Falsehoods & FACTS UPDATED June 7, 2017

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1 Falsehoods & FACTS UPDATED June 7, 2017 Information often has a vibrant life of its own that can become distorted in its telling and retelling. Following are several information MISREPRESENTATIONS and FALSEHOODS that have been repeated in recent Town Hall Meetings and Forums alongside corresponding FACTS to help you make informed voting decisions. Opposition candidates may wish to avoid facts that prevent individuals of possessing the clearest snapshot of the capacity and potential for service of every candidate seeking a position on the Town Council. As stated by Mr. Vaughn at the Merchant Association Town Council referencing Mr. Bishop's uniformed criticisms, "It is easy to criticize." The real work of governance is challenging, complex, and rewarding... and requires the moral and personal qualities of wisdom, civility, collaboration, and freedom from self interest that allow an individual to work on behalf of all they serve, even when unpopular choices have to be made. Take a moment to review the facts and help move past years of incivility and "special interest" obstructionism toward the future Harpers Ferry deserves. Take a look and make your decision for an experienced, ethical, effective Mayor as we build our shared future... together. MOST RECENT MISREPRESENTATIONS, FALSEHOODS & FACTS week of Journal Article, ECONOMIC GROWTH "Bishop stressed the need to improve communication and business in the town, stating that a dire picture has been painted of the town s financial stability over the past few years; however, now that election time is near, Bishop said, We seem to have lots of money. FACTS: Over the last years, the Mayor and Town Council have addressed financial challenges facing Paid for by the Greg Vaughn for Harpers Ferry Campaign 2017 page 1

2 all regional municipalities to advance from deficit to surplus using collaborative and innovative financial and governance strategies. Mr. Bishop may not have been following the budget over the years if he continues to maintain concerns that recent surpluses are the result of election season accounting deception or grandstanding. Mr. Bishop might remember that Mayor Vaughn and the current Town Council took innovative steps including helping Harpers Ferry establish West Virginia Home Rule to significantly change Town funding dynamics. Additionally, Mr. Bishop may be forgetting the1% Sales and Use Tax implemented by the Mayor in 2016, vigorous and impartial enforcement of the B&O Taxes enforcement by the Mayor and Town Council throughout their term, and thousands of dollars in tourist parking revenue from the vilified strategic parking policy designed to address resident safety, tourist flow and turnover, and yes, income that have contributed to the financial turn around! Casting his aspersions on motive for the surplus Mr. Bishop appears unaware of the steady progression to Town solvency that has been accomplished under Mr. Vaughn s leadership. We may want to "Have Fun Again" in Harpers Ferry... and suggest that a solvent community helps everyone have fun. Journal Article, BOLIVAR RELATIONSHIPS "Bolivar won't talk to the current Harpers Ferry administration. We need to rebuild that relationship and get back a joint force." FACTS: The Mayor, throughout his term has been in closely aligned dialogue with Mayor Detmer about equitable funding for sharing police (as Bolivar has three times the coverage needs of Harpers Ferry.) Fact, Mayor Vaughn continues ongoing dialogue with Bolivar Mayor Detmer including discussions about resuming efforts to provide coverage for Bolivar. In a conversation May 30, 2017 Mayor Detmer and Mayor Vaughn discussed a joint police presence with Bolivar. Mayor Detmer noted that they have committed a police agreement with the Sheriff s Department for the fiscal year. Mr. Bishop may wish to check his facts before publishing incorrect statements on his website and that accurate and informed communication of facts is essential to good government. Distortion of Facts by Wayne Bishop at Merchant Association Forum, June 7, 2017 Bolivar Library Wayne Bishop as quoted in a Thursday June 8, 2017 Journal Article, INFRASTRUCTURE "Bishop chastised the mayor blaming previous administrations [for deferred water infrastructure maintenance] saying that since Vaughn has been in office the issue has largely been ignored. 'The buck stops with the Mayor,' Bishop said." FACTS: Over the last years, the Mayor has consistently worked with Town Council and a team of qualified contract professionals-led by candidate Barbara Humes-to secure the studies, reports, and funding recommendations for addressing water infrastructure issues. Mr. Bishop cannot have it both ways.! Mr. Bishop's statements suggest that either he has failed to read the studies, reports, and funding recommendations! or recognize them as work or he is in error for challenging the financial framework for funding the recommendations led by Ms. Hume as he did so at the Saturday May 20, 2017 League of Women Voters Candidate

