Statement on Centre County GOP Committee Decision to Rescind Endorsement

On Oct. 18, the Centre County Republican Committee (CCRC) chose to rescind their endorsement of me for Ferguson Township Supervisor. The decision was made after I criticized their use of inflammatory language against another candidate. Running counter to their bylaws, the CCRC then expressed support to a Democratic candidate in my place. Regardless, my campaign remains active and supported by Ferguson Township voters across the political spectrum.

Months ago, I made a personal commitment and stated my intentions to run a positive campaign and that I would avoid negative campaigning. However, when the CCRC chose to use my likeness to incite inflammatory language against an opponent, I held fast to my word and spoke out against this incendiary attack. I am committed to the issues that voters care about and will not stand for negative campaigning. I am focused on my vision of a welcoming and inclusive community that focuses on important quality of life issues within the Township: health, safety and wellness; diversity, equity and inclusion; affordable housing; environmental protection; and fiscal responsibility. Additionally, I have vowed to work with the public through open and transparent engagement and dialogue on addressing the Stormwater Fee Ordinance to find common ground that will allow the Township to maintain its stormwater infrastructure in a fiscally sustainable manner.

Every candidate running deserves a fair opportunity to share their campaign message, and voters deserve the opportunity to evaluate candidates without the distraction of negative campaigning.

I would be honored by your support in the upcoming election.

 - Jeremie Thompson

Statement on Political Negativity

In light of recent attacks made on political candidates running in Ferguson Township, I want to be clear that these negative messages go against my personal principles, ideals, and the messaging of my campaign. When I ran, I made a promise to myself that I would not attack any of my fellow candidates and I will continue to stand behind that promise. It has always been my purpose to run a campaign that focuses on the residents of Ferguson Township and the issues that matter to them. 

I realize that this is a fully contested and highly competitive election, I get it. However, attacking others is negativity that does not help our community, nor voters, nor my campaign. It makes me sick to see what's going on and I cannot in good conscious remain silent. I stand on principles and ideals taught to me by my family, I will not turn against those principles and ideals, and I will not apologize for standing up for what's right. 

When it comes to the issues facing our community, we need to come together and work together. Win or lose, we are all Ferguson Township residents in this election. We are a community of friends and neighbors, we are the people we interact with the most, together we are one.

Stormwater Management Fee Ordinance

Jeremie is committed to addressing the new Stormwater Ordinance that has sparked a lot of discussion in the Township on it's legitimacy. Understanding the importance that the ordinance brings to ensuring protection to our environment as well as sustaning the finances of the Township, Jeremie will work with residents to find common ground on how the Township can continue to adequately maintain its stormwater infrastructure needs in a fiscally sustainable manner. Jeremie will address the ordinance with the following actions:

• Set the fee to zero until further notice.
• Call for a comprehensive assessment of the state of our stormwater infrastructure. 
• Work with the board to determine what our stormwater infrastructure maintenance priorities are.
• Provide the public proper in-person opportunity to discuss how the Township should fund stormwater infrastructure needs moving forward. 

Jeremie would support a repeal of the ordinance should the Township be able to adequately maintain their stormwater infrastructure needs in a fiscally sustainable manner. However, given that Stormwater infrastructure cost are increasing and stretching the Township budget, it is important to keep the following in mind:

• Ferguson Township has over 33+ Miles of pipe and channels, 2,352 inlets, and several stormwater facilities that need maintained.
• The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit that requires the Township to invest into Stormwater infrastructure improvements. The Township is obligated by the Department of Environmental protection to reduce its sediment load to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. 
• The Township has to account for Stormwater infrastructure needs and adaptation from growth, development, and perception/flooding events.

The current Board of Supervisors who served during the passage of the ordinance called to review the ordinance in 2022 and Jeremie will work with the Board and residents to discuss, review, and reexamine the ordinance. 

Experience Matters

Jeremie is one of the most experienced candidates running for Ferguson Township Supervisor in 2021. Not only is Jeremie uniquely experienced in working with people throughout his entire career but he's also experienced with working with Township residents, the Planning Commission, staff, regional partners, and the Board of Supervisors and understanding the happenings of the Township and how it works.

The Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors has appointed Jeremie twice to serve on the Planning Commission. Today, Jeremie is serving as chair for the second consecutive year after being unanimously elected to the post by the Commission's members.

Here are some of the many accomplishments that Jeremie has been a part of while on the Planning Commission:

Supported Land Development Plans and Applicant Request that have benefited:

• New Job Growth and Economic Development
• Our Children's Daycare Centers and Schools
• Park, Recreation, and Tourism

Modernized the Zoning and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances

Voted in favor of the Tree Preservation Ordinance

Stood up for real Workforce Housing and Affordability reform

Voting for experience in 2021 matters because it allows the Township to more effectively conduct business and serve the residents. The business and operations of the Township do not pause or stop during the transfer of leadership in January. The new Township Supervisors must be ready to hit the ground running on day one with an understanding of how the Board of Supervisors conducts business and functions, what unfinished business the previous Board of Supervisors has been working on, and the knowledge to make informed decisions.

Fiscally Conscious Stewardship

Township Supervisors hold a fiduciary duty to their constituents to efficiently use taxpayer funds to operation Township departments and services. Jeremie believes we should never take taxpayer funds for granted and should be cognizant that we are offering the best value to our residents for the taxes they pay.

Jeremie will support initiatives that improve efficiency in Township operations and create financial oversight, advising, and transparency. He believes, the Township should look beyond their own funding for alternative funding sources such as grants. In addition, he believes we should strengthen our relationships with intermunicipal partners who can share in the cost of common expenditures for a lower rate vs. contracting independently.