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At the November 14, 2022 Exeter Township meeting, Solicitor J. Chadwick Schnee launched an unprovoked attack on my integrity, accusing me of Ethics Act violations for displaying "exeterunited.com" on my laptop. His claim? That this somehow suggested "private pecuniary gain" or township-endorsed political commentary.
The accusation was groundless. My website operates without paywalls, generates zero revenue, contains no advertisements, and exists solely to connect with constituents and articulate my positions on local governance. The Ethics Commission has already reviewed and approved it. Yet Schnee offered no evidence to support his inflammatory allegation. A Failure of Legal Duty As our board's solicitor, Schnee represents all supervisors, including me. His professional obligation was to investigate facts before making public accusations. Instead, he chose confrontation over consultation, ambush over analysis. No prior discussion. No private inquiry. Just a calculated public assault on my character during an already contentious meeting. Coordinated Targeting The aftermath revealed the calculated nature of this attack. Supervisors Vollmer, Kircher, and Bell immediately rallied behind Schnee's baseless claim, pushing through a 4-1 motion to ban displays while simultaneously scheming to relocate my seat. Their coordination was unmistakable—and telling. Escalation and Consequences What should have been a minor administrative matter became a destructive cycle of censures, failed legal challenges against my website, and ongoing dysfunction that has damaged our township's governance and reputation. Schnee's reckless accusation didn't serve legal clarity or township business—it served personal and political vendettas. Professional Standards Abandoned Competent legal counsel would have verified facts, engaged in private discussion, or supported policy changes without character assassination. Instead, Schnee transformed a trivial issue into a trust-destroying spectacle that continues to undermine effective governance. The real ethics violation here isn't displaying a community-focused website—it's a solicitor abandoning professional standards to fuel political warfare.
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Exeter Township at a Crossroads: A Call for Ethical, Transparent, and Fiscally Sound GovernanceExeter Township stands on the brink of decisions that could define its future—or deepen its troubles. With a 2025 budget projecting a $1.6 million deficit, residents face mounting financial strain, yet Supervisor George Bell has proposed spending $25,000 to rent library space for three public meetings about a $20 million fire station project. This proposal, steeped in ethical concerns, fiscal irresponsibility, and a troubling lack of transparency, has sparked outrage among taxpayers already stretched thin. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Bell is held to high ethical standards, yet his actions—including an undisclosed conflict of interest—call his judgment into question. Meanwhile, a free, township-owned alternative sits unused. This article dissects the flaws in Bell’s plan and urges a return to accountability and common sense. Ethical Concerns: A CFP’s Failure to Uphold StandardsAs a CFP, Supervisor Bell is bound by ethical standards requiring integrity, competence, loyalty, and disclosure of conflicts (CFP Board Standards A.1, A.4, A.5, B.1). His proposal lacks competence by failing to analyze the township’s deficit, misrepresents the financial health by not disclosing the deficit’s impact, and does not prioritize taxpayers’ interests by ignoring cost-free alternatives. Additionally, Bell has a stepson who is a volunteer with the Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department (ETVFD), creating a conflict of interest that he has failed to disclose. This relationship could bias his support for the fire station project, and under CFP Standard A.5, he was required to disclose it to ensure transparency. Given this conflict, Bell should have recused himself from decisions related to the ETVFD, including this proposal, to avoid any appearance of bias and comply with both CFP ethics and Pennsylvania’s public ethics laws. His silence on this matter undermines trust in his leadership. Fiscal Irresponsibility: Deepening a Budget CrisisThe township’s 2025 budget shows a $1.6 million operating deficit in the General Fund, with expenses of $17,518,143 exceeding revenues of $16,052,122. After transfers of $1,415,000, the net loss is $71,021, reducing the General Fund balance from $4,520,000 to $4,448,979—a 1.6% decrease. This deficit erodes reserves critical for emergencies, strains service delivery (already impacted by staffing cuts), and relies on unsustainable one-time transfers, depleting the Wastewater Treatment Sale Proceeds Fund ($38,047,000 in 2025). Across all funds, the combined deficit is $1,952,949, reducing the total fund balance by 3.7% to $50,649,601. Adding $25,000 in unbudgeted spending increases the 2025 net loss to $96,021, eroding the fund balance to $4,423,979—a 2.2% decrease—contradicting the budget’s goal of achieving structural budgetary balance. Supervisor Bell’s justification—interest earnings exceeding expectations—lacks a reasonable basis, as the budget does not quantify these earnings, and their sustainability is uncertain given the reliance on finite transfers, which the