My name is David Cleary, and I am an independent candidate for the state House of Representatives, 160th district. I am not affiliated with any political party, just a citizen running for elected office. I am asking that you consider voting for me on Nov. 8.
David Cleary
I am an aircraft systems engineer, project manager, and former Naval officer with the skills, leadership and integrity to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania’s 160th House district. I was born and raised in Bismarck, N.D. (same hometown as Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz). I left my childhood home for the Naval Academy. After graduating from the Naval Academy, I reported to flight training and earned my wings of gold as a naval flight officer. My Naval service included a tour in Japan and two deployments in support of Operation Southern Watch (the no-fly zone established over southern Iraq). My military service awards include the Navy Achievement Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Kuwait Liberation Medal and various other service awards.
I am an active member of the community and several veterans’ organizations. I am the past chair of a youth soccer league and I have coached various youth sports teams. I am a member of American Legion Post 93, VFW Post 6835, the Navy League of Philadelphia, and a Red Cross volunteer. I am a fundraiser for the Organization for Autism research and help raise awareness about autism through marathon running. I have also served as the family readiness coordinator for an Army Reserve unit.
I have a bachelor’s of science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and a master’s in business administration from Saint Joseph’s University. I live in Concord Township with my wife, Patricia Tuggle, and four children, James, Beverly, John and Michael.
I am running for office because I don’t like what has become of our state government. Our representatives are too controlled by the puppet strings of their political party caucuses and the special interest political action committees (PACs) that donate to their campaigns. We expect our representatives to be the peoples’ voice, and be a check and balance on the operations of the state’s executive and judicial branches. I intend to be that voice that restores public trust in our state government.
Our legislature is the second costliest in the country while Pennsylvania is the sixth most populace state. The overhead cost to pay for large staffs is unnecessary and shows a lack of fiscal discipline. Today’s state government is bloated with excess and waste. We need legislators that understand how a smaller more efficient government operates, and can translate that mindset to the broader operations of all levels and branches of state government.
Pennsylvania needs open, transparent government in all branches and at all levels. The 2008 open records law, written and passed by our legislature, falls short in many ways. The legislators who passed the right-to-know law (RTKL) continue to use private email for their work. They never intended for this law to include their actions as public officials.
Ethical problems continue to plague our state. The bar for ethical behavior of our elected and appointed government officials is very low, if it even exists. I contacted Pennsylvania’s Ethics Commission about a judicial candidate who did not disclose that he was an officer and part owner in a business that was delinquent in paying $200,000 in property taxes. It is bad enough a judge does not think he needs to pay taxes like everyone else, but the Ethics Commission actually determined that the judge’s failure to report the property tax delinquency was not an ethics violation? I will quote Thomas Jefferson on this one: “Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government, but illegal for the citizenry.”
We need elected officials who will not look the other way when there is gross misconduct. Leaders who will demand high ethical standards from our public officials. I have the experience, aptitude and integrity to restore public trust in our state government and to work as a legislator to make our state government more cost effective and efficient.
Your ballot will have eight races for you to vote on Nov. 8. I will be in the eighth race listed on the ballot, and I would like you to consider voting for David Cleary to be your next representative to the Pennsylvania State House. For more information on my candidacy you can go to my website: www.cleary4pahouse.com.
Note: The 160th legislative district includes Bethel, Chadds Ford, Concord and Upper Chichester townships in Delaware County; and Kennett Square, Kennett, Pennsbury and Pocopson townships in Chester County.
David Cleary
Independent candidate for the 160th state House district
The Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department is investigating a fatal accident that occurred on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 6:15 a.m.
Responding to the intersection of West Chester Pike and Waterview Road in East Goshen Township for an automobile accident involving a pedestrian, officers arrived to find a member of the Goshen Fire Company performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on an individual who had been struck by an eastbound 2008 Dodge Charger, a police press release said.
