 |
|
|
| |
| |
| Capitol Report |
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
|
The latest news from the State Capitol
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unattended account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
|
Huge Win: Pennsylvania Supreme Court Stops Chester Water Authority Sale
I have remained firmly and publicly opposed to any effort by the City of Chester to claim ownership over Chester Water Authority (CWA) in an effort to discharge its bankruptcy. As I have said many times, it is not the responsibility of the CWA ratepayers from the two counties to mitigate the financial mismanagement of the City of Chester. And any claim of city ownership was ludicrous on its face. From my first day in office, I have taken a clear position. The City of Chester faces fiscal challenges which require a solution. The water authority does not.
This week, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court agreed. The Court ruled that the City of Chester does not own the Chester Water Authority and therefore may not unilaterally sell or transfer it. That decision protects ratepayers across Delaware and Chester Counties.
Here is the operative language from the majority opinion (emphasis added): “In the context of this case, this means that City no longer possesses the unilateral power to acquire CWA’s projects under Section 5622(a). In order to acquire CWA’s projects, City, Chester County and Delaware County, the legislatively designated municipalities that share governance over the CWA, are now the ‘proper authorities’ referred to in Section 5622(a) who may demand conveyance of CWA projects under that provision. Consequently, we reverse the order Commonwealth Court.”
CWA remains an award-winning utility with a strong operational record. It delivers reliable water service, maintains its infrastructure and manages its finances responsibly. It does not require a takeover to improve service, and it should not become a revenue source to address unrelated municipal problems.
During the previous legislative session, House Democrats advanced several bills claiming to prevent a sale of CWA. In a public committee hearing, I asked the chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission a direct question. Would those bills retroactively change the law such that it would stop the sale by the City of Chester? He answered unequivocally that they would not. That exchange confirmed what I had warned from the beginning, which is that the Supreme Court needed to clarify once and for all that the City of Chester does not own our regional water authority.
The Supreme Court has now provided that clarity. Any future action affecting CWA requires agreement among the city and Delaware and Chester counties. That framework protects roughly 200,000 customers from decisions that could have driven higher rates or reduced local oversight.
I remain committed to defending the Chester Water Authority and the people who depend on it. I understand how damaging a rate increase would be, especially for residents on fixed incomes. I will continue to advocate based on the law and the best interests of our ratepayers.
|
New Buyer for Crozer Hospital
The closure of Crozer-Chester Medical Center left a significant gap in healthcare access for Delaware County residents. Families lost nearby emergency care. Ambulances faced longer transport times. Remaining hospitals absorbed increased patient volume. For many seniors and working families, the loss created real concern about timely access to care.
This week, a meaningful step occurred toward addressing that gap. Chariot Equities, in partnership with Allaire Health Services, completed the purchase of the Crozer-Chester Medical Center campus following bankruptcy proceedings and a court-supervised sale. The acquisition stabilizes the property and creates a clear path toward restoring hospital services at a site that has served this community for many years.
The new owners plan to rebuild the campus into a right-sized acute care hospital and regional ambulatory hub. Chariot intends to finalize an operating agreement with a nonprofit health system within six months and open the first phase of essential services within approximately two years. This acquisition does not reopen the hospital overnight, but it moves Delaware County out of uncertainty and into a defined recovery process.
|
Developer of Massive Ridge Road Shopping Center Appeals Concord Zoning Officer Determinations
If you have been following my articles about the proposed massive Giant shopping center on Ridge Road, you know that I have been quite engaged.
I will repeat it again plainly for those in the back of the room: I am categorically and completely opposed to this proposed project. I have a host of objections, including the impact on our Route 202 traffic and our environment. I wrote about it previously. I wrote about the meeting I convened with PennDOT, the developer and Senator Kane to voice my objections to their traffic plan, which involved converting our highway to their personal multi-lane driveway.
If you missed that article, please contact my office. We are happy to send it to you by email.
I attended all three hours of the latest Concord Township Zoning Board hearing on appeals taken by the developer on certain determinations by the Zoning Officer. (I missed the first evidentiary hearing of the Zoning Board, because we were in legislative session that week in December.) Said plainly, the Zoning Officer made decisions adverse to the developer, which the developer is now appealing to the entire Zoning Board.
