November 2, 2015

Wow, we nearly fell off our chairs when we read the Op-Ed piece by the incumbent Supervisors in Chadds Ford. Talk about trying to deflect from the real issues facing Chadds Ford Township! In our flyer, Save the Valley’s graphic designer (a volunteer) meant to use the Chadds Ford Township logo as a way to identify which jurisdiction the endorsement pertained to. He mistakenly used the almost identical sewer authority logo on the Chadds Ford website home page instead (identical except for the size 4 pt. font that said “Sewer Authority”). The campaign literature stated the piece was paid for by Save the Valley. It was a mistake, for which we sincerely apologize, but to suggest anything other than that is really off base, and quite frankly insulting to Save the Valley, its supporters and the voters of Chadds Ford. It appears their letter is a lame attempt to discredit our organization as payback for the fact that one of their candidates wasn’t endorsed. How sad. Can we please focus on the things that matter instead of playing political games?

Save the Valley has expended thousands of volunteer hours over the past 2 ½ years, and considerable resources, to try and prevent a massive development project directly on the Smithbridge Road border of Chadds Ford. Concord Township, known for its developer friendly environment, approved a 171 house development that will produce over 30 million gallons of stormwater runoff, ruin ecological and historical resources, clog our roads with traffic and greatly diminish the First State National Park in Chadds Ford and Delaware. Never once did the Chadds Ford Supervisors attend a Concord Township meeting, lend a hand or take a public stand against the proposed destruction of 3500 trees and the ruination of Beaver Valley. To the contrary, they continue to utilize the services of the same Township Solicitor that Concord uses to carry out its development strategy.

Of course things could have been much worse. Save the Valley helped defeat the original rezoning which called for some 550 units. Chadds Ford Township was nowhere to be seen in that fight either.

Save the Valley will be at the polls tomorrow to answer your questions about the development project that threatens Chadds Ford. We can always use more volunteers and expertise to preserve our beautiful area. We are focused on the issues and chose to endorse candidates only because we saw what happened when Supervisors in Concord didn’t have the expertise or commitment to stand up to developers. We stand by our endorsement of Alan Horowitz and Samantha Reiner as the best candidates to protect open space in Chadds Ford. Please go to www.savethevalley.org to learn more about our organization or talk to us at the polls on Election Day.

Rob Gurnee
Chadds Ford Township
Rob Gurnee is a board member of Save the Valley

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We have just become aware that the group called “Save The Valley” is circulating political campaign literature using the Chadds Ford Township Sewer Authority (“CFTSA”) logo and name to endorse certain candidates, (including Samantha Reiner) in this year’s election.

Although the CFTSA has its own Board — which we are sure will look into this matter as soon as possible — but the election is tomorrow there is little chance to investigate this matter before the election. However, in our several decades of township and municipal involvement we have never seen a government body such as the CFTSA endorse candidates or lend its name to a group such as Save The Valley for political purposes.

Based on what we have learned, Save The Valley did not receive the CFTSA’s permission to use the CFTSA logo and name, nor was a request made, and the CFTSA objects to this misuse. In our view, the use of the CFTSA logo and name is unauthorized, improper, and wrongful.

It is outrageous that Save The Valley is using the CFTSA name and logo to further political motivations and that the inclusion of the name and logo seems to give the endorsement some level of township legitimacy, which is absolutely false. Added to the questionable endorsement “process” which was recently the subject of a letter from candidate Noelle Barbone to Chadds Ford Live, the actions of Save the Valley raise many questions that should be investigated.

So the record is clear, we (Frank Murphy and Samantha Reiner personally) support Noelle Barbone for supervisor because she has been taking action to protect Chadds Ford for years, working for historical preservation, limited development, and advocating against zoning changes that would permit additional development, while her opponent by his own admission has been absent from any meaningful involvement in protecting Chadds Ford.

Whoever is responsible for the false use of the CFTSA name and logo has wronged not just the CFTSA, but the candidates, and Save the Valley’s reputation as well. Thank you.

Frank Murphy and Samantha Reiner
Chadds Ford Township
Murphy and Reiner are township supervisors

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The Chadds Ford Republican Party is afraid of nothing, although we are concerned that some people will be fooled by the claims of the so–called U-CF “Fusion” candidates. Their claim that they are purveying education, not politics is far from the truth. Their candidates’ pasts are steeped in politics and their messaging attempts continue in this vein.

The Chadds Ford Republican party is supporting well qualified, worthy candidates that will excel in the role of UCF School Board Director. They are the latest in our proud tradition of service to the residents of Chadds Ford. It is an inclusive group of concerned citizens dedicated to ethical, intelligent, fiscally responsible government and to maintaining the very special and historical character of Chadds Ford Township.

The goal of the Republican Party of Chadds Ford Township is to identify, support and elect local, state and federal Republican candidates in order to further the practical application of Republican principles (less government, minimal taxes/growing economy, individual freedom, educational excellence, strong national defense and supporting the family and community).

We have made no false accusations against any candidates. We deal in facts. We commend all those running for public office and believe we all want what is best for our students and residents.

In the U-CF school board race, we have endorsed an outstanding slate of candidates who we believe will best represent the principles we support of keeping taxes to a minimum while providing the best education for our students. These outstanding candidates are incumbent Carolyn Daniels, John Murphy and Lorraine Ramunno. Carolyn, John and Lorraine are parents and volunteers new to the political process they only want to serve our community. We encourage you to support them.

Mary Kot, Chair 
Chadds Ford Republican Party

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Noelle Barbone’s leadership in our community as a member and Chair of the Strategic Advisory Committee demonstrates her passion and ability to get things done. Noelle has been working for years to protect property rights and historic structures and to improve the day-to-day lives of Chadds Ford residents.

Noelle’s committee work developed environmental regulations that were passed by the Board of Supervisors to protect steep slopes and control storm water. Noelle saw the need to take action, knew Chadds Ford residents were concerned about the rapid development of neighboring towns, and acted quickly to protect Chadds Ford.

As a long time, active member of the Historic and Architecture Review Board, Noelle has been involved for years, taking action to maintain the historic integrity of the structures in our Historic District and especially in the village. As one of the only townships with open, undeveloped land, Chadds Ford is definitely targeted by developers. Noelle Barbone has taken action to protect Chadds Ford and is ready to be a Chadds Ford supervisor.

Sadly, her opponent has been absent for years and has not been involved in our township. We can’t afford an absentee supervisor at this important time. On Tuesday Nov. 3, please help protect Chadds Ford and vote for Noelle Barbone. I am.

Samantha Reiner
Chadds Ford Township
Samantha Reiner is an incumbent
supervisor seeking re-election

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