Wolf’s conduct on the pipeline is impossible to explain

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
It runs like a scar across Chester County, a tear far more than a flesh wound, winding across the middle of the county as a reminder that the rich and the powerful can always buy off government at the expense of the people.
It is, of course, the Mariner East II pipeline. It is appears to be back under construction because of a waiver from the Wolf Administration deeming...
When it comes to the pipeline, what the heck is Wolf thinking?

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
So here’s the thing: I can’t get a bottle of tequila, but somehow, Energy Transfer/Sunoco (ET/S) can keep on building Mariner East II and — based on numerous photos circulating on social media — is completely ignoring social distancing rules.
I get there is a crisis on — so the margaritas can wait for a better day. But building a pipeline? It’s a priority.
Wait,...
Wolf flawed but OK on COVID-19, but DOH dropping the ball

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
I don’t want to nitpick, but…
Look, let’s be clear: Gov. Tom Wolf has done a solid job in reacting to COVID-19 crisis. Compared to knuckleheads like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, he’s been brilliant. Compared to President Donald Trump….well, he’s a super genius.
But, admittedly, that’s been kind of a low bar. Compare Wolf to New...
After the crisis passes, things will change in America

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Obviously, the single most important thing with the current COVID-19 crisis is keeping you and your family safe.
We’re reached the point where the virus is impacting everyone, whether it means your business, your kids in school (my son attends Temple, which will close its dorms next Saturday — and we’re awaiting updates on my daughter at Nevada-Reno, which has...
Letter: Kudos to Killian for redistricting reform support

To the Editor,
Three Cheers for Senator Tom Killion who recently introduced legislation in the Pennsylvania Senate to reform the state’s redistricting process.
Under our current system, every ten years, legislators draw new maps for legislative and Congressional districts based on population changes that are identified in the U.S. Census. This secretive process permits the political party in power...
Inner Nature: COVID-19 and what you need to know

By Vidya Rajan, Columnist, The Times
News of the novel coronavirus outbreak has exposed our vulnerability to two things: fear and contagion. I have had conversations with people, admittedly not science-aware types, who think that countries should be providing antibiotics prophylactically, or frustrated a vaccine is taking so long to make. I have heard people conflating the virus that causes COVID-19,...
The stark truth: Sanders will lose Chester County, Pa. and nationally

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Until Saturday, the early state voters in the Democratic primary had spoken: “Four More Years of Trump!”
While Joe Biden’s strong win in South Carolina gave hope to his campaign, the fact remains that he is underfunded and a strong underdog on Super Tuesday. At this point, there are no other viable candidates to take on Sen. Bernie Sanders.
This fact — barring...
Letter: Pa. needs more tax breaks for strained communities

To The Editor,
On Tuesday night, I joined millions of Americans and watched the latest Democratic debate. Despite the mudslinging, I heard something I liked. When asked about how to help minority communities, Vice President Joe Biden said he favors a First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit. That was a relief. In Chester County, with its coveted schools, clean air, and preserved green spaces, housing is not...
Letter: Avondale can’t afford Borough Hall upgrades

To The Editor,
At a recent Avondale Borough council meeting, I learned that some council members are moving forward with a proposal to renovate and add on to the borough building.
As a taxpaying resident of the borough, I am in disagreement with this decision and wish to make other borough residents aware of the situation and how Avondale Borough’s money is being spent.
...
Op/Ed: We must stop human trafficking

By Kristine Howard, Special To The Times
State Rep. Kristine Howard
For many, the phrase human trafficking conjures images of elsewhere. They may have heard that the U.S. Department of State estimates some 12 million victims of human trafficking worldwide. But not here, surely. Not in my backyard.
Yet sadly, terrifyingly, it is here.
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape estimates over 100,000 U.S....