West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta has announced her candidacy for a seat in the Pennsylvania House.
West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta says she is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Rep. Dan Truitt, R-156.
Surrounded by supporters on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at East Goshen Park, Comitta said she is seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for the 156th District seat held by Republican Dan Truitt since 2011. The district represents parts of Birmingham, West Goshen, East Goshen, Westtown, and Thornbury townships, as well as the Borough of West Chester.
Truitt, an industrial-controls engineer, won election in 2011, defeating Democrat Barbara McIlvaine Smith, who was seeking her third term. It was Truitt’s first bid for public office.
Comitta, West Chester’s first female mayor and its first Democratic mayor since 1992, vowed to bring a spirit of bipartisan cooperation and strong leadership to Harrisburg.
“My life has been devoted to seeking cooperation and progress for the common good,” Comitta said in a press release. “I am proud to be the candidate who listens, who celebrates diversity and inclusiveness, and who brings people together to consider all points of view and get things done.”
Comitta, who has been active in local politics, was raised and educated in the 156th District, where she also started her family and career. In her two terms as mayor, she has ushered in economic stability through business development, advanced the relationship between the borough and West Chester University, and worked on issues like municipal pension reform and gun violence prevention.
“I have testified before the state redistricting commission,” she said in the release. “We took our borough’s redistricting case to the state Supreme Court and won. By attending state, national and municipal organization meetings, I have developed friendships with elected officials across Pennsylvania and the country.”
Comitta said she is dedicated to investing in the future progress on behalf of constituents by ensuring that local issues are addressed at the state level, like increasing education dollars to the district and forging relationships with a cross-section of local stake holders dedicated to protecting and advancing the quality of life in the 156th District.
“We all know the system in Harrisburg is not working,” Comitta concluded. “Our most vulnerable citizens, starting with our precious children, are counting on us, and we must not let them down. Together, we have a real chance to create a healthy future for all.”
Two veteran investigators with the Chester County Detectives have been promoted, according to Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan.
Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan (center) is shown with Chester County Detective Lt. Michael McGinnis (left) and Chief County Detective Kevin Dykes.
Hogan announced in a press release that Chester County Detective Lt. Kevin Dykes will succeed James Vito as chief detective. Vito retired at the end of 2015. Sgt. Michael McGinnis will succeed Dykes as lieutenant.
The Chester County Detectives are the investigative arm of the Chester County District Attorney’s Office. Detectives are divided into several areas: major crimes, child abuse, drugs and organized crime, computer forensics, and crime scene forensics.
“The Chester County District Attorney’s Office is fortunate to have strong leadership for our detectives,” Hogan said in the release. “Kevin Dykes and Mike McGinnis have proven themselves as investigators, supervisors, and team players. They are known and respected throughout Chester County law enforcement for their skill and integrity.”
Dykes has served with the Chester County Detectives since 2001. He has been assigned to the Major Crimes Unit, investigating homicides, violent crimes, financial crimes, and drug violations. He was promoted to the position of lieutenant in 2012.
Prior to joining the Chester County Detectives, Dykes was a member of the Pennsylvania State Police from 1981 to 2001. Within the Pennsylvania State Police, he rose to the rank of corporal and handled significant drug investigations.
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to be promoted to chief of the Chester County Detectives,” said Dykes in the release. “I am grateful for this opportunity given to me by District Attorney Hogan to lead this outstanding group of individuals. I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank Chief Vito, who has been a mentor to me over the past four years. I look forward to continuing the working relationships that have been established between the Chester County Detectives and the entire law enforcement community in Chester County and throughout the region.”
McGinnis has served with the Chester County Detectives since 2000. As a line detective, he worked in the Major Crimes Unit, the Crime Scene Forensics Unit, and the Drugs and Organized Crime Unit. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2013. Most recently, McGinnis supervised the Major Crimes Unit.
He previously served with the West Chester Police Department from 1986 to 2000. In West Chester, McGinnis worked in the areas of patrol, drug enforcement, and criminal investigations.
“I am grateful to District Attorney Hogan and Chief Dykes for the confidence they have shown in me,” McGinnis said in the release. “I am honored to work with such an exceptional team of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and office staff.”
