I kept the rules short because it’s going to be a hard enough decision for you!

The Lancaster Newspaper has printed several stories floating former County Commissioner, Paul Thibualt. They have good reason to push their guy and I want to present – if you will – a "Friend of the Court Brief" which will demonstrate that Thibault is not the man best suited for the job.

First off, Thibault has zero commitment to "open, accountable government". One of the last things that Paul Thibault did in office was to give the "go-ahead" to guarantee the $40 million convention center loan at the end of 2003. I sued Thibault and the county over this action because Thibault and company did it by violating the Sunshine Laws! You would be forgiven if you didn’t remember my lawsuit because the newspaper barely covered this backroom deal that Thibault orchestrated. Don’t forget that Thibault’s secret plan to borrow $40 million and pay $18,000 per month interest on money that is sitting in a bank account! This poor decision is what caused the $1,000,000 plus legal fees this past summer. Put this guy in charge again? It would be a slap in the face to all of us that care about open government!

Next, Thibault is one of the most politically-scheming men in Lancaster County. The public trust needs to be restored to the commissioners’ office, not taken lower. Thibault is the father of the political divisiveness that has ripped Lancaster County apart over the last 7 years. Take the convention center project. Thibault led the charge to go ahead with the largest project in Lancaster County history based on a secret report. When the public cried about the secrecy, Thibault released it less than 48 hours before the vote! We need statesmanship not gamesmanship. Thibault didn’t bother convincing the public that he thought the convention center was a good idea - Instead he foisted the project on us and this has caused the ensuing grief that has embroiled the county these many years.

The charge of cronyism has been thrown around regarding this board of commissioners. Please. Thibault is defined by cronyism! Thibault’s Political Action Committee was headed up by S. Dale High of the Penn Square Partner (PSP) fame! Remember the convention center project was introduced as a $45 million private hotel? 7 years later, Thibault’s buddy is purportedly putting up $10 while the public’s side increased from $30 million to over $150 million! Where is the outrage from the newspaper about such obvious pay-to-play connections? The propaganda arm of the PSP, Lancaster Newspaper is silent while making a mountain out of supposed problems with Gary Heinke!

Thibault talked about "Lancaster County Values" when he was running for office. However, once in office, Thibault increased debt and expenditures dramatically. Under Thibault, debt almost tripled while commitments were made that is pushing the current board of commissioners to borrow even more (such as building a Youth Detention Center that 8 times bigger than needed!).

Spending? Under Thibault, the county spending almost doubled! This is not conservative!

Paul Thibault is an engaging and interesting guy. I am very certain that he and his lovely wife would make great dinner guests. That being said, he fails to meet the criterion for what Lancaster County needs right now!

Thanks for reading. Please know that many of us are counting on you to make the right decision for the right reason!

Sincerely,

Ron Harper, Jr.