3 Forum held at the United Methodist Church at Camp Hill.! Fact, Mayor Vaughn has consistently worked alongside a team of qualified professionals led by candidate Barbara Humes to secure the studies, reports, and funding for water infrastructure as recorded in Town Council Meetings evidenced in Town Council meeting minutes if Mr. Bishop is unclear.! Further, in his comments, Mr. Bishop attributed Mayor Vaughn s reference to deferred maintenance by past administrations as "passing the buck."! Rather than accurately reflecting that Mr. Vaughn has stepped up to take the potentially unpopular position of addressing unaddressed issues, interestingly,! Infrastructure issues that were deferred during the term Mr. Bishop s wife served on the Harpers Ferry Town Council. Journal Article, ECONOMIC GROWTH "Bishop stressed the need to improve communication and business in the town, stating that a dire picture has been painted of the town s financial stability over the past few years; however, now that election time is near, Bishop said, We seem to have lots of money. FACTS: Over the last years, the Mayor and Town Council have addressed financial challenges facing all regional municipalities to advance from deficit to surplus using collaborative and innovative financial and governance strategies..! Mr. Bishop may not have been following the budget over the years if he continues to maintain concerns that recent surpluses are the result of election season accounting deception or grandstanding.! Mr. Bishop might remember that Mayor Vaughn and the current Town Council took innovative steps including helping Harpers Ferry establish West Virginia Home Rule to significantly change Town funding dynamics.! Additionally, Mr. Bishop may be forgetting the1% Sales and Use Tax implemented by the Mayor in 2016, vigorous and impartial enforcement of the B&O Taxes enforcement by the Mayor and Town Council throughout their term, and thousands of dollars in tourist parking revenue from the vilified strategic parking policy designed to address resident safety, tourist flow and turnover, and yes, income that have contributed to the financial turn around!! Casting his aspersions on motive for the surplus Mr. Bishop appears unaware of the steady progression to Town solvency that has been accomplished under Mr. Vaughn s leadership. Journal Article, BOLIVAR RELATIONSHIPS "Bolivar won't talk to the current Harpers Ferry administration. We need to rebuild that relationship and get back a joint force." FACTS: The Mayor, throughout his term has been in closely aligned dialogue with Mayor Detmer about equitable funding for sharing police (as Bolivar has three times the coverage needs of Harpers Ferry.) Fact, Mayor Vaughn continues ongoing dialogue with Bolivar Mayor Detmer including discussions about resuming efforts to provide coverage for Bolivar. In a conversation May 30, 2017 Mayor Detmer and Mayor Vaughn discussed a joint police presence with Bolivar. Mayor Detmer noted that Bolivar has committed a police agreement with the Sheriff s Department for the fiscal year. Paid for by the Greg Vaughn for Harpers Ferry Campaign 2017 page 3

4 Mr. Bishop may wish to check his facts before publishing incorrect statements on his website. MERCHANT SUPPORT "In explaining how he would enhance the business atmosphere of the town, Bishop called for planning of various fairs, festivals and events for children and adults. FACTS: It is interesting to note that while Mr. Bishop was quick to inaccurately attribute cancellation of past events to Mr. Vaughn he failed to respond to Mr. Vaughn s response to the same question about ongoing outreach efforts for merchants and small businesses.! Though the Journal article did report Vaughn shared that Harpers Ferry has been designated a number one tourist attraction it failed to report that Mr. Vaughn initiated dialogues with West Virginia University Small Business Consultants to conduct workshop trainings and business assistance for local Harpers Ferry Merchants.! Additionally, it was not reported that Mr. Vaughn is in dialogue with the West Virginia University Tourism faculty to help set up meetings with the new State Director of Tourism and Executive Director of the Jefferson County and Visitor s Bureau to explore further strategic business engagement. Journal Article, INFRASTURCUTRE "Bishop chastised the mayor blaming previous administrations [for deferred water infrastructure maintenance] saying that since Vaughn has been in office the issue has largely been ignored. 'The buck stops with the Mayor,' Bishop said." FACTS: Over the last years, the Mayor has consistently worked with Town Council and a team of qualified contract professionals-led by candidate Barbara Humes-to secure the studies, reports, and funding recommendations for addressing water infrastructure issues.! Mr. Bishop cannot have it both ways. Mr. Bishop's statements suggest that either he has failed to read the studies, reports, and funding recommendations or recognize them as work or he is in error for challenging the financial framework for funding the recommendations led by Ms. Hume as he did so at the Saturday May 20, 2017 League of Women Voters Candidate Forum held at the United Methodist Church at Camp Hill.! Fact, Mayor Vaughn has consistently worked alongside a team of qualified professionals led by candidate Barbara Humes to secure the studies, reports, and funding for water infrastructure as recorded in Town Council Meetings evidenced in Town Council meeting minutes if Mr. Bishop is unclear.! Further, in his comments, Mr. Bishop attributed Mayor Vaughn s reference to deferred maintenance by past administrations as "passing the buck" rather than accurately reflecting that Mr. Vaughn has stepped up to take the potentially unpopular position of addressing, interestingly, an action that was not taken during Town Council single term that Mr. Bishop s wife served on the Harpers Ferry Town Council. Website and referenced again at Merchant FIRE DEPARTMENT Your Fire department funding has been cut off by your Mayor and Council. FACTS: This is patently false. Funding for the fire department HAS NOT BEEN cut off by the Mayor or the Council.

