Thank You

We have reached the end of one of the most eventful, contentious, and politicized races we have ever seen in a local election. Earlier today, I reached out to Lisa Strickland, Tierra D. Williams, and Hilary Caldwell to congratulate them on their election wins. These newly elected leaders are part of a historic moment for both African Americans and women. The Governance of Ferguson Township will be overseen by a Board of Supervisors consisting of all women for the first time in the history of our Township.

I have offered Lisa, Tierra, and Hillary my support in helping them lead our community through the challenges affecting our quality of life in Ferguson Township. I encourage everyone who supported me to join me in not just congratulating Lisa, Tierra, and Hillary but also by offering our next supervisors our good will and collaboration, to find common ground that will unite our community, address the needs of our Township, and leave it better for our future.

The politics of this election was downright dishonorable and I did everything in my power to fight against that and demonstrate a campaign of integrity, unity, and class. The division between the Centre County Republican Committee and I is my failure, not that of other candidates or supporters of the party. I am so deeply grateful for those who gave me their support and helped me through these difficult circumstances. Republicans don’t get it easy when running for office in our community, but when the challenge became most difficult, you either stood by us or joined us in support of kindness, respect, and one community for all. While the results were not what we were hoping for, I am deeply indebted to all of you who gave me the honor of your support.

In addition, I want to thank my fiancé Kara Kavala who has supported me. Without her support, I would have never run for office. Political campaigns can hard on the candidate but just as hard, if not harder on the candidate’s family. I thank Kara for her support, patience, understanding and love. While I may not be taking the oath of office in 2022, I have won to take the vow to forever be Kara’s husband in 2022. 

I hold a great sense of pride in Ferguson Township and its residents. It has been an honor to call Ferguson Township my home and to be surrounded by such great neighbors and to have had the opportunity to serve this community on the Planning Commission. Again, I want to thank everyone who supported me and for any of those who I may not have yet meet, my door is always open and I would look forward to meeting with you real soon.

 - Jeremie Thompson

Experience Matters

Jeremie is one of the most experienced candidates running for Ferguson Township Supervisor in 2021. Not only is Jeremie uniquely experienced in working with people throughout his entire career but he's also experienced with working with Township residents, the Planning Commission, staff, regional partners, and the Board of Supervisors and understanding the happenings of the Township and how it works.

The Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors has appointed Jeremie twice to serve on the Planning Commission. Today, Jeremie is serving as chair for the second consecutive year after being unanimously elected to the post by the Commission's members.

Here are some of the many accomplishments that Jeremie has been a part of while on the Planning Commission:

Supported Land Development Plans and Applicant Request that have benefited:

• New Job Growth and Economic Development
• Our Children's Daycare Centers and Schools
• Park, Recreation, and Tourism

Modernized the Zoning and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances

Voted in favor of the Tree Preservation Ordinance

Stood up for real Workforce Housing and Affordability reform

Voting for experience in 2021 matters because it allows the Township to more effectively conduct business and serve the residents. The business and operations of the Township do not pause or stop during the transfer of leadership in January. The new Township Supervisors must be ready to hit the ground running on day one with an understanding of how the Board of Supervisors conducts business and functions, what unfinished business the previous Board of Supervisors has been working on, and the knowledge to make informed decisions.

Fiscally Conscious Stewardship

Township Supervisors hold a fiduciary duty to their constituents to efficiently use taxpayer funds to operation Township departments and services. Jeremie believes we should never take taxpayer funds for granted and should be cognizant that we are offering the best value to our residents for the taxes they pay.

Jeremie will support initiatives that improve efficiency in Township operations and create financial oversight, advising, and transparency. He believes, the Township should look beyond their own funding for alternative funding sources such as grants. In addition, he believes we should strengthen our relationships with intermunicipal partners who can share in the cost of common expenditures for a lower rate vs. contracting independently.

Caring & Protecting Our Environment

Ferguson Township has wonderful park lands, open spaces, and farms. Jeremie will continue to maintain the Regional Growth Boundary which regulates the sprawl of urban development. Ferguson Township has taken on several climate initiatives and projects from Resolution 2017-14, electric vehicle purchasing, new practices in Public Works, to a new LEED Gold Public Works facility. Today, Ferguson Township is partnering with the Centre Region Council of Governments to establish a strategy to reduce Green House Gas Emissions.

Jeremie has been supportive on regional climate action efforts and encourages everyone to get involved and stay informed. Open collaboration with the public is critical to how local government moves forward in addressing climate change. In addition, Jeremie is open of accepting Federal Government Resources that may become allocated to local municipalities for climate action. Furthermore, Jeremie believes the Township should align their operation within the Township's Community Bill of Rights.

An Affordable Place to Call Home

Workforce Ordinance Income Qualifications and Cost

As Planning Commission Chair, Jeremie has fought for a more inclusive Workforce Housing Ordinance. Citing that the last ordinance missed the mark in addressing the housing challenges that our residents and families making less than $50,000 face. Many people working solely in essential occupations don't even meet the minimum requirements of the ordinance. 

Click to expand the slides Jeremie presented to the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on the current ordnance.

A Welcoming and Inclusive Community

Jeremie believes in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion. He believes, despite our differences, we can accomplish more together when we actually take the time to come to the table open minded and find common ground. Jeremie was appointed twice to the Ferguson Township Planning Commission by a Board of Supervisors who were not of his political party. Today, Jeremie serves as chair on the Planning Commission with a dedicated and diverse group of members. The Authorities, Boards, and Commissions of the Township provide opportunity for our residents to get involved and help Township staff and elected officials. 

If elected, Jeremie will continue to support and sustain the efforts that have been made in the Township to address anti-discrimination. He also seeks to find equitable and sustainable resolutions to Social Justice through public engagement and open dialogue. Jeremie will also hold himself accountable to the residents and allow them opportunities to speak and be heard.

Together We Are One!

Jeremie believes in the value of fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. Every Ferguson Township resident, regardless of who they are should have representation within their community. Township governance should do what's best for the greater good of all. As residents, we are friends and neighbors, together we are ONE. 

Jeremie's plan for Ferguson Township covers the following objectives:

Health, Safety, and COVID Recovery

A Welcoming & Inclusive Community

An Affordable Place to Call Home

Caring & Protecting Our Environment

Fiscally Consciousness Stewardship 

More information on these and other issues impacting the Township will be shared through the campaign website, the media, and social media channels leading up to the election. 

Celebrating Pride Month

In Ferguson Township you are welcome here, you are free to be your true authentic self, and this month we recognize you!

Statement on Anti-Asian Hate

My statement on attacks against the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. I encourage everyone to stand up for members of the AAPI community. 

The violence, hate and xenophobia being waged against the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic is appalling. Violence and discrimination against any ethnic group is wrong and unacceptable.

We must collectively do the right thing and rise above the hate, vitriol and attacks and stand up for those in the AAPI community. It takes all of us to cultivate a culture where love, respect, and kindness are exemplified. We cannot heal and unite as a nation if innocent people are being attacked simply for who they are.

Remembering Osaze Osagie

Today marks the second anniversary of the death of Osaze Osagie, who was shot by police who were serving a mental health warrant. The loss not only hurt a family but a community. Never should a mental health crisis have to end in death. The tragedy of March 20, 2019 has opened many doors and raised awareness on what we can do to better approach mental health crises while addressing racial justice issues in our community. We must never forget where we came from and continue to push forward in promoting a community that seeks reconciliation, unity and equality.