Rank and file members of county party throw support behind incumbent commissioners
Terence Ferrell and Ryan Costello
WEST CHESTER – Ryan Costello received the overwhelming endorsement of the Republican Committee of Chester County in his campaign for Chester County Commissioner this evening following a vote by rank and file members of the party at a nominating convention in West Chester. Current Chester County Commissioner Terrence Farrell also received the Committee’s endorsement.
Costello, who is expected to be sworn in Thursday morning, beat out Thornbury businessman Jim Jordan for the nomination just days after being appointed to the vacant spot on the county board of commissioners, after Carol Aichele was tabbed by Gov. Tom Corbett to become Secretary of the Commonwealth. The county’s Democratic Party is expected to announce its nominee — a running mate for current Commissioner Kathi Cozzone at its annual party convention, Saturday.
“I am committed to fiscal responsibility in county government and holding the line on taxes will be my top priority as Commissioner,” Costello said. “We need to operate county government like a business, and that includes conducting a cost-benefit analysis of county programs and operations to ensure that our tax dollars are being used effectively and efficiently. My work as Recorder of Deeds and developing municipal budgets as a township supervisor provides me with the experience needed to help lead the county in these difficult economic times and I am pleased to have earned the support of our Republican committee people.”
Costello has cited his strong knowledge of county operations and close working relationship with many county department directors through his service as Chester County Recorder of Deeds as offering him benefit as a new county commissioner. This background and experience will enable Costello, he says, to step into the position of County Commissioner with a minimal learning curve.
Last week, Costello received the unanimous support of the Chester County Board of Judges to fill the Chester County Commissioner vacancy that was created when former Commissioner Carol Aichele stepped down to become Secretary of State under Governor Tom Corbett. Costello will be sworn in as Commissioner later this week. However, because Aichele’s term as County Commissioner expires this year, Costello will be on the ballot in both the May primary and November general election.
“I am humbled by the trust and faith placed in me by the party’s committee people,” said Costello. “I look forward to earning the support of the voters of Chester County in the weeks and months to come based on my vision for an efficient county government and my commitment to fiscal responsibility.”
Costello is a life-long resident of Chester County. He was elected to a 4-year term as Recorder of Deeds in Chester County in 2008. He previously served 6 years on the East Vincent Township Board of Supervisors, including 4 years as Chairman of the Board. Costello is a graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School, Ursinus College, and Villanova Law School. He works as an attorney with the law firm of O’Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, P.C.
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