Op/Ed: It’s time to overhaul state’s tax code
Gov. Wolf deserves credit for starting a conversation on taxing
By Kathi Cozzone, Chester County Commissioner
Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone
Most Pennsylvanians would agree that our tax code needs some work. I talk to many residents with long-standing complaints: senior citizens having trouble coping with rising school property taxes, small business owners paying the nation’s highest...
Letter: Toomey is blocking job creation
To the editor:
Our state has a proud history as a center of manufacturing. Of course the economy evolves, but we have also sustained self-inflicted damage. US taxpayers have been paying to encourage corporations to outsource their production and even to move their headquarters abroad. What sense does that make (except to the corporations, of course)?
I recall a few years ago, IBM fired a...
Op/Ed: Attracting veterans to our state universities
State schools offer many options for those who served
By Rep. Steve Barrar, State Representative, 160th District
State Rep. Steve Barrar (R-160).
I recently met with officials from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to discuss what we are doing to attract veterans and their families to Pennsylvania colleges and universities. There are so many wonderful opportunities for...
Wolf’s budget proposal brings out the silly from both sides
And…York area senator trash talks our senators, again
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
It was a bit frosty in Harrisburg this week — and I don’t just mean the “my gosh will this awful winter ever end” kind of frosty, but a less than warm reception to Gov. Tom Wolf’s first budget proposal and, because it is the time for giving (at least to political columnists), more Republican...
Op/Ed: Keep child predators out of Pa.’s classrooms
Backs federal legislation to enforce background checks, sharing of data across states
By Thomas P. Hogan, Chester County District Attorney
Thomas P. HoganLast year, news broke that the Coatesville Area School District had hired multiple convicted felons and entrusted the safety and care of children to such criminals. For example, Victor Ford’s convictions for multiple state and federal felonies...
Is Wolf angling to make a deal with GOP legislators?
With his base secured, a deal on liquor privatization, pensions could be in play
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Depending on who is reading the tea leaves, Gov. Tom Wolf is either drawing a line in the sand — and guaranteeing four years of abject gridlock, or he’s securing the base with the idea that he’s going to have to make deals in the coming weeks and months that won’t be popular...
Op/Ed: A tale of two high schools
Growing gap between urban, suburban schools is unconscionable
By Sen. Andrew E. Dinniman, State Senator, 19th District
Sen. Andrew E. Dinniman
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
It’s almost like Charles Dickens was describing public education in Pennsylvania.
Today, the disparity between the academic services, technology and basic resources available to students in inner...
Op/Ed: 2015 offer many opportunities for Chester County
By Terence Farrell, Chair, Chester County Board of Commissioners
Terence Farrell
The citizens of Chester County have a myriad of opportunities as we begin 2015 and close out a successful 2014.
As the newly elected chair of the Chester County Commissioners, I’m looking forward to making sure we meet the goals we’ve set in our strategic plan that will enhance our already excellent quality of...
Don’t expect much political change in 2015
Although new approaches seem badly needed, expect the ‘same old, same old’ this year
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
New year, same old politics.
As 2015 dawns, even with new majorities in state and federal legislatures, as well as a brand new governor and a new county commissioner, things are arguably more the same than different.
In terms of the federal government, it’s not just...
Chester County’s Mike Piazza belongs in the Hall
Lunkhead sportswriters may keep him out, but we know the truth
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Chester County’s Mike Piazza belongs in baseball’s Hall of Fame. The game never saw a better hitting catcher.
More than likely, sometime Tuesday morning, we’re going to see that Chester County’s own Mike Piazza, hands down the best hitting catcher in baseball, just missed getting elected...