No decision has been made yet, and the hearings are continued again until next month.
The issue this week was whether the massive structure proposed by the developer is one building or three separate buildings. The Concord Township Solicitor did an amazing job exposing why this determination is so crucial for Concord and its neighbors: if the developer proposes a building larger than 65,000 square feet, then under the Concord Zoning regulations, the developer must create Main Street/Town Center style of construction. Picture the main street of the Concordville Towne Center – or the King of Prussia Town Center (which was designed by the same architect here, so he clearly understands our intent).
To avoid the conclusion that it is one building, the developer claims the massive structure is actually three structures separated by 2-4 inches and connected by expansion joints. They use that clever argument to avoid the conclusion that they must construct a Town Center feel to the property, consistent with the style and history of our community, allowing them instead to cover most of the 23 acres with a huge parking lot.
My teenage son wanted to attend the meeting to see the debate in action. At one point during the lengthy inquiry about whether the use of expansion joints makes a single building into three separate buildings, my son notes: we drive over expansion joints every day on roads and bridges. Does every expansion joint make a single bridge into many separate bridges?
Exactly right, son.
|
Pennsylvania Secretary of State Takes Issue With “Clumsy Attempt” of Chester County Officials to Shift Blame for 2025 Election Blunder
When voters in Chester County arrived at the polls for the November 2025 election, they discovered all voters who were not registered with a major party were omitted from the poll books.
In December 2025, we were told by the Chester County Board of Commissioners that an independent review would be conducted, and a report would be publicly published.
The county and the law firm they hired sent the report to the Pennsylvania Department of State in the evening of Tuesday, January 20. That evening, the Secretary of State convened a call with the entire Chester County legislative delegation for the next morning.
The Secretary of State called the report a “clumsy attempt to blame the Department of State.” Here is what actually happened, according to the Secretary of State.
• Previously, the counties had asked the Department of State for functionality to deselect voters not members of the major parties, presumably for printing poll books for primary elections. The Department of State gave the counties that functionality in selecting who to print for poll books.
• The default selection is to run all registered voters for poll books.
• A new employee for Chester County affirmatively deselected all voters not members of major parties (essentially removing all unaffiliated and independent voters).
• It appears that no one at the county level checked the employee’s work nor checked the voter numbers in the poll books against the number of registered voters.
• Someone at the county level suggested to poll workers on election day that they have voters who were not in the poll books just sign the poll books and vote by normal ballot. Some precincts did so.
• When the Department of State was told of this practice, they immediately said the proper solution was to cast provisional ballots until the books could be corrected.
I received the report at about the same time you did in social media last night.
Here are the “findings” of the report verbatim:
“Although the initial selection constituted a human error, the investigation found that the error occurred within a system lacking in: (i) sufficient safeguards, (ii) training, (iii) sufficient supervision, and; (iv) verification controls. The SURE system permits exclusionary configurations, without mandatory confirmation screens or warnings, and the Poll Book training aid does not contain sufficient guidance distinguishing primary election settings from general election settings. Once the Poll Books were generated, no policy or procedure was in place that required a quality assurance check of the PDF files, or the printed books prior to printing, sealing, and delivery.
Staffing conditions further contributed to the failure. The Poll Book generation process was performed by two inexperienced employees with limited election experience, no formal SURE system training, and no direct supervision during a critical task performed under compressed statutory deadlines. Employee turnover, driven by high-pressure election cycles, has increased operational risk.”
One can see why the Department of State takes issue with the report. On its face, the findings seem silent about attributing blame and responsibility, but then the report goes to some length to suggest that the blame for control measures and review should lie with the Department of State. For example, the report faults the Department of State for insufficient training about deselecting unaffiliated and independent voters for a general election and about proper supervision.
That is not how our Commonwealth administers elections. All elections are conducted by the counties. The counties construct and print the poll books. The counties count the results. Training, supervision, cross-checks and even the simple measure of checking the number of voters in the poll books against the number of registered voters are county functions.
