Kennett Sq. presents proposed 2023 budget, 8.1% tax hike eyed
On Wednesday, Oct. 5, the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget, totaling $5.1 million, was presented to the Kennett Square Council.
The presentation highlighted positive indicators of economic development in the Borough, including a 19% increase in growth-based revenue due to enhanced economic activity (Local Tax Enabling Act) over a five-year period. The proposed budget also reduces administrative...
Letter: Why this former Kennett Democratic primary candidate is now voting for a Republican
TowTo The Editor,
For generations, every member of my family, on both sides, has voted for Democrats. I have been left with no choice but to break with that tradition in this year’s election and vote for the Republican running for Kennett Township Supervisor, Geoffrey Gamble. My entire immediate family, and an increasing number of other loyal Kennett Democrats, are doing the same.
I must...
Wolf’s budget proposal is great…and dead on arrival
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Gov. Tom Wolf introduced his 2021-22 budget, and I have to say it is audacious, ambitious and goes a long way to solve the root problems of much of what has plagued Pennsylvania for more than three decades.
It is also, sadly, deader than Elvis.
That says more about Pennsylvania and Republicans in the General Assembly than it does about Wolf. Not that...
Letter: PASD employee deflects budget questions with attacks
To The Editor,
Last night during the budget meeting a statement was made by Phoenixville Area School District employee Richard Fazio. Mr. Fazio, in a fashion I can only describe as utterly devoid of professional ethics replied to my questions by personally attacking me.
Such an unwarranted attack would never have been permitted while I was on the board. It is yet another clear sign that alleged...
Letter: Avondale can’t afford Borough Hall upgrades
To The Editor,
At a recent Avondale Borough council meeting, I learned that some council members are moving forward with a proposal to renovate and add on to the borough building.
As a taxpaying resident of the borough, I am in disagreement with this decision and wish to make other borough residents aware of the situation and how Avondale Borough’s money is being spent.
State Police fees: an idea whose time has come
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
So…so much for putting a stop to writing about stuff.
Despite an ill-advised detour into politics and some mild, annoying and decidedly non-life threatening health issues, not writing was beginning to feel increasingly like not breathing, so here I am again. For now — and obviously everything on this green Earth is really “for now” — I’m going to return...
GOP Congressman laud tax bill, Democrats decry ‘gift’ for wealthy, donors
The U.S. Senate last night passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — a sweeping revision of U.S. Tax code, that depending on who is talking is either a spark for job and wage growth or a massive, deficit busting giveaway to the rich, political donors and corporate America.
The House voted Tuesday to approve the package, but will have to revote Wednesday because of three provisions in the original bill...
Maybe I’m paranoid, but it seems like local Congress members are out to get me
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
By nature, I’m not really a paranoid guy, but it is starting to look like U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, U.S. Reps. Ryan Costello (R-6), Pat Meehan (R-7) and Lloyd Smucker (R-16) have it out personally for me and my family.
Okay maybe not personally — I’ve had cordial, even friendly relationships with some of them, and certainly interesting and insightful interviews...
Is a ‘cross-fire hurricane’ bearing down on the 6th District?
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
“I was born in a cross-fire hurricane
And I howled at the morning driving rain
But it’s all right now, in fact, it’s a gas
But it’s all right. I’m Jumpin’ Jack Flash
It’s a gas, gas, gas”
— The Rolling Stones, Jumpin’ Jack Flash.
It’s pretty clear that politics over the next 18 or so months will be anything but calm,...
Time for Costello to show just a hint of courage
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Sometime later this afternoon, U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello (R-6) will hold a town hall meeting.
That’s the good news.
The bad news is that he’s holding it in Historic Courtroom 1, limiting it to 100 people, it was announced Thursday and filled up within minutes — and no one can record the video. Some sort of modern-day Stasi will be at the door, demanding “papers,...
