Chester Officials Clash with Water Authority Over Board Appointment

City seeks to place its chief of staff on the Chester Water Authority board, but the authority raises concerns over potential conflicts of interest.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:36am

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After the passing of longtime Chester Water Authority board member John Shelton Sr., the city of Chester moved to appoint its chief of staff, Thomas Moore, to fill the vacant seat. However, the water authority has raised concerns about Moore's loyalties, with the authority's solicitor arguing that board members have a fiduciary duty to the authority, not to their appointing entity. The two sides are now in discussions to try to resolve the issue.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between the city of Chester and the Chester Water Authority, which have been locked in legal battles over the authority's assets and potential privatization. The outcome of this board appointment could have significant implications for the future control and direction of the water authority.

The details

At a recent Chester City Council meeting, the council approved the appointment of Thomas Moore, the city's chief of staff, to fill the vacant seat on the Chester Water Authority board left by the passing of John Shelton Sr. However, at the authority's board meeting, concerns were raised about Moore's loyalties, with the authority's solicitor arguing that board members have a fiduciary duty to the authority, not to their appointing entity. The solicitor cited a city resolution that directed future board appointees to prioritize the city's policy positions, which the solicitor said was illegal. The city solicitor, meanwhile, argued that the city acted within its authority in making the appointment and expects Moore to be recognized and permitted to serve.

  • On March 7, John Shelton Sr., a longtime Chester Water Authority board member, passed away.
  • On April 5, 2026, the Chester City Council approved the appointment of Thomas Moore, the city's chief of staff, to fill the vacant seat on the Chester Water Authority board.

The players

John Shelton Sr.

A major figure in Chester's civic life who served on the Chester Water Authority board since 2012 and was a firm advocate of keeping the authority's assets in public hands.

Thomas Moore

Chester's chief of staff, who was appointed by the city to fill the vacant seat on the Chester Water Authority board. Moore previously worked for the authority as the director of business development/information technology and is credited with bringing $1.6 billion in business to Chester.

Francis Catania

The Chester Water Authority's solicitor, who raised concerns about Moore's appointment and the city's resolution directing board appointees to prioritize the city's policy positions.

Kenneth Schuster

The Chester city solicitor, who argued that the city acted within its authority in appointing Moore and expects him to be recognized and permitted to serve on the water authority board.

Stefan Roots

The mayor of Chester, who expressed surprise that the water authority board refused to seat Moore and said the city will take the necessary steps to ensure its appointee is seated.

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What they’re saying

“I'm here to build bridges and work in my capacity as a board member to see if we can resolve some of the issues that are outstanding.”

— Thomas Moore, Chester Chief of Staff

“City Council may not force a fiduciary to take any position. This is because members of CWA's board owe these duties, which include care, loyalty and prudent administration, to the CWA, not to their appointing entity(ies).”

— Francis Catania, Chester Water Authority Solicitor

“The city acted within its authority and validly appointed Mr. Moore. The city expects that Mr. Moore will be recognized and permitted to serve without interference. The city will pursue all remedies, if necessary.”

— Kenneth Schuster, Chester City Solicitor

“We were just surprised that the board refused to sit him at the board meeting and defy the will of Chester City Council. That is our right as mayor and city council. They're behaving as though they can reject our appointments for reasons that are convenient for them. It just baffles all of us.”

— Stefan Roots, Chester Mayor

“(Moore) will be seated as he was rightfully appointed. Tom wants to serve. He was duly appointed to serve and I think he would be able to do that.”

— Fred Green, Chester City Councilman

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This dispute over the Chester Water Authority board appointment highlights the ongoing tensions between the city of Chester and the authority, with both sides claiming the other is overstepping its bounds. The outcome could have significant implications for the future control and direction of the water authority, which has been the subject of long-running legal battles.