I understand now why the Secretary of State wanted an immediate audience with us before the report was published.
Here is the most important part of the report, which should be said more broadly:
“Pennsylvania law assigns responsibility for voter registration records and Poll Book accuracy to the county voter registration commission, which in Chester County consists of the County Commissioners. Our investigation found that the registration commission did not operate as a distinct, documented body and did not formally comply with its statutory duties to compare and correct the General and District Registers prior to the election.”
The report will be reviewed publicly at the Chester County Election Board meeting, January 27, 7 p.m., at the Chester County Justice Center, 7th floor. I encourage you to attend.
|
Budget Gives $4 Million to Help Main Line Health Step Up in Face of Hospital Closures
I joined members of the Delaware County legislative delegation at Riddle Hospital for the presentation of $4 million to Main Line Health as they work to fill the gap of closed hospitals in our county. The Pennsylvania Legislature provided this funding through the state budget, and it will directly support our hospital operations and patient care in our region.
Following the presentation, I participated in a legislative roundtable with Main Line’s leadership to discuss how this funding will strengthen care delivery and address ongoing challenges. We discussed patient volume increases following the Crozer closure, seasonal surges during cold and flu season, and the difficulty many residents face when seeking timely care. Main Line Health leaders described steps they have taken to respond, including adding physicians, nurses, and support staff, even deploying medical professionals in hospital lobbies to assist patients as they arrive. They explained that workforce availability remains strong, but physical space and infrastructure limit how quickly care can expand in our community.
I focused the discussion on what this funding means for patients in our district, where so many relied on local Crozer-affiliated clinics. Despite acquisition by Christiana Care, I know scheduling appointments has been trying. I emphasized that state support must produce measurable improvements in capacity, access and response times. I will continue to find solutions for our local healthcare needs.
|
Applications for 2026 Pennsylvania House Scholarship Available
High school seniors interested in financial assistance for college may now apply for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship.
Each year, the program awards two four-year scholarships to students preparing for postsecondary education. The program serves graduating high school seniors who live in Pennsylvania and plan to attend a Pennsylvania college, university, or career school as a full-time student.
Applicants must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in high school. The selection committee also considers a student’s commitment to community service, leadership experience, extracurricular involvement, and financial need.
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities administers the scholarship program. The foundation selects an independent panel of judges to review applications and award scholarships. Private individuals and corporate donors fully fund the program. It does not use taxpayer dollars or other public funds.
Click here for more information and an application. The deadline to apply is April 15.
|
Preparing for Potential Winter Weather This Weekend
Forecasts indicate the potential for significant snowfall this weekend. I encourage residents to take time now to prepare and to use extra caution if travel becomes necessary.
Before heading out, check that your vehicle is ready for winter conditions. Confirm fluid levels, tire pressure and tread depth, and make sure headlights, taillights, windshield wipers, the heater, and defroster function properly. Keep your gas tank at least half full and ensure your phone stays charged. If you must travel during the storm, carry a winter emergency kit that includes warm clothing or blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, a small shovel, water and nonperishable food.
If conditions deteriorate, consider delaying travel when possible. When driving on snow or ice, reduce speed, increase following distance and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Bridges and ramps often freeze first and roads that appear wet may hide black ice. Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle, including the roof and hood, before driving. State law allows penalties if snow or ice from a vehicle causes injury or damage to another.
Please be safe, 160th!
|
Around the District
Thornbury Township Delco Snow Building Competition
With the forecasted snow coming this weekend, Thornbury Township (Delco) invites its residents to compete in the Snowman Building Competition. To participate, follow this link for more details.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Road Closure – Forge Road
Forge Road will be closed from Stoney Bank Road to Valley Road for approximately two weeks starting January 20. Flaggers will be in place at Sweetwater Road from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Detours will be in place to direct local traffic onto Valley or Sycamore Mills Road. Please reach out to Thornbury Township, Delaware County if you have any questions
Photo Credit: Google Maps
|
Bravo Zulu
*The BZ pennants are hoisted as a part of Navy/Marine Corps custom to communicate “GOOD JOB!”
