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 lot...
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 veterans...
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 on 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 did...
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 with...
CASD report prompts new series of questions
Putting the report out a good step, but answers needed
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
On Monday afternoon, the Coatesville Area School District released the investigative report compiled by Conrad O’Brien and submitted to the board and administration in April of 2014. it details gross mismanagement, bullying, conspiracy, probable obstruction of justice and more — much as the Grand Jury report...
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 city...
Op/Ed: Why UCFSD is not redistricting
By Vic Dupuis, President, Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Board of Directors
Victor Dupuis
The Unionville ChaddsFord school board has decided not to change boundary lines for our elementary schools. Since there has been a great deal of discussion about it among our parents and some misinformation in the media, we are writing to clarify the reasons for our decision.
More than a year ago, the...
What would MLK think of Knecht’s comments?
Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is never right
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As we approach the weekend of celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we will undoubtedly hear the inspiring quotes of his famous 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech.
Even now, more than five decades later, the word resonate — I get a little chill every...
Letter: UCF should redistrict K-5 schools now
To The Editor:
I cannot understand why our district is not going to reconfigure the four K-5 schools in our district. Was the consultant hired just to support the wishes of the Administration and School Board? Did the consultant have access to minutes and letters when the district was determining how to handle its K to 5 students?
After many meetings discussions, and letters our district residents...
