Out with the old, in with the new….state constitution?
Dysfunction, failure points to need to revise 1968 state constitution
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Happy Old Year!
Or, same old, same old.
With precious few days left in 2015, the ongoing battle of the budget for the state of Pennsylvania continues unabated.
There is, to be sure, lots and lots of blame to be shared by all sides, from a state legislature that seems not to know what it wants...
Op/Ed: State Courts seek to control county row office operations
Judiciary hungry to seize fees that help keep local taxes down
By Terri Clark, Chester County Register of Wills
Terri Clark
With Pennsylvania locked in a five-month budget impasse, the state’s Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) is creating something that already exists at public expense. As our schools and non-profits suffer without state funding, AOPC is developing a computer...
Letter: Lack of support for fire companies troubling
To The Editor,
Receiving proper financial support from local governments to make our Chester County communities are safe at all of times of the day and night is becoming almost impossible.
I was dismayed to read of the treatment Fire Chief John Edwards and the East Brandywine volunteer fire company received at a recent township meeting. More than 100 citizens turned out to support the fire and...
Merry Election Season? Not so far
State House GOP budget play doesn’t seem to make political sense
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
It’s that time of year — you can see the indications of it everywhere.
It’s election season. What, you thought I was talking about Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza?
After just a few weeks off from the local 2015 elections, politics has moved back front and center, even if the events of 2015 will...
Delusions and confusion; or just another day in Harrisburg
State pols continue to labor under budget, tax delusions
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Ah, nothing says “holiday seasons” like the ongoing state budget stalemate.
Perfectly, both Democrats and Republicans continue to labor under impressive delusions about the current state of the commonwealth — and the outcomes of some proposed legislation that would provide cornerstones for a possible...
Some thanks, apologies and an update
After two weeks in the hospital, I’m finally on the mend
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
A funny thing happened on the way home from the Octorara-Unionville High School Football game on the night before Halloween: I got really, really sick.
So sick, I ended up in a local emergency room with what ultimately turned out to be a massive gastrointestinal infection. As that institution declined...
Letter: Reminder no need for photo ID on election day
To The Editor,
In 2014 the courts ruled that the Pennsylvania Voter ID law violated our state constitution. So you can imagine why I was shocked when earlier this month, as I entered the Chester County Assistance Office on behalf of a family in need, I saw three inaccurate and misleading posters stating that Pennsylvania’s Voter ID law was in litigation and that you could be required to show...
Letter: Hoffman is the right choice for Kennett
To the Editor:
While every election is an important event, an opportunity to renew our individual commitment to our individual and community values, this election in Kennett Township is especially so. This is a year where the electorate nationwide is confused and frustrated. Outsiders with bombastic promises and outlandish charges promise unrealistic and inappropriate change. This approach at the...
Letter: New group needed if there is to be new Kennett library
To The Editor,
The Kennett Public Library hired Mcintyre Associates to conduct a campaign planning feasibility study for their proposed new library. The KPL essentially provided 23 carefully crafted questions for which they sought answers. They provided Mcintyre Associates with a list of 98 individuals to be interviewed, but only 41 (40.2%) chose to participate. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT RESULT...
Op/Ed: Olson, George, Cover best choice for PA
By Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh, Chester County Sheriff
Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh
Over the past few years, Pennsylvania’s highest court has been sadly rocked by scandals that have shaken the foundation of our courts to its very core. With the turmoil that has been surrounding the Supreme Court in recent years, this year’s historic election for the three statewide courts is more...