5 ! In fact, Mayor Vaughn and Town Council created a new disbursement method that allows for a more predictable income flow for the fire department.! As a result of a much improved revenue stream it is anticipated that financial support for the fire department will increase this fiscal year.! Greg Vaughn continues to meet with the local fire department president and leadership to collaboratively discuss their critical needs. Website and referenced again at Merchant POLICE Your Police department coverage is at an all-time low. Crime is on the rise and you have no police protection at night for you, your family and your loved ones. The Town of Bolivar will not speak to your Mayor or Council over this issue. FACTS: Following a 30 year policing career, Greg Vaughn continues to effectively address public safety.! Harpers Ferry has in fact maintained a police force while neighboring jurisdictions have reduced or eliminated coverage due to budgetary constraints.! Harpers Ferry police do not publically announce community shift coverage for security and public safety reasons.! The Town Council has been successful in generating revenue streams for Harpers Ferry that will be applied to public safety and addition of new officers.! The police coverage for Harpers Ferry is 2.5 sworn police officers per 290 residents. The national average for community police coverage is two (2) sworn police officers per 1,000 residents.! Statistically, and according to the Harpers Ferry Police Chief, there has been no indication that crime is on the rise in Harpers Ferry.! Fact, Mayor Vaughn continues ongoing dialogue with Bolivar Mayor Detmer including discussions about resuming efforts to provide coverage for Bolivar.! Mayor Detmer most recently advised Mayor Vaughn that Bolivar re-signed another police agreement with the Sheriff s Department for the fiscal year. Website ORDINANCE 1313 I along with over 100 citizens have fought long and hard to get protections for our community into the recently passed Overlay Ordinance. This new law is now in danger of being picked apart by an out of Town Developer. I will not allow that to happen if elected. FACTS: More actually, hundreds of individuals and community advocates have worked alongside the Town Council in more than 60 meetings, forums, and personal dialogue sessions to arrive at community protections built into the recently passed Promontory Ordinance 1313.! The new law is not in danger of being picked apart by an out-of-town developer unless Opponents or a new Town Council choose to dismantle or amend the Ordinance, opening the town to potential years of delay, legal challenge, and further dissension.! Fact, the Town s Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) has sole authority to rule on any plan for the hotel property that exceeds the current footprint and design.! As with any regulation, the applicant (hotel property owner) has a right under WV Code to appeal any BZA decision to the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, regardless of who is Mayor. Paid for by the Greg Vaughn for Harpers Ferry Campaign 2017 page 5

6 Website and referenced again at Merchant PARKING You are currently being charged to park in front of you own homes. I will eliminate the confusing parking policy. FACTS: The current parking plan DOES NOT charge residents to park in front of their own homes, rather, under the plan all residents are given access to town rights-of-way.! This comprehensive strategy for Harpers Ferry parking simultaneously addresses resident safety, increased tourism traffic, and strategic parking management while generating a new revenue stream that can be directed to community safety and infrastructure enhancements. This is a public safety issue not addressed by previous town administrations.! Greg Vaughn wishes to publically thank Midge Yost for researching and recommending the innovative parking app that is now being used that Mr. Bishop suggests had no public input.! Total cost to any town resident is $5 per year/per vehicle (covering the cost of printing the resident decals) and any resident can request a waiver for consideration if $5 a year is a barrier.! The decals help police identify non-resident autos in working to secure adequate parking in their neighborhood as tourism traffic increases throughout the season and robust parking turnover for merchants.! All reports for the current tourist season indicate no decline in tourism while generating thousands of dollars in NEW revenue for Harpers Ferry services.! Careful review of the actual plan by its opponents would remedy the falsehoods. Website WATER PLANT Your Water plant and system currently need 6-7 million dollars worth of improvement. Your rates are now scheduled to sky rocket by 40%. I will find a low interest solution to this issue. FACTS: The fragile condition of the Harpers Ferry water system is a result of years of deferred maintenance decisions by previous town administrations that must now be addressed.! The Town Council continues to work alongside The Water Commission led by Barbara Humes who has worked tirelessly for the past two years- and with financial specialists and community advocates to acquire the most cost effective way to fund the needed infrastructure improvement to our water system.! The collaborative approach seeks to minimize future maintenance costs and impact to residents and merchants.! Sewer Services are not administered by the town and the Town Council DOES NOT control sewer fees. Website HILLTOP HOTEL The Town is about to usher in a million dollar Hotel development. That may be good for the Tax base, however there is no one in your current administration that has a clue as to how the construction of this new development will affect everyone s daily lives, public safety or your quiet peaceable way of life. FACTS: Mr. Vaughn has navigated complex oversight of local, state, and federal codes and enforcement that preserve the unique character of Harpers Ferry for all construction, and particularly following the Lower Town Fire rebuilding.! Mr. Vaughn continues to demonstrate his unique qualifications and capacity to work alongside the architects, construction specialists, engineers, inspectors, and regulatory bodies necessary for large scale projects in a historically significant community.