The driver of the Dodge Charger, a 26-year-old male who was not identified by police, stopped his vehicle after the accident, called for assistance, and remained at the scene. The pedestrian, Richard Crosby, 46, a resident of East Goshen Township, died as a result of injuries sustained in this accident, the release said.
Police said they are not certain where Crosby was going when the crash occurred. Preliminary evidence suggested that neither speed nor impairment were factors, police said.
The accident remains under investigation, and anyone who may have witnessed it is asked to contact the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department at 610-692-5100.
The Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department was assisted at the scene by members of the Serious Crash Accident Team, a countywide group that consists of accident reconstruction experts from multiple departments, as well as the Goshen Fire Company, police said.
One police officer narrowly averted injury and another was treated and released from the hospital after a harrowing chase that led to the arrest of a West Grove man.
Pedro Carrilo-Lopez
New Garden Township Police gave this account in a press release:
On Sunday, Oct. 23, at 7:01 p.m., two uniformed New Garden officers, who were not identified, were responding to a collision on Gap Newport Pike near the intersection of Crossan Lane when they learned that the driver of the striking vehicle was trying to flee. Upon arrival, the police officers located his vehicle on Crossan Lane with smoke emanating from the engine.
As one of the officers approached the vehicle, the driver, later identified as 23-year-old Pedro Carrilo-Lopez, accelerated and drove the vehicle toward the approaching officer. The officer had to jump from the oncoming path of the vehicle to avoid being struck. The vehicle then abruptly stopped, and Carrilo-Lopez exited and fled.
The second police officer chased Carrilo-Lopez, who refused commands to stop before being tackled by the officer. During an ensuing struggle, during which Carrilo-Lopez actively resisted arrest, striking the officer in his face with his elbows and fists, both the officer and Carrilo-Lopez fell down a 12-foot grassy berm. The officer then utilized his department-issued Conducted Electronic Weapon, also known as a Taser, to subdue Carrilo-Lopez and take him into custody.
During processing, officers said they detected a strong odor of alcohol from Carrilo-Lopez and observed additional signs of intoxication. During a search of his vehicle, officers located additional alcohol and evidence of consumption throughout the interior, the release said.
Police learned during the investigation that the driver rear-ended by Carrilo-Lopez had slowed for traffic that was stopped ahead when the crash occurred. The victim stated that Carrilo-Lopez then backed up at a high rate of speed, struck a utility pole, and fled before police arrived, the release said.
Carrilo-Lopez was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Matthew Seavey on charges that included aggravated assault against an officer, reckless endangerment, DUI and numerous traffic offenses. He was remanded to Chester County Prison after failing to post $250,000 cash bail, the release said.
Newly-retired Kennett Square Police Chief Edward A. Zunino displays a key to the borough as Borough Council President Danilo P. Maffei and Council Vice President Geoffrey Bosley applaud.
Updated on Wednesday, Oct. 26, to add photo montage
When Kennett Square Borough’s former police chief began his law-enforcement career, gasoline cost 43 cents a gallon and the laser printer had just come into vogue.
Former Police Chief Edward A. Zunino gets assistance from his wife, Lois Zunino, with unwrapping a street sign in his honor.
A Kennett High graduate named Edward A. Zunino began his police career in his hometown in 1974, a stint that spanned more than four decades and earned him respect that extended far beyond the borders of the mushroom capital. After rising in the ranks – a process that included auxiliary officer, part-time officer, patrol officer, detective, lieutenant, and chief – Zunino retired this past July after 42 years of service.
On Saturday, Oct. 22, more than 230 people gathered at the Red Clay Room in Kennett Square for what was billed as a retirement celebration. The goal: to ensure that Zunino understood the tremendous impact his tenure had on all of Chester County.
Mayor Matt Fetick, who served as emcee, predicted that the evening might prove challenging for Zunino, given the former chief’s penchant for humility. And then the accolades began. Speaker after speaker recounted the numerous ways in which Zunino made a positive difference in myriad lives.
Former Police Chief Edward A. Zunino chats with Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick.