budget warns depletes valuable assets (Multi-Year Strategic Priorities: “Using fund balance in addition to the interest earnings depletes this valuable asset”). Looking ahead, a $222,222 annual revenue from the Birdsboro Power easement agreement—a ten-year deal ending in 2031—will cease, increasing the deficit by 15% (e.g., from $1.6 million to $1.88 million in 2031) unless replaced, further straining reserves or forcing taxpayer burdens. Spending $25,000 now is not just reckless—it’s a step toward fiscal ruin. Lack of Transparency: A Fire Station Shrouded in MysteryThe lack of transparency around the fire station project is alarming. On April 28, 2025, the township approved $458,750 for Boyle Construction Management to manage the project, yet this expense is not in the 2025 budget’s Fire Services or Apparatus Funds. There has been no public budget, no official vote to build the station, and taxpayers have been denied meaningful input. The proposed funding—a $500,000 RACP grant, other grants, fire company funds (almost entirely taxpayer-derived), and donations—is speculative, with the RACP grant and others not guaranteed and donations minimal. This leaves debt or fire tax increases as the likely funding avenues, further burdening taxpayers already facing a strained budget. Bell’s slow rollout, requesting an amended agenda, only deepens suspicions of hidden motives. Practical Alternatives: The DUNN CENTER SolutionWhy pay $25,000 when the DUNN CENTER is available for free? The taxpayers own it, and it has a larger capacity than the current meeting room, which holds only about 25 guests. It’s a comfortable venue with windows—unlike our current space—and I’ve long suggested we upgrade its facilities to broadcast board meetings there, boosting transparency. Contrast this with Bell’s plan: we reduced our generous contribution to the county library system in 2025 from $300,000 to $250,000 (though Mascaro immediately contributed $60,000), while Muhlenberg Township gives just $85,000. Our taxpayers are generous—Bell’s proposal squanders that goodwill. Conclusion: A Plea for Change From a Silenced VoiceThe township must prioritize fiscal responsibility and transparency by rejecting this proposal, using the DUNN CENTER meeting room, and ensuring full public disclosure of the fire station project’s budget and plans before proceeding. I can’t speak to the supervisors—I’m not allowed to attend these meetings. This is how afraid they are of me. Why? They paid me $805,000 to resign and promise not to speak to them or township employees for one year. That year is up very soon. What would I say about the nonsense of offering the library $25,000 for three meetings on a horrible decision to build a third fire station for $20 million? It’s time for residents to demand better—starting now.
GEORGE BELL HAS HIS OWN AGENDA! DOESN'T LIMIT THROWING OUT RESIDENTS: THROWS OUT SUPERVISORS TOO!4/20/2025 George (the dictator) Bell throws Supervisor out of meeting, Bell doesnt bother to determine what the issue is, seems to be in an awful hurry. This guy works as an advisor for Fidelity Investments, scary!
BAD BEHAVIOR BELL!4/19/2025 George Bell, a Fidelity Investment Advisor and Exeter Township (Berks County, PA) Supervisor, violated Chapter 65, an ordinance designed to prevent supervisors from attacking one another, by dodging his responsibilities. Additionally, during the Public Comment period—the only time residents can voice their concerns—Bell inappropriately targeted a taxpayer. The chairman failed to intervene, allowing this conduct to continue unchecked. Furthermore, Robert’s Rules of Order, required by township ordinance, were not followed, undermining proper governance. This behavior erodes transparency and respect in our township. #ExeterTownship #Accountability
BELL ATTACKS SUPERVISOR:4/9/2025 This short video (1 minute 27 seconds) memorializes an incident where an elected supervisor discussed the improper placement of George Bell on the board and his reaction to this situation. Jerry Geleff documented the appointment of Mr. Bell to the board and the fact that the 2nd class statute was not followed properly. HOW ABOUT THAT GEORGE BELL? HE IS RUNNING FOR A SIX YEAR TERM. THIS VIDEO RAISES THE QUESTIONABLE WAY HE MANAGED TO BE APPOINTED TO THE BOARD AFTER LOSING THE LAST ELECTION. I LEAVE IT UP TO YOU AS YOU WATCH THIS AND PREVIOUS VIDEO TO DECIDE IF THIS IS WHO YOU WANT TO REPRESENT YOU IN OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. WARNING....MR. BELL RESORTS TO FOUL LANGUAGE IN THIS VIDEO Please note:
Tina Stephens Exective Secretary and Open Records Officer Denies Request! Conflict of interest?4/2/2025 That's right. They finished the 2023 audit almost a year late. Statutory requirements require that they publish a summary in the local paper. All townships locally have published in the Reading Eagle. This has included Exeter Township as well. I don't recall seeing it in the Eagle. I requested the copy provided to the Eagle and was simply denied claiming alleged agreement not to request public documents. Claims that I violated an agreement not to request public documents. I DON'T THINK SO! THIS IS YOUR GOVERNMENT! IT IS GOD AWFUL...JOIN ME IN DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT. FOLLOW ME AS I PREPARE MY APPEAL FOR A DOCUMENT THAT YOU CAN HAVE, BUT ACCORDING TO THEM I CAN NOT! ITS ALL ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE HIDING! IN MY HONEST OPINION!