Rustin Winter Jazz Concert
Congratulations to the Rustin High School band for another successful Winter Jazz Concert. These students did an impressive job playing “Shout, Stomp, & Swing,” “Fly Me to the Moon” as well as other great jazz tunes. Great job!
Photo Credit: Facebook
Garnet Valley Men’s Basketball
The Jags earned a hard-fought bounce back win against Radnor Tuesday on the road. The Jags came off a tough game against Penncrest at home, but managed to deliver down the stretch in this tight game. Good work, men!
Photo Credit: Instagram
Garnet Valley Women’s Basketball
Jags women’s basketball defeated Penncrest and Radnor. First, the Jags played the Penncrest Lions on the road. They won 51-38. Then, they defeated Radnor Tuesday night, in a 38-34 victory. Nice work, Jags!
Photo Credit: Instagram
Avery McCrimon Wins Gold at UPenn Meet
Congratulations to Avery McCrimon, a Garnet Valley Senior, who won first place in the 60-meter women’s race. She ran a very impressive 7.81 second time, a school record for Garnet Valley. Great job, Avery!
Photo Credit: Instagram
Garnet Valley Wrestling Wins League Championship
The Jags were firing on all cylinders at the Central League Chip this past Thursday. Congratulations to Paxton Hunt for winning first place in the 215 lb weight class. Additionally, four Jags won second in their class: Caleb Ayala, Peyton Duffy, John Mozzani IV, and Owen Burns. Finally, congratulations to Dylan Perry, Wyatt Panarello, and Nicholas Potts for winning third in their classes.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Unionville and Rustin Face Off in Swimming
Unionville and Rustin competed against each other in swimming on Friday. Grant Flemming, a Unionville junior, delivered a standout performance with four gold medals. Rustin junior Max Boucher led his team with one gold medal and silver finishes in his remaining events.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Rustin Men’s Basketball
The Rustin men’s basketball team defeated the Kennett Blue Demons 52-42 on Tuesday. The Golden Knights controlled the boards, maintained possession and built a steady lead throughout the game.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Graduates List
Kutztown University Dean’s List:
Patience Stigora
Gianna Harrison
Dalton Maletsky
Jon Stack
Vanessa Del Collo
Charlie Haskins
Lawron Short
Adam Wadyko
Andrew Manley
Skylar Wood
Adam Pagano
Lena Cugini
Morgan O'Donnell
Lainey Williams
Melanie Bloodwell
Brock Cummings
Emily D'Amico
Ben Mellinger
Greta Reisinger
Sarah Zeminski
Ally Hayes
Maya Hudson
Gray Quick
James Madison University Deans and President’s List:
Morgan Mesaros, Health Sciences
Grady Benfer, Computer Information Systems
Kylie Cotter, Communication Sciences & Disorders
Madison Little, Political Science
Sophia Murray, Music
Lauren McIntyre, Media Arts and Design
Lily Reardon, Marketing
Hannah Wilcox, Accounting
Ashley Zrebie, Business Management
Evan Connelly, Music
Meghan Dougherty, Media Arts and Design
Malia Sunderlin, Media Arts and Design
Brooklyn Dye, Communication Sciences and Disorders
McKenzie Wise, Dance
Samantha Wood, Accounting
Hannah Halsey, Health Services Administration
College of Charleston President’s and Dean’s List:
Carly Torrens, Finance
Sophie Watson, Marketing
Campbell Eaton, Management
Matigen Wright, History
Tatum Kenney, Marketing
Ashleigh Shields, Hospitality and Tourism Management
Matthew Farrell, Business Administration
James Madison Graduate:
Kimberly Delea, Health Sciences
Hofstra University Dean’s List:
Aidan Cifolelli, Filmmaking
|
|
| Office Locations |
| District Office: |
| One Beaver Valley Road | (intersection of Route 202 & Naamans Creek Road) Chadds Ford, PA 19317-9012 | Phone (610) 358-5925 | FAX: 610-358-5933 |
| Capitol Office: |
| 3 East Wing, P.O. Box 202160, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2160 | Phone: 717-783-3038 | FAX: 717-787-7604 |
| |
|
|
.png)
.png)
