James Miller & Troy T. Thompson: Restoring Balance to Kennett Square – Thoughtful Growth for a Thriving Community

In the heart of Chester County, Kennett Square has long been more than just a borough—it's a vibrant community where mushroom farms meet Main Street charm, and neighbors know each other by name. But as our beloved town navigates rapid change, it's clear that unchecked growth is leaving too many residents behind. Skyrocketing housing costs, crumbling infrastructure, and policies that favor developers over families are eroding the very fabric of what makes Kennett Square special. That's why two dedicated local leaders, James Miller and Troy T. Thompson, are stepping up to run for Kennett Square Borough Council on November 4, 2025. As Republican candidates endorsed by the KSQ Area GOP, they bring proven experience, conservative principles, and a commitment to putting residents first.

Meet the Candidates: Local Roots, Proven Leadership

James Miller: The Small Business Advocate and Public Servant

James Miller knows Kennett Square inside and out—not from boardrooms or distant offices, but from the front lines of daily life. As the owner of State Street Pizza since 2012, James has built a thriving local business while employing neighbors and serving the community that sustains him. Before entrepreneurship, he served as a Chester County corrections officer, where he honed skills in discipline, integrity, and public service that he'll now apply to Borough Council.

From behind the counter, James has seen firsthand how borough decisions impact real people: utility disruptions halting foot traffic, parking shortages turning away customers, and regulatory hurdles stifling small enterprises. He's not just talking about these issues—he's lived them. As a former public servant with deep community roots, James is a practical problem-solver who understands budgets, operations, and the bottom line. He pledges to fight for downtown businesses by streamlining permits, tackling traffic and parking woes, and ensuring new developments complement, rather than crowd out, our existing shops.

James's vision is simple: measured growth that preserves our walkable downtown and small-town character. No more aggressive overdevelopment straining our one-square-mile borough. With his track record of serving residents and bolstering the local economy, James Miller is the voice we need to keep Kennett Square special.

Troy T. Thompson: The Fiscal Conservative Calling for Accountability

Troy T. Thompson brings four decades of expertise as a retired financial services executive, specializing in finance, risk management, operations, business analysis, and development. After retiring last year, Troy turned his attention to the community he loves, attending nearly every Borough Council meeting to stay informed and engaged. A longtime Kennett Square resident, he's alarmed by the council's "rubber-stamp" approach to governance—especially under one-party Democrat control since 2017—and he's ready to bring conservative leadership to the table.

Troy's sharp eye for fiscal responsibility shines through in his critique of unbridled spending and developer-friendly deals. He's spotlighted projects like the New Kennett Square Apartments (166 units with delayed taxes), the Genesis Buildings rezoning (58 units plus massive retail space, commandeering 85% of our public parking garage), and the proposed NVF rezoning (294 high-density homes that would overwhelm roads and services). Adjacent township developments are adding to the strain, with borough commitments for infrastructure upgrades falling squarely on our taxpayers.

As a fiscal hawk, Troy commits to scrutinizing every budget line item, opposing unnecessary hikes, and prioritizing efficient, transparent resource use. He won't stand for explosive congestion, housing booms outpacing infrastructure, or the loss of our community's unique character. Troy Thompson is the independent voice for taxpayers, standing firm against policies that sideline longtime residents and businesses in favor of profit-driven growth.

When Growth Leaves Us Behind: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

James and Troy aren't just candidates—they're neighbors fighting for a Kennett Square built for people, not profits. Our community deserves thoughtful growth: not just more buildings, but better lives. Unchecked expansion benefits a few developers while balanced progress lifts everyone. It's time to build a future where families thrive, seniors feel secure, and young people want to stay right here in our hometown.

Here's why these issues hit home, drawn straight from the challenges our residents face every day:

• Skyrocketing Housing Prices: Families can't afford to stay. Young people can't afford to start. Workers commute from afar because they can't live locally.

• Rising Property Taxes: We're paying more but getting less in return—recent increases for "capital improvements" that haven't materialized.

• Deteriorated Roads: No dedicated funding means potholes and delays that frustrate everyone.

• Lagging Infrastructure: Overdue sewer treatment upgrades are desperately needing funding, while expanded demands from adjacent townships pile on pressure—including sewer services we're obligated to provide.

• Public Parking Surrendered: Handed over to private groups and developers, leading to lost revenue and worsening shortages that hurt local shops.

• Congestion Everywhere: Crowded roads, no parking, and no relief in sight—turning our charming streets into gridlock nightmares.

• Neighborhoods Replaced by High-Density Housing: Our sense of community shrinks as familiar blocks give way to towering apartments.

• Local Shops Pushed Out: No parking means fewer customers; hiring locals becomes impossible; and policies favor flashy newcomers over the businesses that built our town.

Once, Kennett Square was built for its people—a place of tight-knit neighborhoods, bustling local stores, and easy access to the things that matter. Today, too many decisions prioritize profit over people, pricing us out of our own hometown. We deserve better. James Miller and Troy T. Thompson are committed to reversing this trend with common-sense solutions: fiscal oversight, infrastructure investment without tax gouging, and growth that honors our heritage.

A Call to Action: Vote for Residents First on November 4

Kennett Square stands at a crossroads. With the election just days away on November 4, 2025, we have a chance to break the cycle of one-party dominance and bring fresh, conservative energy to Borough Council. James Miller's boots-on-the-ground experience as a business owner and public servant, paired with Troy T. Thompson's financial acumen and unwavering accountability, make them the perfect team to lead us forward.

Join the KSQ Area GOP in supporting James Miller and Troy T. Thompson. Visit James Miller's page and Troy T. Thompson's page to learn more. On Election Day, head to the polls and vote for a Kennett Square where growth serves us—not the other way around.Paid for by the KSQ Area GOP.

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.