Make sure your voice is heard — even in an ‘off-year’ election
When it comes to elections, there is no such thing as an “off-year.”
Yes, we are well aware that for months now there has been plenty of talk in the news about upcoming elections. Unfortunately, the races that are being discussed won’t take place for another year.
Now is the time to stop focusing on 2020 for a moment and instead devote some thought to the ballot voters here in Delaware County will see at the polls Tuesday.
There is a lot at stake, at both the county and local level.
We fully understand that there’s tremendous interest in the races for the White House and control of Congress. While it’s great to see so much passion regarding what’s going on in Washington, we must once again remind readers of the importance of local government. The government activities that affect people most take place right here.
You know, the people who set your taxes, make sure your trash gets picked up, and your street gets plowed in the summer. And those school board members? Those are the folks who set that dreaded property tax on your home.
On Tuesday voters in Delaware County will be casting ballots that could tip the balance in country government. There are three seats on Delaware County Council up for grabs. That is because Council Chairman John McBlain and Council Vice-Chairman Colleen Morrone, both Republicans, have served two terms and cannot seek a third. Republican Councilman Michael Culp has opted not to seek re-election.
Democrats Michael Madden and Brian Zidek swept both seats on the ballot two years ago. Should Democrats win one of the three seats on Tuesday’s ballot, they would seize control of county government for the first time since the Civil War.
Republicans Jim Raith, Kellin Colvin and Mike Morgan are being opposed by Democrats Monica Taylor, Elaine Schaefer and Christine Reuther in a race that has been heated and downright nasty - at times.
Voters also will decide who they want to the be county’s top law enforcement officer. Incumbent Republican District Attorney Katayoun Copeland, who was appointed to the post after former D.A. Jack Whelan won a set on the county bench in 2018, is being challenged by Democrat Jack Stollsteimer.
And the shape of the folks who rule on the laws also will change with four seats on the county Court of Common Pleas being contested.
Township supervisors, borough council members, school directors and other local officials also will be on the ballot. Their decisions affect each area resident’s quality of life and their pocketbooks.
There’s a question on the ballot concerning Marsy’s Law, a state constitutional amendment meant to ensure crime victims’ rights. A legal dispute has called the matter into question, but amid the uncertainty it would be best for voters to cast their ballot just in case the referendum results are allowed to stand.
We recognize that there will be plenty of unfamiliar names on the ballot, and we encourage readers to visit Delcotimes. com/election to learn more about their local candidates.
When it comes to the statewide judicial candidates on the ballot, we offer the ratings of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Commission for voters’ information. The committee is led by chairwoman Heidi B. Masano, a Berks County attorney.
The ratings are based on the candidates’ qualifications along with interviews with them and with individuals who have had professional or personal dealings with them.
Voters are to fill two seats on the state Superior Court and decide whether to retain two Commonwealth Court and two Superior Court judges.
For the vacant Superior Court seats, Daniel D. McCaffery is highly recommended, Megan McCarthy King and Christylee L. Peck are recommended, and Amanda GreenHawkins is not recommended.
The bar association recommends voting in favor of all four judges up for retention this year: Superior Court Judges Anne E. Lazarus and Judy Olson and Commonwealth Court Judges Kevin Brobson and Patricia A. McCullough.
We recognize that the races on Tuesday’s ballot just don’t create the same level of excitement and passion that elections in presidential and other evennumbered years do. Less than a quarter of those of eligible turned out for the May primaries that decided the nominees. History tells us it’s likely only about one in four registered voters will show up to the polls Tuesday. We can do better.
Make your voice heard on important local issues and take advantage of the opportunity to become accustomed to the new Berks voting machines in a year when the polls are unlikely to be crowded.
Every vote counts, and every election counts, even in socalled off years.
On Tuesday voters in Delaware County will be casting ballots that could tip the balance in country government. There are three seats on Delaware County Council up for grabs. That is because Council Chairman John McBlain and Council Vice-Chairman Colleen Morrone, both Republicans, have served two terms and cannot seek a third. Republican Councilman Michael Culp has opted not to seek re-election.