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...

Friel announces run for 26th District state house seat

Paul Friel Owen J. Robert School Board member Paul Friel announced his candidacy for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, legislative district 26, this week. As a community leader, executive manager, and local business owner — Friel’s vision for the district reflects the values he will bring to Harrisburg. “My vision for our community is not about the politics of Harrisburg —...

Democrats make endorsements at convention

WEST CHESTER — Chester County Democrats are on the verge of a fourth consecutive year of historic wins as they gathered at Stetson Middle School Tuesday night to endorse their slate for the April 28 Primary. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan accepted the first endorsement of the 15 races on the docket, six of which were contested. Christina Hartman won the 65% endorsement threshold for PA Auditor General...

Op/Ed: Tying Restore PA to fracking is a bad idea

By Ginny Kerslake, Special To The Times Ginny Kerslake Gov. Tom Wolf’s Restore PA is back! It’s an infrastructure  plan that would provide funding for critical projects such as stormwater mitigation, high speed internet access for communities without it, superfund cleanup and combating blight. It is paid for with a severance tax placed on drillers for the amount of gas they extract. What’s not...

Iowa? New Hampshire? How about Pennsylvania being first for a change?

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times So….does anyone know the outcome of the Iowa Caucus? In truth, does it actually matter? Which leads to this point: it’s time for Iowa and, frankly, New Hampshire, to take a back seat on this first-in the nation primary/caucus crap. Truthfully, a state that often finds itself with a meaningless primary should really be first. Pennsylvania. Hey, it is where America...

Dinniman announces retirement

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times State Sen. Andy Dinniman Chester County Democratic powerhouse State Sen. Andy Dinniman announced Friday night that he would not seek reelection for a fourth term — just weeks after launching his reelection. Dinniman, a former County Commissioner and Democratic Party Chair, announced Friday that family concerns meant it was time to end a three-decade career in politics,...

Ruggieri to announce state house bid, Sunday

Richard Ruggieri On Sunday, February 2, Richard Ruggieri, a resident of London Grove Township in Chester County, will announce his candidacy for the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, District 13. The campaign kick-off will be at Old Stone Cider, 959 Chesterville Rd, Lewisville, PA from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The event is open to the public. All district residents interested who are in meeting...

Hennessey announces reelection bid in 26th District

State Rep. Tim Hennessey (R-26) Tim Hennessey (R-26) has announced his candidacy for re-election as State Representative in Pennsylvania House District 26. First elected in 1992, Hennessey has served as Representative for 27 years.  After serving as Chairman of the House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee for twelve years, Hennessey was appointed one year ago to Chair the powerful and very...

Bennett announces run for 160th District

Amber Bennett Amber Bennett of Upper Chichester announced Monday that she will seek the Republican nomination for State Representative in the 160th District, seeking to replace retiring State Rep. Steve Barrar. The 160th is split between the southern tier of Chester County, including Kennett, Kennett Square, Pennsbury, Pocopson, as well as Delaware County, with Chadds Ford, Concord, Bethel and parts...