News Archive

Paul Drucker BBQ & Family Fun Day
Bring the entire family out in support of Paul Drucker for State Representative for an afternoon of food and fun! Sunday, July 13th, Noon to 3:00pm, at The Grove at the Valley Forge Fire Company, 630 Valley Park Road. A summer play day, with food and fun for the kids, all in support of Paul Drucker for State Representative. [details...]



School Board Member Karen Cruickshank Encourages Comment on Proposed New Statewide "Final Exams"...June 16 deadline
Tredyffrin/Easttown school board member Karen Cruickshank and her colleagues have staked out a position in opposition to a PA State Board of Education plan creating a series of statewide high school final exams in the core academic areas of math, science, English and social studies. In January 2008, the PA State Board of Education passed proposed regulations that would set up new Graduation Competency Assessments, or GCA's.
The comment period on the regulations ends on June 16, and a new testing program would affect the graduating class of 2014.
The T/E school board passed a March 24 resolution opposing the plan, and our board is actively encouraging parents and interested citizens to contact legislators and register disapproval.
For a summary of our board's reasoning in opposing the testing plan and sample letter to legislators, click here.
For the State Dept. of Education perspective on their proposed testing regime, see their fact sheet and press release.



From New Headquarters, Drucker Kicks Off Campaign
At an April 5 rally filling his new campaign office, Paul Drucker officially launched his bid for PA State Representative in the 157th District. "I want to bring the diverse experience I’ve had to the challenges facing this district," Drucker said. "Some parts of the district are doing better than others. Some individuals are doing better than others. The challenges we face may vary, but they all deserve a reliable voice representing them in Harrisburg." Drucker's campaign office is just down the hill from Valley Forge in Wayne at The Woods, 999 Old Eagle School Rd, Suite 106, phone 610-420-6336. [more...]



Spring Cinco de Mayo Party on May 2

Much to discuss and celebrate after the April 22 PA primary! Come to our spring fundraising party, meet candidates, and enjoy food & fun. Friday, May 2, 7:00 p.m. Please RSVP using this link, or send us an email.

[details...]





Bi-Partisan Forum on Drawing Legislative District Lines Without Patchwork Gerrymandering
Gerrymandering is drawing election district boundaries in weird shapes to achieve electoral advantage. Did you know PA is 2nd only to Georgia as the most gerrymandered state? Chester County's League of Women Voters & American Assn. of University Women are pointing toward a better way of redistricting, and action is needed before June. They are hosting a meeting Saturday, April 5, 10:00 a.m., with several key PA legislators attending, and they need you. [more...]



Pennsylvanians Have Big Voice in Presidential Primary...
With 188 delegates at stake, the choice that Pennsylvanians make in the presidential race on primary day, April 22, will be significant. In Pennsylvania you must be a registered Democrat to vote in that primary race and have an impact on our national selection. Many registered Independents and others are changing their voter registration to participate. To vote April 22, any new registration or change in political party must be received by March 24. The voter registration forms are available at our public libraries, and our Democratic committee members have a supply. (New registration or change in party use the same form.) You can also download a printable form for mailing directly from the Pennsylvania state website.
[voter registration form]



If Dogs Ran Free?...Potential Dog Park...Township Meeting
Tredyffrin Township's Park and Recreation Board is assessing interest in an enclosed dog exercise area in Teegarden Park, where Fido can run off leash. They are hosting a special public meeting on Thursday, April 3, at 7 PM in Keene Hall of the Township Building, 1100 Duportail Rd., to talk about a fenced-in dog park--of interest to dog owners in the township and nearby. The park board also has a mail-in survey. [more...]



Nov. ’07 Results: Turnout Jumps…Cruickshank To School Board… Democratic Gains, But Party-Line Vote Prevails
Okay, maybe our white papers and fact-based campaign didn’t reach enough voters, but they do seem to have stirred our Republican opposition to haul out their loyalists. The November 6 election found a big jump in turnout by both parties for a local, off-year election. Credit to Tredyffrin voters for participating. [more...]



