Survey says life is good in Chester County

Residents’ top priority: Maintain quality services – and low taxes  By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times This landscape on Newark Road in Toughkenamon is typical of the vistas residents say contribute to quality Chester County living. Ninety-five percent of residents surveyed agreed that Chester County, which boasts valued scenic vistas, provides “a positive place to raise...

Commissioners ax jury commissioners’ post – again

Two Republicans continue opposition to job; lone Democrat disagrees  By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Democratic Jury Commissioner Martha Smith listens as Commissioners’ Chairman Ryan Costello explains why he plans to vote to eliminate the elected position Smith has held for more than 13 years. The roller-coaster ride for Chester County’s two jury commissioners continued...

County Human Service employees back union vote

Election returns 163 county Human Services employees to union representation By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times WEST CHESTER — Employees of Chester County’s Human Services departments voted by nearly a two-to-one margin to approve Teamsters Local 384 as their new union representatives, Thursday. According to unofficial tallies released by the county, the union won 96-56, with all but seven employees...

Lesson in thrift, nutrition benefits Food Bank

Students learn to stretch their dollars while assisting needy    Participants in the third Food Check-Out, sponsored by the Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau, get recognition from County Commissioners Ryan Costello (left), Kathi Cozzone (third from right), and Terence Farrell (right). Susan Rzucidlo, who organized the project, is second from right. The Life Skills Advanced Placement class at...

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...

County’s emergency radio system closer to overhaul

 Commissioners authorized finalizing of $42.1 million contract By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times County Commissioners Terence Farrell (from left), Ryan Costello, and Kathi Cozzone authorized the completion of a $42.1 million contract to replace the county’s emergency radio system. It is expected to be signed at the commissioners’ Feb. 14 meeting. As expected at Thursday’s...

County commissioners continue collegial, bipartisan trend

Minority commissioner reelected as vice-chair of three-member board At Wednesday’s reorganization meeting, the county commissioners approved the nominations of Terence Farrell (center) for Ryan Costello (right) as chairman, and Kathi Cozzone (left) as vice-chair. During a reorganization meeting on Wednesday, the Chester County Commissioners voted unanimously on 2013 leadership, continuing a...

EMS paging switched to new $3.5 million system

Commissioners say changeover will improve efficiency and meet federal mandate By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times The new pagers are similar in appearance to the old ones, but the reduced bandwidth of the system should improve efficiency, county officials said. A new $3.5 million emergency-services paging system became operational Tuesday morning – an advance that improves communications...

Rewarding military service with price breaks

New Veterans ID & Discount Program to launch in county on Friday Many areas businesses are not waiting for Veterans Day to thank the men and women who have served in the military. From dining to dentistry, car repair to chiropractic care, a host of vendors are participating in a new program for veterans. On Friday, Chester County Recorder of Deeds Rick Loughery, whose office manages DD-214...

For first responders, a center worthy of their fearless efforts

Long-awaited Chester County Public Safety Training Campus opens first phase By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times County Commissioners Ryan Costello (from left in front row), Kathi Cozzone, and Terence Farrell cut the ribbon during the dedication of the education center of the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus. Whether  trying to extricate accident victims from  burning...