Letter: Barrar voted to silence our voices
To The Editor,
This past week our current Representative, Stephen Barrar (R-160), voted to silence our voices. Stephen Barrar voted to pick his constituents rather than let the constituents pick their representative.
This is not a new strategy to remain in power. This strategy started long ago, and is most glaringly evident by the old 7th district map. In 2011, when Pennsylvania redistricted the Congressional...
Comey’s bombshells, redistricting gutted and the GOP’s internal fighting
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Gosh, another boring two weeks where nothing happened in politics.
Well, except for former FBI Director James Comey apparently referring to President Donald Trump as a “Mob Boss,” Speaker of the U.S. House Paul Ryan announcing that he won’t be running for reelection to the House, the head of the Republican Congressional Campaign ripping into a local Republican...
Costello’s withdrawal leaves GOP in a tough spot
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Well, okay, then.
By now those of you following local politics know that U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello announced he would not seek reelection and then withdrew from the May 15 primary. He’s been on TV and offered print interviews blaming President Donald Trump, liberals, redistricting and so on as being to blame.
Whatever.
Regardless of the why, Costello’s departure...
Op/Ed: Young people marched on gun safety, we must listen
By Tom Wolf, Governor, Pennsylvania
Gov. Tom Wolf
Young people marched for their lives. We need to listen – and act.
The March for Our Lives brought together young people from across the country and Pennsylvania to demand safer schools and stronger gun safety laws. Their passion and activism took many forms in an historic show of solidarity, and they have inspired millions to join them in their mission.
We...
Costello isn’t going anywhere — at least until November
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Welcome to a very special, bonus St. Patrick’s Day edition of Politics as Unusual — marking a week where an awful lot was, well, unusual.
Democrat Conor Lamb appears to have beaten Republican Rick Saccone — the current tally separates the two by less than 700 votes — in a strongly Republican performing district (Donald Trump won there by about 20 points and...
Op/Ed: Chester County prepared for active shooter incidents
By Thomas Hogan, Chester County District Attorney
Shane Clark, President, Chester County Police Chiefs Association
Bobby Kagel, Director, Chester County Department of Emergency Services
In the wake of the Florida school shooting, many people have asked whether Chester County law enforcement is prepared for such an incident. On behalf of the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Police Chiefs...
PA18 will tell a lot about this fall’s elections
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
The nation’s political junkies have their eyes focused on Western Pennsylvania and it may give us a hint about November, 2018 will look like.
Money, media and focus have centered on the 18th District race, up Tuesday in a special election, outside of Pittsburgh, where Democrat Conor Lamb is at least within striking distance of Republican Rick Saccone. This matters...
Op/Ed: Let’s debate mascot without the Heckler’s Veto
By Scott D. Cousins, Special to The Times
On January 18, 2018, Mike McGann of The Times published an important editorial called “Unionville mascot discussion a worthy topic.” Mr. McGann and I agree on many things, particularly issues related to First Amendment principles and the importance of the Unionville community having a respectful debate regarding the Unionville High School mascot. I...
Letter: Don’t be fooled, Barrar doesn’t support gun control
To The Editor,
In the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Florida, we saw the same cycle of reaction from politicians. A lot of thoughts and prayers were offered. Some possible legislation was floated. But no real action was taken.
Representative Stephen Barrar of the 160th, however, did take action. He co-sponsored House Bill 1400, which would create universal background checks...
It doesn’t matter where your kid goes to college. Really.