First responders get center that befits their bravery

Long-awaited Chester County Public Safety Training Campus opens first phase By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Whether  trying to extricate accident victims from  burning wreckage or evaluating a bomb threat, emergency responders specialize in overcoming obstacles,. Such perseverance served them well in the quest for a county training facility, an arduous, years-long process that...

Feds deem county ready to handle disaster

For second year in row, county gets perfect score on readiness assessment The Center for Disease Control’s Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) has large quantities of medicine and medical supplies to protect the American public if there is a public health emergency (terrorist attack, flu outbreak, earthquake) severe enough to cause local supplies to run out. Just in time for National Preparedness...

Commissioners take 9-1-1 fee proposal off table

Plan to impose costs on municipalities met spirited criticism By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Commissioners Kathi Cozzone (from left), Terence Farrell and Ryan Costello will not pursue a 9-1-1 cost-recovery plan proposed last month. The county commissioners announced yesterday that they will not advance a contentious proposal introduced in June to impose a cost- recovery fee for...

Dumping on municipalities seems like a bad idea

Chester County’s decision to impose $5.20 per person charge is weak policy and terrible politics By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times There are a lot of angry elected officials right now in Chester County, a lot of soon-to-be angry residents, and, as seems to be the usual case these days, a lot of passing the buck. At the time of year when one normally smells fresh barbecue, suntan lotion and ...

Will commissioners’ 9-1-1 fee plan flatline?

Municipal officials balk at sharing costs for county-controlled services By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The UnionvilleTimes.com WEST CHESTER — A proposal to apply a tourniquet of sorts to the county’s hemorrhaging 9-1-1 costs has generated cries of anguish from some municipal officials, prompting the Chester County commissioners to delay a vote. In an effort to defray about $2.6 million...

Heroics run gamut from starting life to averting death

Local EMS workers honored for life-saving efforts EMS Council President Leo Scaccia (from left) contratulates Kevin Hagerty and Scott Runge from Longwood Fire and Ambulance for assisting in the delivery of a baby. By Kathleen Brady Shea Managing Editor, UnionvilleTimes.com When medical personnel arrived, the 14-year-old girl who collapsed after cheerleading practice had stopped breathing. She was one...

Residents voice nearly unanimous plea not to privatize Pocopson Home

More than 200 attend county commissioners’ 2nd information session By Kathleen Brady Shea, Special to UnionvilleTimes.com About 230 local residents turned out for a meeting Monday night about the future of the Pocopson Home, with most supporting continued Chester County operation of the 275-bed facility. DOWNINGTOWN — The venue was larger and the crowd a bit smaller, but the message to the...

Op-Ed: Addressing region’s transportation needs a necessity

By Ryan Costello, Chester County Commissioner Chester County Commissioner Ryan Costello. Chester County has been nationally recognized as one of the best places to live, work, raise a family and enjoy your golden years. Many factors contribute to the quality of life we all enjoy. These factors include good schools, first rate employers, plenty of high quality jobs, a healthy environment and responsible...

Costello announces run for Chester Co. Commissioner

Ryan Costello WEST CHESTER  – Chester County Recorder of Deeds Ryan Costello today announced that he will seek the Republican nomination for Chester County Commissioner. Costello will seek to replace Carol Aichele, who has accepted an appointment to serve as Pennsylvania Secretary of State under incoming Governor Tom Corbett. As Recorder of Deeds, Costello reduced spending in the county row office,...