Tredyffrin Historic Preservation Trust Spring Fundraiser
The Trust is very excited to announce the spring fundraiser, In the Mood...Jazz on the Porch & Dancin' in the Barn will be held at Cedar Hollow Design Center in Malvern on April 4, 7-10 PM. A wonderful evening filled with great live music, food, drinks and all the fun and laughter that happens whenever friends get together. Mark your calendar now for Friday, April 4, 2008.
[more...]



New Venue For Tredyffrin Township Democratic Committee Meeting
Our February meeting will be held at the Berwyn Park Office, Building 100. From the Township Building, take a right onto DuPortail Road. At the 2nd traffic light, take a right on Chesterbrook Blvd. Cross over Routes 202 and 252, and continue on Cassatt Rd. Take the second right, turning into Berwyn Park. The 100 Building is on your left as you enter the complex. Please come to the front door; it will be open by 7:15 PM.



Review our Fine County Candidates
Before you go into the polls, please visit the Chester County Democratic Committee web site and browse through the descriptions of our Democratic candidates for County positions.
County Commissioners: Kathi Cozzone and Bill Scott
Register of Wills: Kipp Stone
District Attorney: Tim Trott
Recorder of Deeds: Kevin Fitzpatrick
Sheriff: Kevin Christie
Court of Common Pleas: Jennifer Levy-Tatum
Prothonotary: John Keifel
 [more...]



Tredyffrin resident to host local reception for John Adler
New Jersey Congressman Jim Saxton (R) has recently announced that he will not seek reelection. Because of John Adler's long and exemplary record of achievement, distinguished career in the New Jersey State Senate, demonstrated leadership abilities, legal scholarship, impeccable integrity, keen intellect, and outstanding people skills, he is the leading candidate to become the next congressman from his district. Adler Campaign Web Site

There is a reception for John Adler at the home of Elizabeth and Warren Hyams on Wednesday, December 12 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. [more...]



In their own words
Democrat Art Post and Republican Kevin Mahoney endorsed each other for School Board in Region 2. Let this bipartisan team briefly explain to you why:
Post/Mahoney thirty seconds



Democratic Township Supervisor Candidates Talk to You
Would you like to hear our Democratic Township Supervisor Candidates tell you why you should vote for them, in thirty seconds or less? Listen to these mp3 files:
Ellen ... Paul ... Jerry and Eamon



Sample Ballots Now Available
Sample ballots with the recommendations of the Tredyffrin Township Democrats are now available. Please vote this Tuesday, November 6th! [more...]



Auditor Candidate Glenda Yu Examines "Internal Controls"
Needed in Township
Another TTDems innovation--an accounting professional who's willing and able to do real work for our Township. (It's become too much a pro forma role.) Latest in our white paper series, here Glenda calls for higher standards in the internal controls over our township's operations and financial processes. With two instances of embezzlement in recent years, and some recommended management actions still not accomplished, this is serious business. [more...]



Information on Judges Facing Retention Votes
Seven state appellate court judges, and one court of common pleas judge, are facing retention elections this year. They will be listed on the ballot on election day. You will be asked to answer, yes or no, whether each judge should "be retained for an additional term". Here is information on these judges for your consideration. [more...]



Who Kept the Tredyffrin Library in Strafford?
As Tredyffrin Republicans have grown more extravagant in their claims, we must keep them and their yellow signs based in reality. Here is the ground truth on who saved the Tredyffrin Library. [more...]



The Chester County Democrat Newspaper
"Democrats stand up for real people. And we'll always fight for the issues most important to Chester County residents by developing innovative approaches that challenge the status quo and get results. We believe in open, honest government, not pay-to-play politics. We believe in true fiscal responsibility and leaving our children a world better than we found it." Read about what our county candidates can do for you. [more...]



10th Annual Tyler Hedges 5K Run

Tredyffrin’s Democratic candidates turned out as a team for the Shand Tract’s 10th annual race/walk in memory of Tyler Hedges—enough to make themselves a road hazard. Action photos are here.





Want a yard sign?
Show your support for our Democratic candidates by displaying campaign signs in your front yard. Just send us an email. Be sure to include your name, address, telephone number, and let us know if you would like us to place the sign for you.



