Op/Ed: Industry partnerships the collective business solution to restoring SE PA’s economic resilience
By Carrie Anne Amann, Special to The Times
Carrie Anne Amann
Like the ants in Aesop’s fable, hundreds of area businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies have been working diligently for years to build a strong economic and workforce development system, which is serving the region well during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Guided by the powerful combo of the Chester County Economic Development...
County OKs $1.8M in home rental assistance
WEST CHESTER — To combat an anticipated increase in evictions due to COVID-19, the Chester County Commissioners approved this week $1.8 million in CARES funding to help cover rental payments and additional services for those with job and income losses.
“Previous programs have provided up to $750 in rental assistance, but that’s simply not enough to cover the cost of housing in Chester County,”...
The fact-challenged whiners are winning on COVID, and we’re all going to lose
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Well, ready or not, we’re reopening.
Tomorrow, restaurants will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity, it looks like the college football leagues that initially cancelled will now try to play and there is increasing pressure for local school districts to resume in-person instruction.
Now, understand, these moves aren’t based on science or that...
County to investigate COVID-19 testing program, may seek to recover payments
WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Commissioners announced this week an investigation would begin into what appear to be failed antibody tests the county rolled out this spring in the battle to contain COVID-19 — and may attempt to claw back some of the $13 million of CARES Act funds the county spent on the tests.
In a statement issued this week, the Commissioners explained why they opted...
Wolf calls out Trump, GOP, saying they continue to be ‘irresponsible’ on COVID
Gov. Tom Wolf
In the wake of a ruling by a federal judge declaring some of his emergency orders during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Tom Wolf issued a scathing statement Tuesday, calling out President Donald Trump and Republicans in the legislature (and some of the toady business groups egging them on locally).
In a lengthy, fiery statement, Wolf called out Republicans over distorting the truth,...
Despite good motivations, county’s antibody test plan was an expensive screw up
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
There are times you hate to be right, and this is one of them.
Way back in May, I questioned the decision by Chester County Health to use untested and likely inaccurate antibody testing (https://chescotimes.com/?p=31851) — and to use it only on a limited population, those with symptoms. I argued that broad diagnostic testing and contact tracing...
Wolf gives green light to restaurants increasing indoor capacity to 50%, Sept. 21
Hands with glasses over a festive table.
Offering some hope to local struggling restaurants, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Tuesday that he would ease indoor seating restrictions from a max of 25% percent of capacity to 50% of capacity — but would require restaurants to stop serving alcohol after 10 p.m. and eateries to “self certify” that they are meeting all health and safety requirements.
“While...
Let’s not blame local officials for playing it safe in the Age of COVID
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
By rights, we should be enjoying the start of a new school year — bragging on our kids, showing off their new clothes and school gear.
In a normal year, we should talking about which high school football teams in the Ches-Mont are early break outs and which programs look to be struggling.
We should, as usual, bemoan the length and stupidity of the...
County leaders chart next phase for economic recovery
Members of Chester County’s COVID-19 Business Task Force, selected as the Economic Cabinet, met this week with county industry leaders to begin addressing the county’s efforts for economic recovery necessitated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Task Force’s plan for economic recovery, led by Chester County Planning Commission Executive Director Brian O’Leary and the Chester...
Commissioners tour restaurants to offer assistance with compliance
2. Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell and Bob Rafetto, former restaurant owner and advocate for restaurants across Chester and Delaware Counties, visiting Pomodoro’s restaurant in Downingtown.
WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Commissioners just completed a two-day tour of restaurants in the county, to advise on preparedness for potential restaurant enforcement calls from state officials. ...
