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,...
Commissioners take aim at Chester County’s elderly and disabled, again
To The Editor:
The Chester County Commissioners have once again demonstrated their disregard for the county’s elderly population and residents with special needs, not to mention county taxpayers. On Friday, March 15th the Commissioners continued their ongoing and disturbing pattern of taking advantage of the hardworking men and women at the Department of Human Services.
DHS has many departments,...
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...
Letter: Pitts votes no to protect women from violence
To The Editor:
I was disgusted that our congressman, Joe Pitts, voted against reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Even as backwards and archaic as his views generally are on women’s issues, this vote was surprising. Congressman Pitts hadn’t provided any public comment one way or the other on the legislation, and I had hoped he would join nearly 40% of Congressional Republicans...
Letter: Social media shows possible bias in family court
To The Editor:
Last year, there were approximately 34,000 divorces in the state of Pennsylvania.
Divorce can be literally one of the most stressful situations any of us can experience in our life and it is traumatic for both a couple and or the children of the marriage. Most often, it is not just the emotional toll of ending a relationship but the complications of custody that often occur with...
Op/Ed: Transportation funding: meeting current and future needs
Gov. Corbett’s infrastructure plans important to economic development of region
By Terence Farrell, Chester County Commissioner
Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell
Every Pennsylvanian should welcome Governor Corbett’s announcement this month of a new and expanded transportation funding strategy for the Commonwealth. Whether you drive, take the bus, ride the train, walk or use your...
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...
