Pennsylvania deserves better than Kick-The-Can
To The Editor,
We have a pension crisis in Pennsylvania. It was created by Governor Ridge and the legislature, when the passed Act 9 of 2001, then kicked down the road by Governor Rendell and the legislature for the 8 years that he was in office. In 2011 the pension crisis was addressed by Act 120, a balanced bipartisan solution to a long-term problem that moves the state toward paying off the bill.
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Ice storm aftermath: the good, the bad and the unacceptable
Chester County Emergency Services stands out for praise, PECO gets hit on many fronts
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
For most of us, the worst is over. As of Monday morning, just about 10,000 Chester County homes and businesses were still without power, according to PECO, down from about 200,000 Wednesday — while others wait for restoration of phone and Internet service from Verizon and Comcast.
Schools...
Local legislators have concerns on Corbett’s budget plan
Worry that revenue projections too optimistic, pension issues not addressed
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Gov. Tom Corbett
Gov. Tom Corbett unveiled his 2014-15 budget plan Tuesday in a speech to a joint session of the state legislature — and it appears that some provisions, such as cutting state pension fund contributions and increasing spending without a clear way to pay for it could make...
Lewis wants to unite in run for 74th
Seeks broad coalition to support his campaign
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Harry Lewis Jr. addresses supporters Wednesday night in declaring his candidacy for State Representative.
COATESVILLE — Amidst a crowded room filled with supporters, friends, former colleagues and students, Harry Lewis Jr. said Wednesday night it would take a broad coalition supporting him for him to be elected as State...
Maxwell announces run for State Rep.
Downingtown mayor becomes second Democrat seeking 74th seat
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Josh Maxwell
DOWNINGTOWN — And then there were two.
Democrat Josh Maxwell, the Mayor of Downingtown, officially announced Tuesday that he would be a candidate for State Representative in the newly created 74th District in 2014, joining Caln Commissioner Joshua Young in the race for the Democratic nomination.
Republican...
Letter: Supports anti-human trafficking bill
To The Editor:
Human trafficking doesn’t happen only “somewhere else.”
“You don’t mean here, right?” I hear that question more than 100 hundred times per year in conversations about human trafficking, modern slavery and sex trafficking in southeastern Pennsylvania—especially in the beautiful, well-off suburbs and countryside surrounding Philadelphia.
My answer is always the same. “Yes,...
Ross announces plans to retire after 2014
Nine-term State Rep. won’t seek reelection; Walker eyed as GOP candidate
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
State Rep. Chris Ross (R-158) announced Tuesday that he wouldn’t seek a 10th term in the statehouse.
EAST MARLBOROUGH — State Rep. Chris Ross (R-158) announced Tuesday that he would not seek a 10th term in the state House of Representatives.
Ross, currently a township resident, has served...
And…right back into campaign season
No rest for the weary, as Election 2014 kicks into high gear, already
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Now that we’ve gotten that pesky election out of the way, it’s time for the campaign to get started.
Think I’m kidding?
Then why is Gov. Tom Corbett in the county today, kicking off his 2014 campaign? And why has the jostling for state legislative and congressional seats already begun?
Traditionally,...
Council of Goverments shows a path ahead
13 towns working together offer chance for smart, more efficient government
UPDATED (Sun 9 a.m.): adds comment on Saturday night legislative action
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
CALN — It was a sight to behold. Elected officials from various parties, municipalities and even the County Commissioners, sitting down for a sometimes freewheeling and open discussion about how best to work together.
It...