More than 20 individuals regaled the crowd with stories about diverse interactions with Zunino – rich recitations replete with recurring themes: integrity, fairness, determination, patience, loyalty, and compassion. Many of the speakers came bearing gifts that ran the gamut: plaques, citations, pins, a statue, a painting, a flag, even a key to Kennett Square.
Fetick, who was joined by members of Kennett Square Borough Council for the key presentation, also explained another honor slated to occur in the near future. After Zunino unwrapped a street sign bearing his name, Fetick explained that the borough gets to name its new alleys, and the next one, probably in the Magnolia Place development, will bear Zunino’s moniker.
Retired Police Chief Edward A. Zunino is shown with his wife, Lois Zunino.
Chester County Judge Patrick C. Carmody, a former prosecutor, recalled advice early in his career from one of his mentors, the late Deputy District Attorney John J. Crane: keep an eye on Zunino. “Watch this police officer; watch the way he carries himself,” Carmody was told.
Carmody said the scrutiny, which would last for three decades, provided invaluable insight. “I was always amazed if you watched an interview with Ed and someone, you didn’t know if they were a defendant, a victim, or a witness because he treated everyone with dignity and respect,” Carmody said.
Many of the speakers represented law enforcement – from FOP officials to fellow police leaders, including New Garden Township Police Chief Gerald R. Simpson, Kennett Square Police Lt. William Holdsworth, and Kennett Township Police Chief Lydell E. Nolt. They all applauded Zunino’s contributions to community policing, which he perfected long before it became popular in the 1990s.
State Reps. Steve Barrar (from left) and John Lawrence present former Chief Edward A. Zunino with a citation from lawmakers.
Nolt suggested that for anyone who wants to epitomize the concept, “you’re going to have a career like Chief Ed Zunino.”
Sgt. Eric Ruggeri from the West Chester Police Department offered an example of how that philosophy worked. He said shortly after he was hired by Kennett Square Borough in early 1988, he got his “first hot call:” shoplifting at the Landhope. He said his adrenalin rushed as he and Zunino proceeded to the store, where they learned that a 99-cent candy bar had been stolen. Zunino said: “I think I know who did this.”
Ruggeri said they drove to a residence where Zunino confronted the suspect: “You know why we’re here, right?” Ruggeri said the suspect confessed on the spot, and Zunino proceeded to explain that he would get a break if he vowed to avoid such behavior in the future because the storeowner had graciously agreed not to press charges.
Former Police Chief Edward A. Zunino (left) is shown with West Chester University Police Sgt. Eric Ruggeri.
Back in the patrol car, Ruggeri said he was awed by what he had witnessed and then Zunino pulled a Snickers out of his pocket and began to snack on it, telling Ruggeri that he owed him 99 cents. A puzzled Ruggeri got an explanation when Zunino said: “You need to pick and choose your battles.” As for the candy, Zunino added, “I had to pay for it.”
Theresa Bass, president of the Joseph & Sarah Carter Community Development Corporation, formerly known as the Historic East Linden Project, said that philosophy proved invaluable when she enlisted Zunino’s aid to reclaim a diverse, low-income, drug-infested neighborhood more than a decade ago. The vibrant, cohesive community has since become a model of transformation.
Joined by his wife, Penny DiOttavio (from left), longtime Kennett Square resident Tony DiOttavio, who went to grade school and high school with the former police chief, chats with former magisterial district judge Daniel Maisano.
“He doesn’t just lock people up,” Bass said. She explained that especially with youthful offenders, Zunino would spend time talking to them not only to determine the cause of the problem but also to find productive things for them to do. “We love Ed on East Linden Street,” said Bass, adding that he now serves on the CDC’s board.
Borough resident Penny DiOttavio has known the former chief for years. Her husband, Tony DiOttavio, recalled attending both grade school and high school with Zunino. “He’s like a diamond,” Penny DiOttavio said. “You can’t replicate him.”
Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan applauded Zunino’s far-reaching influence, particularly through officers’ training. Hogan said when vacancies occur in the Chester County Detectives, he routinely makes a phone call to tell a chief that he’s about to lose one of his best officers, news that is met with annoyance – unless Zunino is on the other end of the line.
Former Police Chief Edward A. Zunino listens as speakers embark on journey down memory lane.
Hogan said he has hired two Kennett Square officers as detectives, continuing a trend in his office. He recalled Zunino’s reaction: “He is a credit to our department, and it would be our honor for him to go to the Chester County Detectives.”
Darren R. Sedlak, a decorated detective with the West Goshen Township Police Department, said he began his career in the mid-1990s in Kennett Square, where he benefitted from Zunino’s expertise as a law-enforcement educator. Calling Zunino “a father figure,” Sedlak acknowledged that the learning process often inspired dread when a handwritten, police report got returned full of Zunino’s signature, red editing lines, which marked omissions and mistakes.
Sedlak said Zunino would always refer Sedlak to the field-reporting manual, which he described as a pre-Internet Google for law enforcement. “The FRM was a guide, but Lieutenant Zunino was the professor,” Sedlak said. He added that Zunino’s constant wisdom and patience helped him strive to follow Zunino’s masterful example of making a positive difference.
Chester County Deputy Sheriff Gayle Litwiniec-Sauers poses with former Police Chief Edward A. Zunino, a respected mentor.
Chief County Detective Kevin Dykes credited Zunino with enabling him continue his law-enforcement career. Dykes explained that he had just begun working criminal investigations at the Avondale barracks of the state police in 1986 when he got a call to assist Kennett Square police.
Dykes said he showed up at Bove Jewelers, where police had just received information about a robbery. As Dykes walked in the door, the owner exclaimed, “There’s one of them now,” erroneously identifying Dykes as a suspect. “Thanks to Eddie Zunino, I’m not getting out of jail today,” Dykes said, eliciting laughter.
Former Police Chief Edward A. Zunino shares a laugh will well-wishers during his retirement celebration.
Gayle Litwiniec-Sauers, who now works in the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, recalled being the first female police officer hired in Kennett Square and relying on Zunino in a variety of roles, including her first partner, first training officer and first range instructor.
“It’s no surprise that this room is filled with people who want to honor you,” Sauers told him.
At the end of the evening, Zunino expressed his gratitude for the celebration. “I’ve been lucky throughout my career to have tremendously excellent officers,” he said. “I just want to say it’s an honor to have each and every one of you here; it means so much to me.”
The former police chief (left) accepts a painting of Abe Lincoln done by Fred McCarthy, who says he believes Zunino possesses many of Lincoln’s exemplary traits.
Zunino said many people made his career possible, expecially his wife, Lois. He recalled being on vacation in Ocean City one year when he got a call that three home-invasion suspects had been picked up in Puerto Rico, where they had fled. The following day he was on a plane to San Juan, noting that his wife never complained.
Despite the intrusions into his family life, Zunino’s three grown children – Ed Zunino Jr., Michelle Zunino Tuel and Jennifer Zunino-Smith – said he always made sure he had time for them. They each spoke lovingly about their father’s positive influence on their lives, which included practically growing up at the police station.
Ed Zunino Jr. said his father taught primarily by example, always stressing the importance of a work ethic and family. Michelle Zunino Tuel said that during some of her most difficult challenges, such as nursing school, her father kept her focused by regaling her with the childhood ditty about the ant and the rubber tree plant.
Former Chief Edward A. Zunino (left) is joined by West Goshen Det. Darren R. Sedlak.
Jennifer Zunino-Smith said that her father, steeped in denial, has tried to talk her into moving back to Kennett Square daily ever since she relocated to New York 15 years ago. Finally, she said she decided to turn the tables and suggested that he come to New York. Without hesitating, he declined, telling her: “I just love Kennett Square.”