Report and Pictures from the TTDems Fall Fundraiser
Our "celebration of candidates" fundraiser party was held October 5, and once again a great sociable evening proved politics isn't just for wonks. Here are report and a few photos as evidence. [more...]



White paper now available: Ethics and Transparency in Township Business Deals - Part II
You know that old saying about "birds of a feather?" It certainly seems to be true with the Tredyffrin Republicans, at least where cronyism, conflicts of interest, and secret back room meetings are concerned. Our latest white paper on Ethics and Transparency concerns the business practices of John (JD) DiBuonaventuro, Republican candidate for Tredyffrin Township Supervisor. [more...]



Art Post and Kevin Mahoney Endorse Each Other for School Board
In a September 23 press release, the Tredyffrin Democrats announced that they are supporting Art Post and Kevin Mahoney for the open school board positions in Region 2. "They have also endorsed each other's campaigns. It is refreshing to see that their shared vision for the future of our schools and youth can be bi-partisan, and we believe they will both be excellent school board members" said Maria Micolucci, Chair of the Tredyffrin Democratic Committee. [more...]



All Abilities Playground Opens!
It pays to speak out when you spot a civic need. Plus, the result may benefit others. Here is a nice story that shows the value of the well-stated letter and the value of an elected-official willing to listen. It is a story with two heroes: Tredyffrin citizen Kathy Justi and Tredyffin Township Supervisor Paul Drucker. [more...]



Pictures from the Tredyffrin 300 Picnic
View some pictures of proud Democrats at the Tredyffrin 300 celebration. [more...]



Where's Jerry?
"Hi, my name is Jerry Henige. I am a candidate for Supervisor at Large. As one step in trying to get to better know the people and issues within the township, I have set myself a goal of knocking on every house in the township prior to the election. While I understand that I won't get to meet everyone in the township, I am hoping to meet a good cross section of the citizens and to get an understanding of the issues that are of concern." [more...]
Follow Jerry as he visits every house in Tredyffrin!
Walk a morning with Jerry Henige and Karen Cruickshank!



Dining with Dynamic Dems
On Sunday, September 16th beginning at 4:30PM the Chester County Democratic Committee is holding its Gala Event, DINING WITH DYNAMIC DEMS. 100,000 STRONG IN 2007! This is the Chester County Democratic Committee's ONLY fundraiser to support the outstanding and well-qualified FULL slate of county Democratic candidates this year. We have a tremendous opportunity to win TWO County Commissioner seats with the Cozzone/Scott Team along with county row offices, historically dominated by the Republican Party. [more...]



Foresight and Openness in the Development Planning Process
Seeing multi-use, high-density developments proposed in Berwyn and Daylesford and potential new zoning districts for Paoli, many residents wonder, "What's the 'character' of Tredyffrin? Can we maintain it in the face of growth?" This white paper examines the issues around planning and development in our community. Are Tredyffrin Dems pro or anti-development..? [more...]



Competence, Not Cronyism, in Township Board Appointments
Tredyffrin Township boards and authorities should be staffed on the basis of competence, relevant experience and perspective. Party affiliation and personal relationships have historically weighed too heavily in nominations to these advisory groups. We propose balance and diversity. In this report, the first of a series of white papers on issues surrounding this year's Tredyffrin Township elections, we examine the membership of the Planning Commission and report on a stark example of Republican cronyism. [more...]



Uptown Worthington Stormwater Application
NORRISTOWN (July 16) -- The Department of Environmental Protection will conduct a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 23, at the People's Light and Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, on a proposed stormwater management plan for a mixed-use development at the former Worthington Steel site in East Whiteland Township, Chester County. [more...]



Caribbean Fiesta
You are coridally invited to a Caribbean Fiesta in honor of Jennifer W. Levy-Tatum, Candidate for Judge of the Chester County Court of Common Pleas. August 4, 2007, 4-8 PM.[more...]



Planning Commission Meeting Report
Tredyffrin Township Supervisor Candidate Jerry Henige reports on important news from the May 17 Planning Commission meeting: PA Turnpike Valley Forge Service Area and Paoli Zoning Map. [more...]



