Lawrence, Hennessey choosing extreme politics over Chester County women’s lives
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
In the middle of the night, Pennsylvania’s legislators pushed through an amendment to the state Constitution removing any protection for abortion and women’s health services — along with a number of anti-democratic measures that could make it harder for minorities to vote.
There are massive issues with morality and democracy here, but the fact...
Column: A father’s letter to his daughter after Roe falls
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Dear Janet,
I’m sorry. We have failed you.
By “we” I mean American society. Your mom and I foolishly hoped that you would eventually see the same rights and standing as your twin brother. But it is clear now that will not happen any time soon.
Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and what had been your right to privacy...
It’s hard to feel like much will get done on gun safety
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
The mass shootings continue — so many it is hard to keep track.
And we do nothing.
That’s because the gun lobby has mobilized a fanatic minority of the population to think they have some holy right to own, carry and use guns with no restrictions. “Shall not be infringed” they scream at the slightest suggestion of any common sense gun safety...
Op/Ed: Time to promote sensible gun laws
By Chris Pielli, Recorder of Deeds, Chester County
Chris Pielli
South Street on a Saturday night.
How many times have we enjoyed hanging out there? Now I am calling my son to make sure he is safe. Meanwhile, extremist Doug Mastriano and his radical Republicans stomp and shout about the sanctity of life while promoting lethal legislation seeking to pass permit less, concealed carry laws that...
Op/Ed: Change the tone to dignity and respect for our children’s sake
By Marian Moskowitz, Chester County Commissioners’ Chair
Marian Moskowitz
All of us are again dealing with our emotions over the latest senseless massacre, this one in Texas where 19 innocent children and two teachers were murdered. If you are like me, your feelings range from sadness and heartache to anger.
As invariably happens after every mass shooting, the debate again begins over gun laws...
Op/Ed: Consider taking refuge in the highly entertaining films of southern India
By Eric Klein, Special to The Times
Eric Klein
In the quiet hamlets of southeast Pennsylvania, there’s not a whole lot of action. The former farmlands turned to residential neighborhoods don’t offer much excitement.
Fortunately, we do have an IMAX movie theater in Downingtown, PA (population 7,926). I was very pleased to discover that this theater is heavily patronized by a growing Indian population...
Column: Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing county shares what it’s learning from expanded data collection
By Gary Smith, President & CEO, Chester County Economic Development Council
& Michael Grigalonis, COO & EVP, Chester County Economic Development Council
Gary Smith
Chester County is projected to be the fastest growing county in southeastern Pennsylvania, with growth of more than 25% anticipated by 2050. With a 2020 population of just over half a million people, the county is expected...
Democrats throwing mud in primary may hurt efforts in the fall
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
For a number of weeks, I’ve been wanting to write a column about the dysfunction in the Democratic race for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania — but every time I’d be poised to do so, the Republicans in either or both the gubernatorial or U.S. Senate race would do something so out there it could not be ignored.
But the fact of the matter is while the...
Op/Ed: Ditch forever chemicals forever
By Kristine Howard, State Representative, 167th District
State Rep. Kristine Howard
Since the 1940s, the use of a group of toxic man made chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, have been increasingly used in numerous consumer goods and industrial processes. From degreasing pots and pans to making pants stain-resistant, PFAS use has proliferated over the past eight decades.
While...
Op/Ed: Parents should be concerned about moves to oust school board members
By Charlotte Valyo, Chair Chester County Democratic Committee
Charlotte Valyo
Every parent in Chester County should be concerned by the latest effort from the far right to take control of local elected offices outside the process of fair and open elections.
The latest example is the petition filed in Judge William P. Mahon’s Court of Common Pleas by 10 residents bent on ousting West Chester School...