7 ! If Mr. Bishop wishes to apply for a position as a construction manager with a developer, that is his prerogative.! If Mr. Bishop chooses to run for mayor rather than construction manager, he will require exceptional skills in governance, policy, and administration to work with teams of agencies architects, engineers, and compliance officials.! Mr. Vaughn s demonstrated ability to coordinate and collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies as well as qualified design and building professionals assures integrity, compliance, and fiscal success to enhance quality of life for every individual who experiences Harpers Ferry. Aspersion of Facts and Motive: Harpers Ferry needs to engage a CPA firm to prevent fiscal mismanagement. *Wayne Bishop at League of Women Voters Town Forum, May 2017 FACTS: Harpers Ferry currently hires, and has hired for years in accordance with West Virginia State code, a WV approved CPA Firm that conducts routine advisory functions and review and a separate WV approved firm for the required annual audit.! Harpers Ferry has completed ALL CPA certified audits with no indication of any mismanagement.! All audits are available for online review by the public. Distortion of Facts: Harpers Ferry residents will have to pay capacity, infrastructure, and supply costs for additional water usage generated by a new Hilltop Hotel. FACTS: The recently approved Hotel Overlay Ordinance requires ANY AND ALL COSTS that might result from capacity, infrastructure, and supply needs beyond 2008 levels TO BE BORN SOLELY by the hotel developer. Distortion of Facts: Water and Sewer Cost Increases for residents are occurring due to Town Council mismanagement and failure to reach out to potential funding partners for the $6.5 million Harpers Ferry Water System Upgrade. FACTS: Cost increases to residents are the result of deferred maintenance over the past decades.! The current council is addressing infrastructure issues that have not been attended to for years due to lack of funding. Harpers Ferry Town Council and Community advocates have worked alongside community advocates and funding professionals to craft the most cost-effective approach to project financing for water services essential to preventing higher long term costs.! Town Council records report the wide-ranging outreach strategies that have been explored with legal and financial counsel to secure the best rates under the leadership of Barbara Humes. Distortion of Facts: The current Hilltop Hotel Overlay allows for unrestricted growth of a project beyond the scale of the site and has compromised public and regulatory oversight. FACTS: The approved Hotel Overlay Ordinance prescribes a hotel footprint that falls within the original size parameters of the site.! The approved Hotel Overlay plan contains strict and enforceable zoning and regulatory processes with community input scheduled into each design phase.! Any proposed increase in the current footprint or size MUST BE approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) following public review. Distortion of Facts: The current Town Council has not been transparent in matters related to the Hilltop Hotel Overlay and other Town matters and Paid for by the Greg Vaughn for Harpers Ferry Campaign 2017 page 7

8 refuses to hear dissenting voices. FACTS: The current Harpers Ferry Town Council continues to hold ongoing and open community meetings, forums, and dialogue in which all stakeholder voices are heard above and beyond the requirements of governance ordinances.!! In multiple instances, dissenting voices have refused to honor the frameworks established for civil and accurate public discourse. The Town additionally has brought in impartial facilitators to make certain meetings are open and civil. All interested parties can reach out to the Town Council Recorder for notes and in some cases transcripts and recordings of the sessions.... Journal Article, STAY TUNED FOR ADDITIONAL FACT UPDATES AS WHEN NEEDED! This site honors West Virginia Election Rules: Sponsored by the Greg Vaughn for Harpers Ferry election campaign. John Madigan, Treasurer THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPECTFUL CONSIDERATION. Embrace the Future Harpers Ferry Deserves! PLEASE SHARE AND STAY TUNED FOR ADDITIONAL FACT UPDATES AS NEEDED! GregVaugnforHarpersFerry.weebly.com Honoring West Virginia Election Rules: Sponsored by the Greg Vaughn for Harpers Ferry election campaign. John Madigan, Treasurer