The Chester County Commissioners met recently with County department heads and deputies to present the results of a survey of Chester County citizens addressing quality of life for residents, priority issues and the performance of county personnel. 

The survey was commissioned as part of the county's strategic planning process, and will be used to identify issues that will help in the development of the county's business plans.               

Key indicators show that 75 percent of residents believe that Chester County is a good place to live, and more than half (55 percent) say that it is an excellent place to raise a family.  One in three citizens responded that open space is the best thing about Chester County life.               

County employees received high ratings for the services provided to residents, although the performance of some county services were identified as areas for improvement.  Half of those surveyed rated county employees as excellent when it comes to courteousness and knowledge.  More than one in three citizens (36 percent) responded that the county's emergency services and 911 system deserved an excellent rating, while only land use planning services' score was only 14 percent.             

Commenting on the survey, Commissioner Chairman Terence Farrell said:  "This survey confirms that Chester County citizens appreciate the quality of life available in our county.  Forbes magazine recently listed Chester County as one of the top ten places in the country to raise a family.  We are proud to note that Chester County employees received high ratings for their customer service to citizens."      

Commissioner Carol Aichele said:  "Managing the growth of Chester County is one of the commissioners greatest challenges and affects all aspects of Chester County government, from our land use policies and transportation issues to the emergency services, health, human service and housing assistance that we provide."             

"The community survey was part of the commitment to include county residents in the strategic planning process," added Commissioner Kathi Cozzone.  "Our citizen's viewpoints are vitally important to the process because their priorities will help direct the creation of our overall strategic goals and the goals of our county departments.  I want to thank the citizens for participating."  

The Chester County Community Survey was conducted by the Center for Opinion Research at Franklin and Marshall College, with interviews conducted in December 2008.  Each of the 1336 respondents was randomly selected, and is representative of each of the county's six regions and Chester County's demographic profile.