Don’t pop that bubbly just yet
State Senate appears likely to water down liquor privatization beyond recognition
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
You might just want to hold that celebration over Pennsylvania privatizing liquor sales.
Despite smiles and warm assurances, the state Senate doesn’t appear to be on board with the bill that passed the state House of Representatives and has support of Gov. Tom Corbett.
In fact, based...
Op/Ed: Chester County government prepared for emergencies
New plan, developed in-house, provides for county services when disaster strikes
By Terence Farrell, Chester County Commissioner
Terence Farrell
Being prepared for all emergencies is a daunting task for those elected officials responsible for the safety and well-being of their constituents but planning for such emergencies is necessary.
Some months ago the county commissioners took steps to develop...
Duck! The sequester hits Unionville
Banning row office elections, and, gulp, a sensible discussion about guns
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Lots of little things this week — from the dreaded “sequester” hitting home in Unionville, to the fate of some county row offices, a start toward impeachment for a state Supreme Court Justice and, sigh, guns.
While so far the “Sequester” has been more non-news than news, the — you...
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...
Politicians, just like everyone else, don’t fit easily in one category
In our ‘Us Versus Them’ environment, it’s too easy to miss the human element
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Politicians, despite reports to the contrary, are human beings.
With all of the invective being thrown around, it can be easy to forget, of course. As humans, we like to put things and people into boxes. But people being people, they are always more complicated.
A couple...
Op/Ed: Transportation funding: meeting current and future needs
Gov. Corbett’s infrastructure plans important to economic development of region
By Terence Farrell, Chester County Commissioner
Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell
Every Pennsylvanian should welcome Governor Corbett’s announcement this month of a new and expanded transportation funding strategy for the Commonwealth. Whether you drive, take the bus, ride the train, walk or use your bicycle,...
Lance Armstong and the Pa. GOP: soul brothers?
If winning is all that matters, who cares about a little a lot of cheating?
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Lots to discuss this frosty weekend in January, so instead of the more typical main subject matter, indulge me and try to follow a thread of complicated technology, overt party politics, acoustics and just about a little bit of everything people are talking about in the Unionville area this...
Op/Ed: Chester County’s priorities for 2013
There are challenges ahead, but a collaborative county government works to the benefit of all
By Ryan Costello, Chester County Commissioner
Chester County Commissioner Ryan Costello.
The recent political landscape has, understandably, left many less than favorably impressed.
I believe your Chester County government, however, has proven to be an excellent example of collaborative, productive government...
A difficult year to find the holiday spirit
A dose of peace and brotherhood is clearly needed right now
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
To say that it has been a difficult few weeks for we as Americans is an understatement, so I suppose that it is understandable that it might be difficult to find the holiday spirit.
And whether we’re talking about the events last week in Connecticut or the inability of our government to function, these are...
Time for common sense on both sides of cliff talk
Both sides seem more focused on talking points than facts
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Before, we get started here, my thoughts and prayers to the people of Newtown, Conn. It is a community so much like so many parts of Chester County, it is impossible not to feel both sympathy and horror.
As a parent, it chills the blood. I’m not sure there was anything different that could have been done by...