Although she didn’t speak, Zunino’s 93-year-old mother, Mary Zunino, proudly observed the festivities.
By now, many in the audience were dabbing at their eyes. His children’s heartfelt remarks, combined with the enormity of Zunino’s impact, resonated throughout the room. But ultimately, the crowd left with a sense of gratitude, secure in the knowledge that Zunino possessed a well-earned key to Kennett Square.
Leon E. Rowe Jr., 71, of Kennett Square, died Oct. 19, at Neighborhood Hospice, after a courageous twelve-year battle with prostate cancer.
He was the son of Leon E. Rowe and Ramona Fraser Rowe of West Grove. He was raised by his grandparents, George A. and Margaret I. Fraser of West Grove.
Leon attended Avon Grove High School where he came back to teach for thirty years after graduating with honors from West Chester State Teachers College (now University). He also attended the University of Hawaii on a scholarship to study East/West Cultures, and American University. While teaching at Avon Grove, Leon was class advisor for many years as well as Social Studies Chairman. He was a PIAA official for several years, a poll worker, and former Kennett Square Historical Commission member.
An antiques buff, he collected presidential campaign memorabilia. With his wife, he was a postcard dealer for more than 45 years and an estate appraiser for Larmore Scarlett for more than 25 years. They also gave talks on many aspects of collecting.
Leon is survived by his wife of 49 years (and high school sweetheart), Dolores Del Nero Rowe as well as sisters Margaret Rice (David) of Newark, and Nancy Staton of West Grove, and brothers Robert (Deborah) of Wilmington, John (Sharon) of Bear, David (Susan) of Wilmington, and George and James of Florida and many nieces and nephews.
You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, at the Kuzo and Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State Street in Kennett Square, with a memorial service to follow at 11:30. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Neighborhood Hospice, 400 East Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380
Patrick Pierno, 55, of Avondale, died Tuesday, Oct. 18, at the Jennersville Regional Hospital. He was the husband of Susan Hornick Pierno, with whom he shared 31 years of marriage.
He was the son of Anthony Pierno of Florida and the late Marianna Giurdanella Pierno.
Patrick was the director of IT Technical Services at Farmer’s Insurance in Wilmington.
He enjoyed landscaping, working with computers and being with his family and friends.
In addition to his wife and father, he is survived by one daughter, Lea Marianna Pierno of Avondale; two brothers, Anthony Pierno of Staten Island, N.Y. and Stephen Pierno of Allentown, and two sisters, Laura Cordiviola of Trinity, Fla. and Carmela Garda of Staten Island, N.Y.
You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25, and again from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State Street in Kennett Square. His funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 212 Meredith Street in Kennett Square. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82 in Kennett Square.
In memory of Patrick, a contribution may be made to the Sarcoma Foundation of America, 9899 Main Street, Suite 204, Damascus, MD 20872.
Vinnie Spina Jr., 2, dressed as a gecko, sees eye-to-eye with a goat at the petting zoo area.
Concord Township’s Harvest Festival was a day late this year, but the extra 24 hours brought sunny skies for a Sunday afternoon hayride and a costume parade. Dozens of youngsters took part in the parade and enjoyed the pony rides and petting zoo.
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
The 2016 edition of “Yuletide at Winterthur,” a popular, seasonal exhibit at the museum, will celebrate an extraordinary dollhouse the museum has received.
A large, exquisitely detailed dollhouse will anchor this year’s ‘Yuletide at Winterthur.’
Highlighting the holidays through a child’s eyes in the 19th and 20th centuries, Yuletide at Winterthur will feature the exquisite house-in-miniature as a central attraction. Winterthur received this gift from Jack D. McDaniel, husband of the late Nancy B. McDaniel (1932–2015), designer of the dollhouse. It will be on display in the Galleries Stair Hall from Nov. 19 through Jan. 8, a museum press release said.
