Op/Ed: When democracy dies
By Lisa Longo, Special to The Times
Lisa Longo
Democracy fails when the few are permitted to hijack the concerns of the many. When elections become referendums on personalities and political parties are used as weapons against advocates and activists.
When any party becomes a tactical weapon for special interest it loses all ability to speak for, or to, the people.
We are at a pivotal point. We...
Commissioners announce government reopening plan as Chester County moves to Yellow
WEST CHESTER — Twelve weeks after moving to essential services-only, Chester County Government and Courts are preparing to open the doors once again of county facilities on Market Street and Westtown Road, as well as the Magisterial District Courts throughout the county. But, officials note, the doors will be open with caution and with some restrictions, to ensure the safety of staff and the...
Op/Ed: Trump budget cuts will be devastating to Chester County
By Kathi Cozzone, Chester County Commissioner
Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone
It’s déjà vu all over again. The numbers and the analyses are out and President Trump’s FY 2020 budget contains brutal cuts even more drastic than his 2018 budget. This budget targets key federal programs that are vital to Pennsylvania counties which provide necessary human services, emergency services...
Op/Ed: How mandates raise your local school taxes
By Lisa Longo, President, Phoenixville Area School District Board of Education
Lisa Longo
Do you wonder sometimes why property taxes increase? I did and I decided to start attending school board meetings to understand. That was seven years ago. Now, as a member of our school board, I can share what I have learned.
I discovered a large part of a school district budget is mandated. Congressional...
Chris Ross talks Harrisburg and good government
By Nathaniel Smith, Columnist, The Times
Former state representative Chris Ross (R-158) recently was so kind as to spend an hour and a half talking with me about his 20 years representing a district that stretches from eastern and southern West Goshen west through the Bradfords and then south as far as London Britain and the Delaware border.
I had interviewed him before back in the fall of 2012....
Schuck named to county assessment/tax post
Jonathan Schuck
WEST CHESTER —Jonathan Schuck of Malvern has been appointed the new director of Chester County’s Real Estate Assessment and Tax Claim department by the Chester County Commissioners.
Schuck, an assistant director of the department, has been serving as interim director following the retirement of Jeff Laudenslager earlier this year.
He has been working in the department since...
