It’s official: Costello will run for 6th seat

Sitting County Commissioner announces run for Congress By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Ryan Costello Chester County Commissioner Ryan Costello announced formally, Wednesday morning, that he would seek the 6th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach. The West Chester Republican faces a somewhat less complicated run to the Republican nomination after yesterday’s announcement...

County GOP averts primary battle for Gerlach’s seat

After ‘seriously considering’ run, party chair won’t enter race By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times County Commissioners’ Chairman Ryan Costello is now the only GOP candidate expressing strong interest in the Sixth District Congressional seat being vacated by Jim Gerlach. A potential GOP slugfest for the Congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach has been averted. When...

County commissioners retain leadership structure

With unanimous votes, Costello reelected chair, Cozzone, vice-chair By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times County Commissioners Kathi Cozzone (from left) , Terence Farrell, and Ryan Costello voted Tuesday to retain last year’s leadership structure. During the first sunshine meeting of 2014, the Chester County Commissioners voted to continue last year’s leadership structure. With...

Gerlach announces he won’t run in 2014

Seven-term Congressman cites family needs By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach. U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-6) announced Monday that he would not seek a seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives. The moves as a bit of a surprise — just two years after redistricting made the Sixth a more Republican-friendly district and will suddenly open the field to a number of local Republicans...

State to fund four county development projects

WEST CHESTER — Despite it being a time when state economic development funding has become sparse, Chester County has been awarded funds for four projects to create local jobs and boost the county’s economy. County Commissioners’ Chairman Ryan Costello announced Tuesday that $5.25 million in Pennsylvania Economic Growth Initiative funds had been awarded by Gov. Tom Corbett for four Chester County...

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...

Effort to build on city’s revival materializes

Warehouse’s artsy equestrian event a glimpse of Coatesville’s future, backers say By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Paintings by Coatesville artist Dane Tilghman and steeplechase banners helped transform an aging city warehouse into an industrial chic venue for the Delaware Valley Point-to-Point Association’s annual awards party. When the president of the Unionville-based Delaware...

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 Wednesday...

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...

County’s emergency radio system closer to overhaul

Commissioners authorize finalizing of contract for $42.1 million 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...