What concerns could West Philadelphia and West Chester possibly have in common? Plenty, it turns out.

At least that seems to be the emerging view of both suburban leaders and Mayor Nutter, who are contemplating a new regional caucus of elected leaders that would grapple with problems that transcend municipal borders, including everything from air quality to economic development.  read more »

Montgomery County Commissioner Jim Matthews, a Republican, and newly elected Commissioner Joe Hoeffel, a Democrat, are expected to announce a deal this morning to share some of the power at the county courthouse in a move that will undercut incoming Republican Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr.

Under the plan, Matthews would become chairman of the Board of Commissioners and Hoeffel would become vice chairman, according to a Democratic strategist. Though Republicans would retain most top positions in county government, Democrats would be placed in second-rank positions in some offices.  read more »

Six days after changing the job description to make a college degree optional, Bucks County has hired an elected constable with a yen for the outdoors, but no degree, to be its top park ranger.

Democrats are decrying the hiring of Middletown Township’s Chuck Benhayon — a Republican activist and frequent campaign donor — to the unadvertised $60,000-year-job as political patronage.

The post’s job description was altered before Benhayon, 52, was hired, to remove a requirement that the chief park ranger have a bachelor’s degree — which he lacks.  read more »

As in Montgomery County, it looks control of Bucks County’s courthouse will turn on voter turnout.

The last time Democrats took over the Bucks County Courthouse, police and protesters clashed in the streets.

It was 1983, and turmoil over the Point Pleasant pumping station, a water-diversion project in Upper Bucks, inspired angry voters to give the Democrats a majority on the county Board of Commissioners.

Four years later, the balance of power returned to the Republicans, and the GOP has been in charge since.  read more »

This, along with the MontCo commissioners race, will be one of the key contests to watch on election day to gauge Democratic strength in the Philly ‘burbs.

Candidates for Bucks County commissioner debated the issues and traded barbs at a public forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the chambers of commerce Thursday.

Republican Commissioners Charley Martin and Jim Cawley faced Democratic challengers Lower Makefield Supervisor Steve Santarsiero and Middletown Supervisor Diane Marseglia, as well as Constitution Party candidate Jay Russell.  read more »

It now appears that one of the current Republican commissioners is crank-calling the Democratic candidates. Are the Republicans being driven mad by the notion that the Democrats might seize control of the county? To think that we have one more month of this soap opera.

I’m sorry to be taking the story from a campaign website, but this story is too juicy not to share.

In the case of Montgomery County Commissioner Tom Ellis, misery apparently wants company.  read more »

The always fascinating world of Philadelphia tribal Democratic and SE Pa politics.

It’s called the Pennsylvania Convention Center – and, if Gov. Rendell gets his way, it may soon live up to its name.

Five years ago, political maneuvering in Harrisburg tipped the balance of power at the building – on hiring, contracting and other decisions – away from the governor and mayor, and into the hands of Philadelphia’s Republican-dominated suburbs.

Now Rendell, a Democrat in his final term, is moving unabashedly to restore the state’s authority in running the mammoth center.  read more »

Democratic candidates for county commissioner are accusing Republicans of “pay-to-play” government contracts after discovering large donations made by firms with county contracts.

“It does seem like an odd coincidence. So odd that I can’t imagine anyone would take it seriously.” – GOP Campaign Manager Mike Walsh

On Dec. 20, 2006, Martin and Cawley decided to pay the firm $200 an hour for legal services. That same day, six of the firm’s attorneys contributed $9,000 to the county GOP, according to an analysis by the Democrats.

GOP campaign manager Mike Walsh said the contract renewal raised one Begley attorney’s fee from $125 to $200 an hour and represented the first raise in two years.

Democrats went on to say that on May 21, 2003, the firm was hired to prepare loan documents and the next day firm attorney Jeffrey P. Garton gave the party $500. Garton represents the water and sewer authority, the community college and is chairman of the Bucks County Conservation District.  read more »