Farrell to lead Chester County in 2009

History continues to be made in Chester County.

Republican Terence Farrell has been elected chairman of the Chester County Board of Commissioners, the first time an African American has held the county's top post.

It's been a historic couple of months for Chester County. The predominantly Republican county supported Sen. Barack Obama for president in the November election. Obama collected 137,833 (54.2%) Chester County votes, compared to 114,421 votes (45.0%) for Sen. John McCain, the Republican candidate.

Farrell, serving his second year as a county commissioner, was unanimously chosen to lead the three-member board for 2009. Republican Commissioner Carol Aichele, who completed her third consecutive term as board chairwoman, was elected to serve as vice chairwoman. The third member of the board is Democrat Kathi Cozzone.

"Carol has been an excellent chairperson and an excellent commissioner for the previous four years," Farrell said in a written statement. "I look forward to continuing the good relationship we have had as a board, including Commissioner Kathi Cozzone."

Farrell is excited about his new role as commissioners' chairman.

"It is a great honor to chair this board of commissioners," he said. "I'm looking forward to continuing the policies that have made Chester County one of the best-run governments in the nation."

During his first year on the board, Farrell chaired the county prison board and served on the pension board and conservation district board of directors.

Before being elected a commissioner, Farrell served two terms as Chester County Recorder of Deeds.

Farrell earned a bachelor's degree in English from Carleton College and holds graduate certificates in both Public Administration and Public Personnel Administration from Indiana State University.

Aichele is confident Farrell will do a good job leading the commissioners.

"Chester County government is recognized as a model of efficiency," Aichele said. "Our Aaa bond rating is proof of our fiscal responsibility and our commitment to giving residents value for their tax dollar. I'm looking forward to working with Terence in the coming year."