Dykes and McGinnis will be formally sworn in at 1 p.m. on Jan. 8, in Courtroom 2 of the Justice Center before Chester County Court Judge Anthony Sarcione.
The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art and celebrated chef MacGregor Mann have announced a partnership to create a new dining experience that reflects the quality of the Museum’s world-class art collection and the conservancy’s environmental focus on sustainable agriculture.
“We are thrilled to welcome MacGregor Mann’s catering company Blanch and Shock as our on-site caterer. Mann’s dedication to using locally sourced food matches perfectly with our commitment to preserving local family farms.” said Virginia A. Logan, executive director of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art. “His menu is renowned for its quality, flavor and creativity, and I look forward to offering food from our protected farms in our museum cafe and at our events.”
“I am delighted to have been chosen by the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art to provide food for their museum and events,” said MacGregor Mann. “I have long admired the work of the conservancy and already use produce from one of the local farms they have conserved in my restaurant Junto. I look forward to offering selections of locally sourced food from the Brandywine Valley.”
MacGregor Mann currently serves as executive chef and owner of Junto Restaurant in Chadds Ford, hailed in The Philadelphia Inquirer as one of the best restaurants in the suburbs. Prior to its opening in 2014, he worked as executive chef at Henry’s Fork Lodge in Idaho, serving an international clientele. His eclectic career also includes a stint at Restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, a two-star Michelin restaurant, as well as extensive work with chef Jose Garces. Mann served a Sous Chef alongside Garces for two seasons of the show “Iron Chef America” and cooked at several James Beard Foundation events. In 2011, Mann was named a Tastingtable.com Rising Star Sous Chef and appeared in the Williams-Sonoma Thanksgiving Catalogue.
Come meet all the wonderful animals available now for adoption at the Chester County SPCA. All featured pets are “Name Your Price” adoption fee until Monday Jan. 11, or sponsor a pet and provide a safe place for our companions to rest until they find their forever homes. Help us give them a second chance at a fresh start!
Mia
‘Mia’
I’m a 2-year-old black and white fluffy ball of energy. I’m very out going so you’ll always find me wanting to meet new people and be the center of attention.
Dallas
‘Dallas’
I’m a 2-year-old shorthair with a stylish gray and white coat. Just like the state where the city I’m named after, I’m a bit bigger than most of my friends in the shelter; it just means there’s more of me to love. I have a pretty positive outlook and just like to spend my afternoons basking in the sunlight.
Val
‘Val’
I’m a grey tabby mix who’s 14 years young. I’m not as high-spirited as some of the other cats but I still get around pretty quick for my age. What I lack in energy I make up for in wisdom. A place that’s laid-back and chill is somewhere that I can call my home. I’m a pretty happy cat and I’m pretty friendly too.
Click HERE to learn about all of our cats at our Pennsylvania Campus in Chester County.
‘Ladybug’
Ladybug
I’m an energetic 2-year-old with a shiny, golden brown coat who loves to play, play, play. I like to meet new people and other animal friends. I do my best to get to know everyone and love them forever. I hope to bring the same love and affection into my forever home. I can be a ball of endless energy, so a family with an active lifestyle would be best for me, but trust me, I also know how to take five and just unwind. I also know several commands and I’m a bit of a showboat; I love to smile for the camera. Come down to CCSPCA and let’s play.
Millie
‘Millie’
I’m Millie, which is short for Thoroughly Modern Millie, but everyone just calls me Millie. I’m excited to meet you. I was brought to the shelter in August when my first family moved. I felt sad and alone at first and it was hard to make new friends, but I’ve met other friendly pets and people since. If you’re in the market for a happy, fun-loving companion then look no further; I have arrived. The best part, I’m already trained. I know several commands and I’m housebroken so I’m very easy to live with. Come down to CCSPCA and visit me so we can both cuddle up to one another.
‘Chester’
Hi there, I’m Chester, named after the county where I live. I’m known as a tough guy with a heart of gold. I can appear to be a bit rough around the edges but once you get to know me you’ll find that I’m fun and energetic. I walk well with a harness (I’m a pretty strong canine) and really love the outdoors. I love to go on daily walks so if you’re into walking or running, we could become a great workout duo. I can be motivated to do anything for a few treats and I’m smart to boot, so I can learn very fast. I also like to cuddle, but you can’t tell the other dogs; I have a reputation to uphold. Come down to CCSPCA and visit me and we can both enjoy the outdoors.
