chester governing body do to assist local businesses?

We need to review some of the ordinances that regulate business too closely and give the business owners a little more freedom to help their businesses grow. For the past nine or 10 months there has been an issue with secondary signs. This issue needs to be resolved and let the business owners have a chance to thrive.   

3. The funding formula for the Regional High School district has been a hot button issue, where do you stand on it?

Why not complete the study?  I know that I am tired of paying more per student than the other towns. I understand that most of my taxes go to the school, and I am fine with that. But why should I pay more for the same schooling than other people. The current council voted down the chance to even do the study. I say we partake in the study.  In the event that the forumla is changed the residents of Chester Borough would benefit with lower taxes.   

4. What items do you see the borough needing to add to their "to do" list?

We made it through Superstorm Sandy and a few other storms with the help of our amazing Borough employees. As a member of the newly formed C.E.R.T team, I would like to see a serious discusstion with Chester Township and possibly even the Mendhams and review further options for helping each other during major storm events and other possible shared services.

5. What is your favorite part about the community of Chester?

Small community feeling with a lot to offer,  great people and great recreation!