State to fund four county development projects
WEST CHESTER — Despite it being a time when state economic development funding has become sparse, Chester County has been awarded funds for four projects to create local jobs and boost the county’s economy.
County Commissioners’ Chairman Ryan Costello announced Tuesday that $5.25 million in Pennsylvania Economic Growth Initiative funds had been awarded by Gov. Tom Corbett for four Chester County...
Political news and notes: 2014 legislative races kicking off
Final write-in results show poor turnout, participation in 2013
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
The political news cycle never seems to end these days, on the heels of the final write-in election results being posted Friday, we have a batch of new candidate announcements or pending announcements in 2014 state legislative races — and even, it seems — an early hint about a 2016 race.
First to the...
And…right back into campaign season
No rest for the weary, as Election 2014 kicks into high gear, already
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Now that we’ve gotten that pesky election out of the way, it’s time for the campaign to get started.
Think I’m kidding?
Then why is Gov. Tom Corbett in the county today, kicking off his 2014 campaign? And why has the jostling for state legislative and congressional seats already begun?
Traditionally,...
Is there hope for a pension fix in the legislature?
New proposal could form framework for at least a partial fix
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Is it possible that a small glimmer of hope toward finding a real, workable solution to public pension mess is inching forward in the state legislature?
As you’re probably aware, spiking contributions to state worker and teachers’ pension funds have hamstrung the state and local school districts,...
Keystone Exams come under fire at hearing
Dinniman, school officials say exams are unfair, and an ‘unfunded mandate’ on schools
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
TREDYFFRIN — Although the new Pennsylvania Common Core curriculum appears to be here to stay, one key element of the plan, the requirement of high school seniors to pass Keystone Exams in Algebra, Biology and Literature in order to graduate starting in 2017 are increasingly...
Don’t write Corbett off just yet
Despite doomsayers — and the work of local GOP legislators — Gov. may just have second act
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Undoubtedly, you’ve seen the headlines (unless of course, you’re a sensible person and have spent the last broiling week or so somewhere with beaches, cool (relatively speaking) breezes and chilled beverages) that Gov. Tom Corbett is likely doomed, will be pushed out...
In Harrisburg, seven big days ahead
Corbett’s legacy and whether your state legislator will have a lot of explaining to do
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
By all accounts, it’s going to be a busy week in Harrisburg — as the state legislature has just a week to get a lot of work done.
Of course, the question is what will get done? And how much Republican-on-Republican political violence will be involved?
Going into this year’s...
Ross takes lead on Corbett’s pension bill
Chester County Republican is lead sponsor on bill that proposes major changes for new state employees, teachers
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
State Representative Chris Ross (R-158).
Pension reform took front and center in a press conference featuring local State Representative Chris Ross (R-158) and Gov. Tom Corbett in Harrisburg, Tuesday.
Ross, the Chester County Republican, is leading the fight...
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,...
After blasting gender barriers, a new challenge
Sheriff tapped to serve on state Commission for Women
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Special to CoatesvilleTimes.com
Chester County Sheriff Carolyn "Bunny" Welsh was selected by Gov. Tom Corbett to serve on the Pennsylvania Commission for Women.
PENNSBURY — Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh said she received a phone call a couple of weeks ago that both honored and humbled her.
She...
