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...
Why is the Second Amendment more important than all other rights?
Spoiler Alert: It’s not, despite what some might want to sell you
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Much has been said about a recent event at Patton Middle School in Unionville in which a parent left a gun in an unlocked, running car in the school’s parking lot.
While I’m not sure that the ending — the unidentified parent involved apologized to the school district and community, surrendered...
A Q&A with Margaret Hudgings
An interview with leader of local group questioning mosquito spraying
By Nathaniel Smith, Columnist, The Times
My opinion piece “Mosquito spraying: why doesn’t the county want to talk about it?” in the Times of Chester County, August 31, asked many questions. Since then I’ve found many answers, including from talking with the County Health Department, and many new questions too. One thing...
Letter: Sestak will be a senator for all of the people
To The Editor,
Over the past five years I have had the opportunity to listen and to watch Admiral Joe Sestak in action. Whether taking questions from senior citizens or in a discussion with high school students too young to vote, he demonstrated compassion and a sensitivity seldom seen in politicians. I recently accompanied Joe Sestak on a stroll through Thorndale, Pa. while he shared his experience...