Click HERE to learn about all of our dogs at our Pennsylvania Campus in Chester County.
The local business owner, non-profit founder, policy advocate and mother will present her experience, her tenacity and her track record of getting things done to voters
Susan Rzucidlo officially launched her 2016 campaign for the 158th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
The seat is currently held by Chirs Ross who declined to run for re-election. Three Republicans— Perry Bentley, Leonard Rivera and Eric M. Roe — are seeking their party’s nomination for the seat.
Susan Rzucidlo
Rzucidlo founded and runs a non-profit organization, SPEAK Unlimited Inc., which has earned a national reputation for innovative solutions to complex problems. Through her determination, programs like the PA Premise Alert, SPEAK’s first responder communication tools, and other safety resources are in use in communities across the nation. As a public advocate, Rzucidlo has worked with the state bureaucracy to deliver outcomes that have been good for families in Pennsylvania and fiscally responsible for the state.
In a press release, Rzucidlo said she’s “running to make Harrisburg work better for all of us. I am running because I know that government can do good things but it must be held accountable. I am running because Harrisburg has become no better than Congress, unable to even pass a budget in more than six months. I will be a reformer in Harrisburg, even when it is not popular with either party. Both parties have forgotten that we must first, treat everyone with respect, then we must be willing compromise and act when when there are opportunities for long-term progress. I am known as a tenacious but fair advocate who will stand up to power because I believe that people matter more than politics or policies.
“In Pennsylvania we must:
Enact strong ethics laws for legislators
Provide quality public education for all children, starting at Pre-K
Bring good paying jobs to Pennsylvania to build our middle class
Significantly reduce or eliminate property tax
Reduce the tax burden for families and small businesses
Protect our environment and open space
Make sure women have access to health care
Protect our Seniors and vulnerable people
Implement uniform background checks for all gun purchases
Eliminate Keystone Exam Graduation requirement
Implement a severance tax on natural gas
Ensure equal protections under the law for all people
Bring transparency and citizen participation to government
Stop Legislators and Governor’s pay if there is no budget by July
Ban gifts to legislators and pay-to-play contracts
When I first ran for office, I ran to bring practical, real world solutions to a state capital that has become too partisan and detached from the interests of everyday Pennsylvanians,” said Rzucidlo. “I’m running again because the situation has only gotten worse! I have raised a family, I have run a small business, I have founded a non-profit and I have advocated as a private citizen on behalf of families across Pennsylvania and won! I believe that these experiences have prepared me to do even more for our community as its representative in Harrisburg.”
Rzucidlo and her husband of 29 years own and operate Silent Z Farm Inc., a farming operation based in Landenberg where they’ve raised their four children, one of whom has a severe disability. Her passion and determination to serve people shows in the work she has done for nearly 20 years and now she is seeking to expand the good work that she’s done in the private sector to public service for our whole community.
Rzucidlo said, “I pledge to lead by example on ethics, transparency and responsiveness to residents. If I am elected I pledge to post my expenses and my votes on my website for all to see. I pledge to be accessible and to really listen to people about the issues that are most important to them. I will do everything in my power to provide honest answers to residents’ questions about government and policy.” That is why I publicly offer my cellphone number now. I hope that residents will call or text me at 610-659-3145 if they have a question about state government or an issue that they want me to address.”
Learn more about Susan Rzucidlo and her campaign by going to www.SusanForPA.com.
The Chester County Commissioners – Kathi Cozzone (from left), Michelle Kichline, and Terence Farrell – pose during their reorganization meeting. They unanimously voted to return Farrell as chair and Cozzone as vice-chair.
• The Kennett Area Senior Center offers a gentle yoga class led by Alexis Donahue on Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. A seven-class session is $35, or just drop in and check it out for $8. All are welcome.
Andrew Wyeth
• Brandywine River Museum of Art’s Curator of Collections Virginia O’Hara will lead a tour of Natural Selections: Andrew Wyeth Plant Studies. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 2 p.m. The tour is free with museum admission This tour will also be offered on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m.
