Republican commissioner candidates Carol Aichele and Terrence Farrell claim that spending more than $20 million annually over the next four years could have a negative impact on the county budget and possibly force a tax increase. Their two Democrat opponents, Bill Scott and Kathi Cozzone, propose spending $25 million annually.

Cozzone and Scott yesterday claimed Republicans Aichele and Farrell are resorting to "political trickery." In September the Democratic pair presented their own plan concerning open space.

"Because of the critical need and the distinct opportunity that now exists, it makes sense to raise the bar. An allocation of $25 million per year for Landscapes appears to be prudent. In future years the amount that should be spent on Landscapes . . . will drop as a result of the investments we can make in the near future. The opportunity to which we referred was and is the current price of real estate. Our plan was met with great interest, acceptance, and wide approval as being well thought-out and correct. Our opponents are now trying to catch up, and in so doing, pandering to the voters," Cozzone and Scott said in a joint statement released yesterday.

The statement continues: "Our opponents' ploy can be clearly seen for the political trickery that it is by looking more closely at the numbers. During the campaign, they have proposed to specifically increase spending by $6.5 million which does not include the new library they have proposed. Using just specific numbers, we have proposed an increase of only $3.5 million more than they have.

"If that is the difference our opponents wish to put on the ballot, their position becomes clearly absurd, given that this year's budget is $430 million. Additionally, they have said that their proposals will not result in any tax increase next year, because greater revenue will be available. If that is the case, the phoniness of their referendum proposal becomes all the more obvious.

"Moreover, their glowing pronouncements that additional revenue will be available next year goes against their charge that our proposal will cause a tax increase in some unspecified amount. We believe that with the additional revenue our opponents say exists, along with smart long-term planning in which we will engage, we can spend the extra $3.5 million to protect the character of our County while keeping taxes down."

During the last four years, Aichele, now county commissioners' chairperson, points out $64 million has been spent on open space and Landscaping funding, more than any other four-year period in county history.

Both Aichele and Farrell propose spending $80 million over the next four years, based in part on sound fiscal management and future savings from the county's Triple A bond rating. "I believe we have a responsibility to the taxpayers to get their input before a decision of this magnitude can be made by county officials. This is the more responsible approach," Aichele says.

Counter Scott and Cozzone: "On November 6, a true referendum will occur. The voters will decide which pair of candidates will provide the leadership needed to protect and advance Chester County in the face of rampant development."