While the primary election is still months away, at least one Democrat is hoping for a chance to run against state Rep. Craig Williams, R-160. Elizabeth Moro, of Pennsbury, has announced her bid for the Democratic Party nomination.
“Craig Williams has been a representative of this district for a short time, and yet I do not feel he represents the beliefs of this district in what he chooses to support,” Moro said in a brief email exchange with Chadds Ford Live. “His recent ad in his attempt to run for Attorney General is just another power grab and is completely fear-based. With the U.S. Supreme Court handing powers back to the states, it is important to have leaders who will work to build democracy and move us forward. I do not believe Craig Williams is interested in that.”
Williams could not be reached for comment.
Moro sought the Democratic Party’s nomination for U.S. rep of the 6th Congressional District in 2018 but lost to Chrissy Houlihan. However, she has stayed active in the community.
“I have been working in my community on many fronts–to help save Crebilly Farm…I am dedicated to creating opportunities for people to come together…Communities work when people are connected to one another and work for things together. My background is in public policy and political science, and this is a time for all leaders to do what they can to preserve our democracy and strengthen our communities,” she said in the exchange.
In a press release she said: “In our time, we have a duty to protect our democracy, civil rights, and women’s rights. We must stand together to defend the Constitution and the values that build our communities. Legislation that takes away our voice and votes proposed at our state level goes against those values, and we must move forward, not backward. The next generation is looking to us to preserve our liberties, our environment, and the ability to access the American Dream for all.”
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.
Lacey Faber is the new Chadds Ford Township manager. Her official start date was Dec. 1. She was previously the assistant manager in Edgmont Township.
Life is rarely a straight line. Life’s path meanders with unexpected turns. And that’s what happened for Lacey Faber.
Faber, the new township manager for Chadds Ford, earned a degree in fine art and art therapy. She took a volunteer position with a youth group, was a counselor, and was on the board of directors. But she wanted to do more.
“I wanted to elevate my career, work on policy changes, and be a lot more involved with the community,” she said.
So, she went back to school and earned a master’s degree in public administration. That led to her becoming an assistant to the manager, then assistant manager in Edgmont Township.
Now, though, after serving several positions in Edgmont Township, she’s Chadds Ford’s township manager and she loves it.
She loved working on community events in Edgmont and even helped create Community Day there, something she sees as her favorite accomplishment. “I loved serving the public,” she added. “I loved being involved in my community…I really enjoy being of service to the public.”
She’s not immune from seeing the irony in her career shift from art to bureaucracy.
“I think about that every day. It’s like, how did I go to art school and end up in local government? It baffles me,” she said.
One of the people involved in her hiring in Edgmont was that township’s then-manager Samantha Reiner, currently Chadds Ford Township’s supervisors’ chairman.
“I was quite impressed with Lacey’s honesty and energy,” Reiner said. “Her organizational skills and gentle but determined desire to get things done right made her an excellent municipal asset.”
Reiner added that she wanted to bring Faber’s asset traits to Chadds Ford after Matt Baumann’s departure as Chadds Ford’s manager.
“Chadds Ford has suffered from managerial turnovers and deficiencies since it hired its first manager. Lacey brings her calmness, confidence, knowledge, experience and resources to Chadds Ford. We are confident she will ‘hit the ground running’ and not stop giving to our great community.”
Faber said she’s looking forward to serving the residents of Chadds Ford and, even after only one month as manager, she loves the area.
“What attracted me to coming to Chadds Ford is how entrenched it is with history and open space. These are things I absolutely love.”
She wrote open space grants while in Edgmont and helped develop the overall open space plan there, she said and is hoping to maintain that in Chadds Ford.
“Having so much open space here and having trail networks, that’s what attracted me to come to Chadds Ford.”
Chadds Ford Live asked Faber what her first goal is now that she’s the new township manager, having started the job on Dec. 1.
“There are so many,” she said while letting out a big sigh. “It’s a little difficult to answer that question because I haven’t really gotten a chance to get my feet wet.”
Yet, there is something special to her.
“One of my first goals and one of the things I really look forward to is Walkable Chadds Ford and seeing that come to fruition, being able to see the connectivity between the different parcels, between the businesses, and being able to see the businesses thrive as a result of the connectivity,” she said. Faber is hoping the township can put that project out to bid sometime in 2024.
She is also big on transparency. She said she’s seen the need for that during her first month as manager, that “transparency is key.” To that end, Faber is initiating a monthly newsletter that gives a brief overview of what’s happening at the Board of Supervisors meetings, and what’s happening with the various other boards and commissions in the township.