To accentuate the house’s debut, Yuletide at Winterthur will showcase museum room displays that include Winterthur’s own collections of miniature objects. In a nod to Winterthur’s current exhibition, “Lasting Impressions: The Artists of Currier & Ives,” Yuletide will explore why a “Currier & Ives Christmas” still resonates with people today.
“In the era of 19th-century Currier & Ives, the notion that ‘Christmas is for children’ began to take lasting hold in the mind of Americans. This year, Yuletide will explore several scenes of a holiday made special for – and by – children,” Deborah Harper, Yuletide’s curator said in the release. “In addition, a special attraction that will make Yuletide truly magnificent is the extraordinary dollhouse filled with exquisite miniature furnishings generously gifted to Winterthur.”
Harper said the dollhouse complements Winterthur’s collection of 18th- and 19th-century miniature objects that H.F. du Pont acquired and displayed, while the meticulous arrangement of the dollhouse rooms reveal Nancy McDaniel shared du Pont’s keen eye for detail and design.
The late Nancy McDaniel of Connecticut and Florida was an interior decorator who operated her own home decorating and holiday design company. During a family trip to England, she was captivated by Queen Mary’s dollhouse at Windsor Castle and inspired to have her own. The dollhouse, custom built in England in 1985 to McDaniel’s specifications, is approximately six by four feet with a slate roof and full electrification. It houses over 1,000 objects lovingly assembled by creator McDaniel over 30 years. These include over 100 pieces of sterling silver, and a rug in each room that McDaniel needlepointed herself. Just in time for the holidays, the 18-room house is fully decorated with wreaths, candles, trees, and more miniature delights.
As visitors tour Yuletide, they will experience how the rising popularity of the Christmas tree resulted in a new industry of commercially made ornaments and discover a new way of distributing gifts via a giant “spider’s web,” with packages caught in its gleaming tangle of ribbons. A very special Christmas in the White House in the early 1900s saw the President’s son decorating a Christmas tree in secret to surprise his family – including the family pets!
Several displays will recall holiday festivities enjoyed by children at Winterthur in the first half of the 20th century. These include H.F. du Pont’s classic 1930’s Christmas tree awash with colorful lights and glittering glass ornaments. Baskets under the tree, one for each person, held a personal treasure trove of gifts. Christmas Eve brought “Mr. Harry’s Party,” the holiday event the du Ponts hosted for their staff, with a Christmas tree, professional entertainers, ice cream made from the rich milk of the Winterthur dairy herd, and gifts personally selected by H.F. du Pont for all of the children of Winterthur’s estate workers.
Yuletide will also showcase a holiday celebration very special to the du Pont family -– the annual New Year’s Calling. This yearly visitation found the ladies gathering in family homes to await the gentlemen who spent the day making the rounds, bestowing small gifts in exchange for the hospitality the ladies offered in punch cups and wine glasses. Little girls learned to be gracious hostesses while receiving with their mothers, while the little boys in the du Pont family gallantly made the rounds with their fathers.
As always, the rooms will be enhanced with the floral displays so essential to du Pont’s decorating, and with special Christmas trees inspired by the beauty of the Winterthur garden, including the popular Dried Flower Tree in the conservatory.
The dollhouse is planned to become an eagerly anticipated part of Winterthur’s annual holiday offerings. Karissa Muratore and Amanda Kasman, University of Delaware art conservation undergraduates, completed the restoration during a summer internship at Winterthur; their time was funded through the University of Delaware Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program. During their time at Winterthur, the interns built a following for the house through blog posts, and they welcomed many repeat visitors who checked on the house’s progress.
The public is invited to hear them speak about the dollhouse and their involvement with it at a talk in Winterthur’s Copeland Lecture Hall on Saturday, Dec. 17, at noon. The lecture is included with admission and free to members.
Yuletide is free for Winterthur members and $22 for adults. Reservations are recommended for Yuletide tours.During Yuletide, Winterthur is open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Winterthur is located on Route 52, five miles south of Route 1. For more information, visit www.winterthur.org.