Tina Stephens is the Executive Secretary- the person who is named on the state law to have this document published timely. She also is the OPEN RECORDS OFFICE who can deny my request! She should have intimate knowledge of this requirement and when it was posted to the Eagle. Listen as they state in the above letter "IN THE INTEREST OF TRANSPARENCY" ? Do you really believe they are sincere? We can not believe this government!! A government who give million dollar loans at zero interest and not payable for 10 years to PEOPLE WHO ARE MILLIONAIRES THEMSELVES. Are you struggling? Well, struggle on down to the next meeting and ask them to explain all this! The meager and I mean truly meager financial reporting! First note: THE VOLUME IS VERY HIGH, ADJUST YOUR VOLUME WHEN MAGAZZU IS NOT SPEAKING. His microphone was turned off and listen closely as all kinds of noises can be heard. Respectful to residents during public comment? Background: For about 7 years the University Rifle Range and the development immediately adjacent to this gun club have had an ongoing issue with safety. It recently culminated in dozens of ammunition falling into the community homes. Russ Magazzu is here to discuss what recent developments have occurred. Enjoy this 2 minute answer 41 second video as GEORGE BELL and J. Chadwick Schnee interact with a resident of Exeter Township concerned with safety issues. A longer 9 minute version will be available on my Youtube channel. Fascinating Public comment on October 28, 2024
GEORGE BELL and J. Chadwick Schnee interrupt and shut Russ Magazzu down during his public comments. Lots of action here as John (Jack) Piho loses control of the Board. Schnee made the use of Roberts Rules of Order a statutory requirement. Yet he often ignores it, as you will see Bell do the same. Most disconcerting is J. Chadwick Schnee of https://www.schneelegal.com Who appears to take over the meeting from the Chairman. Without being recognized by the Chairman, Schnee tells Russ Magazzu that its his public comment and he has 40 seconds left. PLENTY OF ACTION IN THIS VIDEO from GEORGE BELL who is a Financial advisor for FIDELITY INVESTMENTS. GEORGE BELL RUDE TO ELDERLY3/31/2025 Here is a recent example of illegally appointed supervisor GEORGE BELL rudely interrupting this elderly lady, Joann Hydock. There were no people signed up for public comment. However. as John (Jack) Piho does occasionally, he allowed this elderly lady to make a comment although she did not sign up. I never saw her in a meeting before, her first time. First exposure to GEORGE BELL. NOTE: Piho the Chairman conducts the meeting, not George Bell, but we see and hear him interrupt the speaker while Piho does nothing. Proper Roberts Rules of order only apply when it benefits the supervisors. Outrageous behavior on GEORGE BELL and the entire board of Supervisors for allowing his behavior. Longer version available on my YOUTUBE CHANNEL. CLICK BELOW:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke6Z4p9wr8E
This is interesting as you hear MR. Geleff discuss George Bell's behavior in this brief 2 minute and 50 second public comment. The public in attendance clapped and seemed energized by Mr. Geleff's comments. John (Jack) Piho reacted quickly with the gavel asking everyone to calm down. This is something you will not see him do when George Bell begins acting out. If you like these videos please subscribe to my YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND EXETERUNITED.COM
PIHO SAY DECORUM ? 12 SECONDS3/28/2025 TO EMPHASIZE egregious George Bell's ( Fidelity Investments Advisor) behavior is this very short clip John (Jack) Piho who sat quietly while Supervisor Bell interjected comments during a residents only opportunity to communicate publicly with the Board. Decorum? I don't think they know what that means?
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