As Philly goes, so goes Chester County?
In this week of HS graduations, why you need to be concerned about Philly’s schools
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Out here in Chester County, we’ve been relatively insulated — we think — from the collapse of the Philadelphia Public Schools. Maybe you’ve seen some of the recent discussion about all extra curricular activities, even sports, being cut from the public schools....
Op/Ed: Smart justice begins with smart sentencing
Better guidelines needed to reduce number of prisoners, cut costs
By Terence Farrell, Chester County Commissioner
Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell
Local lockups, county jails, state prisons and federal correctional institutions are filled and overflowing across the United Sates. The cost of housing all of the offenders is staggering, especially in this time when many needed social programs...
Can there really be ‘Smart’ growth? Yes
Tax discount program adopted by Caln could be used to manage growth, get ratables
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
CALN — Driving down Lincoln Highway the other day, I was a little shocked to note how many businesses were either struggling or shuttered, and I was thinking to myself, “man, I hope there’s something that can be done about that.”
As it turns out, there is, and Caln is doing...
AR-15 controversy hides real discussion
Battle over gun highlights left, right more interested in scoring points than solving problems
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
I’ll spare you the bad gun puns — we’ve certainly seen more than enough of those in Chester County the last few days.
In case you missed it, there’s an uproar of righteous indignation that Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh’s office is auctioning...
Don’t pop that bubbly just yet
State Senate appears likely to water down liquor privatization beyond recognition
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
You might just want to hold that celebration over Pennsylvania privatizing liquor sales.
Despite smiles and warm assurances, the state Senate doesn’t appear to be on board with the bill that passed the state House of Representatives and has support of Gov. Tom Corbett.
In fact,...
Op/Ed: Chester County government prepared for emergencies
New plan, developed in-house, provides for county services when disaster strikes
By Terence Farrell, Chester County Commissioner
Terence Farrell
Being prepared for all emergencies is a daunting task for those elected officials responsible for the safety and well-being of their constituents but planning for such emergencies is necessary.
Some months ago the county commissioners took steps to develop...
Op/Ed: Chester County residents have E-cycling options
While new law mandates recycling of electronics, there are many simple options available
By Ryan Costello, Chester County Commissioner
Chester County Commissioner Ryan Costello
A new law in Pennsylvania mandates the safe disposal of electronic equipment, now known as E-waste. No longer will county residents be able to just put a television, computer and other such devices at the curb for the refuse...
Politicians, just like everyone else, don’t fit easily in one category
In our ‘Us Versus Them’ environment, it’s too easy to miss the human element
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Politicians, despite reports to the contrary, are human beings.
With all of the invective being thrown around, it can be easy to forget, of course. As humans, we like to put things and people into boxes. But people being people, they are always more complicated.
A couple...
Op/Ed: Chester County’s priorities for 2013
There are challenges ahead, but a collaborative county government works to the benefit of all
By Ryan Costello, Chester County Commissioner
Chester County Commissioner Ryan Costello.
The recent political landscape has, understandably, left many less than favorably impressed.
I believe your Chester County government, however, has proven to be an excellent example of collaborative, productive...
Time for common sense on both sides of cliff talk
Both sides seem more focused on talking points than facts
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Before, we get started here, my thoughts and prayers to the people of Newtown, Conn. It is a community so much like so many parts of Chester County, it is impossible not to feel both sympathy and horror.
As a parent, it chills the blood. I’m not sure there was anything different that could have been done...