Meet Our Township Candidates
There will be two additional opportunities next week for you to meet our candidates for township and school board positions. These are not fundraising events. Come and hear what they offer.
  • invitation -- Wednesday, Oct 24, 7:30-8:30 PM at the home of Sharon and Noel Boothe, 110 Coldstream Drive.
  • invitation -- Thursday, Oct 25, 7:00-8:30 PM at the home of Janet Walkow and Irl Barg, 461 Woodcrest Road.
Click on the invitation links for more information. All are invited!



Celebrate our Tredyffrin Democratic Candidates
Join Jim Brown, Chief of Staff to Senator Bob Casey, to support our largest-ever slate. Live music, great food, raffle. Friday, October 5th, 7:00 to 9:00 PM. [more...]



Sunset Cruise on the Leighbody Deck
Come to a reception in support of Kathi Cozzone and Bill Scott, Democratic Candidates for County Commisioner: Thursday, September 20, 5:30 to 7:30 PM. [more...]



Welcome Mister Tredyffrin!
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to the blog of one our township's most prized citizens, Mister Tredyffrin! While the views expressed on this new site are not necessarily those of the Tredyffrin Democratic Committee, Mister Tredyffrin does have a way of making local issues easier to understand. Laugh hard while you learn! [more...]



Democrats on the Rise in Tredyrffrin
According to the latest Voter Services information, there is a notable shift towards the Democrats in both new registrations and party affiliation changes since January of this year.

Of the last 665 Tredyffrin residents to register to vote, 228 have affiliated with the Democrats vs. 276 for the Republicans. This is a change from the usual 2:1 Republican to Democrat ratio.

In addition, recent party changes slant heavily towards the Democrats:
* Party change to Democrat - 48 (from 36 Republicans, 10 Independents, and 2 others)
* Party change to Republican - 18 (from 4 Democrats, 12 Independents, and 2 others)

There were also 149 recently registered Independents or other Non-Party affiliates, also an increase in the usual percentage.



Saving The World From Global Warming--Tredyffrin Dem Committeeperson Is Playing The Game
Greenhouse gases and global warming--is there a way we can keep carbon emissions from rising over the next 50 years? Precinct M-1 Democratic Committeeperson Dr. Roberta Hotinski knows the scenarios. She works for the Carbon Mitigation Initiative, a joint project of Princeton University, BP, and Ford Motor Company. The group has a "game" to explore options in keeping atmospheric carbon dioxide in check. Roberta and the group's work were featured in an NPR Morning Edition radio spot. Listen to the story and follow the links for information on the project (good resource for teachers).[more...]



Why moderate Republicans MUST vote
14 May 2007 Main Line Life article by Henry Briggs. "For now, it's important that Moderate Republicans be heard by the Republican leadership. And your refusal to vote for endorsed special interest candidates, your silence, is even more important." [more...]



Photos of Cinco de Mayo: Celebration of the Candidates
TTDems thank our hosts for a splendid evening. State Senator Andy Dinniman encouraged our local-office candidates, and Congressman Joe Sestak demonstrated why folks in his district are fortunate to have his thoughtful leadership. An inspiring community gathering. See photos here. [more...]



Kathi Cozzone and Bill Scott File Joint Campaign Committee
On May 15th, voters in the Democratic Primary nominated Kathi Cozzone and Bill Scott for County Commissioner. Today, the two candidates registered a joint campaign committee with voter services. [more...]



Philly suburbs' vote trends are bad news for GOP
G. Terry Madonna and Michael Young analyze just how far we have come in taking the wind out of Republican sails in suburban Philadelphia, which had been a GOP stronghold for years. It should also serve as a reminder that these efforts may also be duplicated elsewhere in Pennsylvania! [more...]



Democratic Primary Election Results
15 May, 2007. Our candidates set their eyes on November. [more...]



Sample Ballots Now Available
Follow this link to find the ballot for your polling place. [more...]