• Theatergoers are advised to stay calm and bring a towel as they are taken on a tour of the universe at Hedgerow Theatre’s production of Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” from Jan. 8-17. Hedgerow will be using the British playwright’s original radio play, which first aired on the BBC in 1978, and launched a popular science-fiction comedy series of books that were later adapted into a TV series, a computer game and a movie. Eight performances are scheduled, on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. All tickets for this special engagement are $20. To reserve seats or for more information, call 610-565-4211 or visit www.HedgerowTheatre.org. Hedgerow Theatre is located at 64 Rose Valley Road in Rose Valley (near Media).
• Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is now closed for the season. Winterthur closed Monday, Jan. 4, and will reopen to the public on Tuesday, March 1, with a new lineup of exhibitions, programming and color in the garden. On March 26, Winterthur will open its doors to the landmark exhibition Made in the Americas: The New World Discovers Asia, currently on view at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The Visitor Center Garden Café and Cottage Café also will be closed during this time along with the Museum Store and Bookstore. For information on member benefits, please contact membershipinfo@winterthur.org, or call 302.888.4713 to renew or upgrade current memberships.
• The Chadds Ford Historical Society hosts its eighth annual plein air art event on Feb. 6. Artists will be painting around the local area as well as the Barns Brinton House, John Chads House and Brandywine Creek. Open to the public is a special art exhibition at the CFHS Barn Visitors Center that evening. From 5 to 6 p.m. there will be an exclusive preview party where guests can view and purchase artwork made that morning. The $50 ticket allows for admission up to two people, and $25 of the ticket cost can be applied toward an art purchase. Afterwards, a Wine & Cheese with the Artists reception and a wet paint sale will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10 per guest, who can view displays of the work completed by artists earlier that day. Come out and support your local talented artists.
• The Chester County Historical Society library is closed once again for the “Big Dig.” The library staff will “dig in” to some exciting projects to improve library service, focusing this year on improving access to cemetery information and Bible records. The library will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 2. The museum and the Chester County Archives, a partnership with the county that provides access to historical records, will remain open during this time.
• The Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art has deemed 2015 “a terrific year,” thanks to the support of members and volunteers. Among the notable accomplishments: More than 63,000 acres are protected, and more than 500 students displayed their artwork in the museum through the “Imagine Brandywine” initiative. In addition, 5,243 students attended field trips to the museum, 35,000 trees were planted, and 1,500 pounds of trash were removed by the museum’s Young Friends during the annual river cleanup.
• Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell was reelected chair of the board of commissioners during its organizational meeting on Monday, Jan. 4. Farrell has served as commissioners’ chair in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2015. Commissioner Kathi Cozzone remains vice chair. Cozzone nominated Farrell as chair, and Commissioner Michelle Kichline nominated Cozzone as vice chair. The votes of the three-member board were unanimous.
• Jump-start summer camp planning on Wednesday, Jan. 13, with a night of food and fun at the Chester County Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair. The family-friendly, free event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Technical College High School (TCHS) Brandywine Campus, located at 443 Boot Road in Downingtown. The 2016 Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair will provide attendees with the opportunity to explore camps, activities and local vendors and decide what will make for a fantastic summer. For more information, visit www.cciu.org/SummerAdventures or contact Jennifer Shealy at JenniferSh@cciu.org.
• Fight hunger with the greater Kennett community on Thursday, Feb. 25, through the Empty Bowls fundraiser. This event supports the Kennett Food Cupboard/KACS and includes a large silent auction. Attendees get a handmade clay bowl created by local artists. Tickets go on sale Jan. 1. Visit www.kacsonline.net for tickets and more information.
West Goshen Police Lt. Michael Carroll (center) accepts congratulations from West Goshen Police Capt. Greg Stone. To Carroll’s left is Magisterial District Judge William Kraut.
• At a ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 5, the West Goshen Township Police Department promoted Sgt. Justin Dimedio and Sgt. Michael Carroll to the rank of lieutenant, and Detective Darren Sedlak and Officer Brian Griesser were both promoted to sergeant. The department also added two new officers: Robert Story and Kyle Maye.