Beyond all that, there’s one thing Faber wants the people of Chadds Ford to know about her.
“I think it’s important that people understand that you get into local government because you really care about community. You care about the residents and have a deep appreciation for the work that we do…I have a deep appreciation for the landscape, the geographical location, all the history that’s here, all of the art history that’s here, the open space, and all the beauty that comes with Chadds Ford.
“And with the beauty comes the people…I really enjoy people. I’m a people person. I enjoy serving the community and being a part of the community, getting to know the residents that I serve. I’ve come here to be a part of the community.”
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.
PennDOT has announced the following weather-dependent road projects that could affect drivers in the greater Chadds Ford area from Jan. 6 through Jan. 12. Motorists are urged to allow extra time traveling through one of the construction zones. Work schedules are subject to change.
•PECO utility improvements will cause several daytime lane closures along Route 1 in Chester County. From Monday, Jan. 8 through Friday, Feb. 9, motorists should expect a lane closure on northbound Route 1 between Greenwood Road and Orchard Avenue, and from Jan. 8 through March 29, there will be closures in both directions between School House Road and Ladbroke lane.
•From Monday, Jan. 29 through Friday, March 29, PECO work will also force a daytime lane closure on Burrows Run Road between Route 52 and Hillendale Road.
•Through Jan. 25, there will be weekday single-lane closures on Burrows Run Road in Kennett Township between Kennett Pike and Hillendale Road due to overhead work.
•Vegetation management will cause daytime lane closures on Route 52 in Pennsbury Township between Balmoral Drive and Fairville Road through Jan. 13.
•Work to replace the bridge that carries Smithbridge Road over Webb Creek in Concord Township is underway. The 96-year-old bridge has been closed since July 14, following a bridge inspection that determined structure deterioration. During construction, motorists will be directed to follow the existing detour using Bethel Road, Garnet Mine Road, Route 491, and northbound Route 202. The project is scheduled to finish in late April of 2024.
•Motorists should expect lane restrictions with a detour for trucks on Route 162 at its intersection with Route 82 in Newlin Township because of bridge repair. There is currently no date for completion.
First Cutting, 1992, by Karl J. Kuerner. Acrylic on panel, 23 1/2 x 44-1/4. Collection of Dr. Raymond Puzio.
•It’s Kuerner time at the Brandywine River Museum of Art. The year 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the Kuerner Farm as a part of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art. The farm was the inspiration for artist Andy Wyeth and the art legacy of the farm continues with the work of Karl J. Kuerner whose artistic commitment to the farm is reflected in his own work throughout his career. The decision to paint images of the property was a pivotal moment for Kuerner, who felt that Andrew Wyeth’s work there was of singular importance. An exhibit Karl J. Kuerner: The Continuity of Creativity opens Jan. 27 and runs through May 19.
Celebrate winter at Longwood Gardens.
•The winter holidays and their special events might be over, but there’s still time to celebrate winter itself. And that’s what’s happening at Longwood Gardens from Jan. 20 through March 24. Winter at Longwood is for warmth, for wonder, and for wow moments at every turn. Ever-changing and always stunning, our Conservatory captivates with bold blooms, textural touches, and grand displays under glass. We welcome you to experience the wonder as winter delights, day after day.
Learn to include medicinal and edible plants in your garden.
•Interested in wild plant culture? Native edible and medicinal plant species can be integrated into gardens and ecological restoration projects to create habitats that support (and include) humans as part of local ecosystems. During an online presentation from Mt. Cuba Center, botanist Jared Rosenbaum, people can learn to consider stewarding edible and medicinal plant species in native habitats such as riparian corridors and glades and discuss how a habitat-based approach translates to yards, parks, and farms. We’ll explore the prospect of changing our foodways to patterns that favor native diversity, rewarding restoration and stewardship. This program is part of the Mt. Cuba Lecture Series, and takes place online on Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 6-7:30 p.m. The cost is $25. Register here.
•The Chester County 4-H program is looking for several volunteers to help us engage youth in STEM education with an emphasis on robotics, computer sciences, and engineering design. Volunteers would work directly with youth on short-term projects or in ongoing 4-H clubs. Volunteer training is provided. Chester County 4-H has established robotics clubs across the County that provide fun, hands-on learning opportunities for youth 8 -18. To find out more about the opportunities available please contact Toni Stuetz, Extension 4-H Educator at tmm113@psu.edu or 610-696-3500. Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a non-formal educational youth development program of the United States Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring, and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h.