May 5th Literature Drop
Primary Day, Tuesday, May 15th is approaching quickly, and we need to remind our Democratic voters to get out and vote! As many of you know, we have several contested races this year where our candidates are cross-filed and it is very important our Democrats know who their Democratic candidates are!

We need your help hanging doorhangers on Democratic doors. There is no door knocking involved. Come out and get your exercise and spread the word about our local candidates.

When: Saturday, May 5th 10:00am to 2:00pm
Where: Behind the Genuardis in Chesterbrook (map here )
How: We will have a booth staffed from 10:00am to 2:00pm to hand out doorhangers and street lists. Come anytime during those hours to help!


Cinco de Mayo: Celebration of the Candidates
The Tredyffrin Township Democratic Committee invites you to the annual Cinco de Mayo: Celebration of the Candidates!
* * * Special guest: Congressman Joe Sestak * * *
Friday, May 4th, 7:00pm - 9:00pm at the home of Mac & Lida Bonner, 1065 Wisteria Drive, Malvern. Eat, Drink and Chat with politically like-minded neighbors!
Meet our candidates!
[more...]



Chesco Democrats looking to maintain momentum
May 1, 2007 Philadelphia Inquirer. "Vastly outnumbered by Republicans, Chester County Democrats have lately won two state legislative seats long held by the GOP. This year, they're hoping to be more than competitive in the race for county commissioner." [more...]



Jennifer Levy-Tatum Meet & Greet
Come enjoy the afternoon and meet Jennifer W. Levy-Tatum, Candidate for Chester County Court of Common Pleas.
April 28th, 2-4PM, at the home of Shirley and Everett Warren:
540 Beaumont Circle, West Chester, PA 19380
[more...]



TREDYFFRIN DEMOCRATS ENDORSE TWO FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER; HOST $ CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL BOARD
Wednesday, April 18th. The Tredyffrin Township Democratic Committee voted Wednesday to endorse two candidates in the race for Chester County Commissioner, selecting Ken Knickerbocker and Ginny McMichael$ vote took place at the group's regular monthly meeting. The local Democratic Committee also hosted three Republican candidates for school board, who spoke about their campaigns and answered questions from the local Democratic leadership. [more...]



Meet the Democratic County Commissioner Candidates
The Tredyffrin Township Democratic Committee invites you to meet our county candidates: Saturday, April 14th, 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Tredyffrin Library, Strafford. We encourage you to evaluate our candidates by reading their responses to a questionnaire and visiting their web sites. [more...]

Kathi Cozzone: questionnaire web page
Ken Knickerbocker: questionnaire web page
Ginny McMichael: questionnaire web page
Bill Scott: questionnaire web page



Great Victory in Voting Case
12 April 2007: A Pennsylvania court held late today that voters have a right under the commonweath's constitution to reliable and secure voting systems and $ challenge the use of electronic voting machines "that provide no way for Electors to know whether their votes will be recognized" through voter verification or independent audit. [more...]



Getting Your Government to Listen
28 March 2007: The Charlestown Citizens Forum hosted Getting Your Government to Listen (Without Big Bucks): How Ordinary Citizens Can Make Their Voices Heard. A crowd of over seventy people gathered to hear speakers Tim Potts and Joe Hoeffel discuss strategies for reaching lawmakers and reveal how to get lawmakers to respond. [more...]



Tredyffrin Democratic Committee Nominates Candidates for 2007 Races
The leadership of the local Democratic Party, including Officers, Committee Chairs and Precinct Committeepeople, met at the Tredyffrin Library to hear from individuals who are running for office in the Township and to approve an official slate of candidates that the Party will work to support in this year's races. [more...]



T/E Study Commission Releases Final Report
Monday, December 4, just a few days after concluding public hearings, the T/E tax study commission released their recommendations to the school board on which property tax reduction mechanism to offer voters in the May 15 ballot question. Click here to read the tax study commission final report. [more...]



Restoring Balance--
Tredyffrin On-Board in Casey/Rendell Landslide

Tredyffrin voters contributed their "fair share" and more to two Pennsylvania Democratic landslide victories—electing Bob Casey, Jr. to the U.S. Senate and re-electing Governor Ed Rendell. Statewide, the Casey lead over Santorum was 59% to 41% of the vote, and Governor Rendell won 60% to 40%. Tredyffrin voters chose Casey by nearly the same margin, and gave an even bigger 8-point boost to the Governor's victory. The victories here in the township always mean more because Democratic candidates have to climb through a significant deficit in voter registration—30% registered Democrats (but growing!) to 53% Republican. Once again, Tredyffrin voters have demonstrated their independent thinking. [more results...]



Tredyffrin Democratic Committe Nominates Candidates for 2007 Races
With a primary election less than 100 days away, the Tredyffrin Township Democratic Committee met to make formal endorsements of candidates for the 2007 races on Saturday. The leadership of the local Democratic Party, including Officers, Committee Chairs and Precinct Committeepeople, met at the Tredyffrin Library to hear from individuals who are running for office in the Township and to approve an official slate of candidates that the Party will work to support in this year's races. [more...]



Be a Local Hero. Citizen Leaders Sought for 2007 Races.
2006 was a great year for Tredyffrin Democrats. Our organization has grown and Democratic Committeepersons are in place throughout our precincts. The people of Tredyffrin are saying through their votes that they want balance, discussion and officials with moderate views. Success is contagious. There has never been a better time to be a Democratic candidate for local office. [more...]



More Act 1 Tax Shifting. T/E Study Commission Releases Final Report.
Monday, December 4, just a few days after concluding public hearings, the T/E tax study commission released their recommendations to the school board on which property tax reduction mechanism to offer voters in the May 15 ballot question. Interestingly, the T/E commission went beyond the bounds of their charter and recommended "that voters within our District vote 'NO' to any change in the current property tax structure." To fulfill their legal obligation of recommending a means of tax-shifting property tax relief to go on the ballot question they selected a 0.6% Personal Income Tax. The school board will have the final determination on stating the ballot question, and voters will have the final call on May 15. Click here to read the tax study commission final report. [more...]



Act 1/Property Tax Reform Legislation
On the ballot at the May 2007 primary election will a mandatory referendum question on shifting a portion of school taxes from the property tax to an income tax. In developing the referendum question, the school board formed a required tax study commission to consider which to select of the legislatively-limited options for that income tax. The Tredyffrin/Easttown commission has completed public hearings. Tredyffrin Precinct E-5 Democratic Committeeperson John Parker attended the November 16 meeting and offered this report. [more...]



Phoenixville News editorial by Michael Quay reminds voters that Rubley, Gerlach, and Santorum can't hide from their links to George Bush. [more...]



Voting Machines: Scannable Paper Ballot Primary Method Nov. 7
Tredyffrin voters will encounter 2 new voting "machines" at the polls November 7. The scannable paper ballot will be the primary method used. TTDems Secretary, Gene Poppel, describes the equipment (with video links). [more...]



Clinton Takes on Fox News
President Bill Clinton taped an interview with Fox News' Chris Wallace, which aired Sunday, September 24. He was told the interview would focus on his nonpartisan efforts to raise over $7 billion to combat the world's biggest problems. Early in the interview, Wallace attempted to smear Clinton with the same kind of misinformation contained in ABC's Path to 9/11. Clinton was having none of it. [more...]



Needed: Voter-Verified Paper Trails In Electronic Voting
Democrats have led in calling for tamper-proof electronic voting, but the issue is non-partisan. This recent column by CNN commentator Lou Dobbs says Americans could lose confidence in the electoral system if the integrity of electronic voting machines cannot be assured. [more...]

Here's a summary from a non-profit advocacy group of the Pennsylvania issues. [more...]

We recommend that Tredyffrin voters use the voter-verified paper ballot (for optical scanning) when voting November 7.



Andy Dinniman Wins PA State Senate Race By Large Margin.
Tredyffrin Voters Respect His Service & Values
Tredyffrin voters helped create more history... [more...]



Democratic Supervisors Take Office in Tredyffrin.—Read Their Report on Local Issues.
... already bringing some fresh air to board deliberations. [more...]