Category: Letter to the Editor

GOP Is Delco’s Doormat

Dear Editor

Where is the robust opposition to the Democrats currently occupying Delaware County Council?

Property taxes raised over 20 percent for the second time in as many years is unacceptable. Confiscatory tax hikes funding absolute nonsense adds insult to injury. The health department harassing restaurants, DEI cheating the qualified to fill quotas, the junk science of so called climate change plus the exponential increase in legal fees is robbing Delaware County taxpayers of our hard earned money while the GOP quite literally does nothing.

The Republican Party in Pennsylvania, particularly in Delaware County is corrupt, complicit and cowardly. Every single one of you in a position of power should be ashamed of what you are allowing to happen to your family, friends, neighbors and fellow citizens.

Biden as president, Shapyro as governor, a slob like Fetterman in the US Senate, Scanlon still in DC, progressives like Kane and Kruger still in Harrisburg and a duly elected GOP committee member in Aston Township publicly supporting Kamala Harris all happened on Mr Agovino’s watch. This is indicative of total failure and an absolute need for change.

The saying, “lead, follow or get out of the way” clearly applies. Mr Agovino’s failure to lead the Delco GOP to victory across several election cycles and refusal to follow MAGA begets the following conclusion – it’s time to get out of the way.

I am demanding the immediate resignation of Mr Agovino as head of the Delaware County Republican Party to be replaced by a true conservative, America First, Delco First leader who will lead us to victory in next year’s municipal election. This starts with finding exceptional candidates, for an open and robust Primary, to take back the two County Council seats on next year’s ballot.

No more inaction and excuses.

Joseph B. Dychala

Aston Township, Pennsylvania

GOP Fails Constituents

To the Editor

The following comments are directed at the Delaware County Republican Party press release dated April 24, 2024.

On social media in February 2024 (see photo) the comment “all endorsed delegate candidates have agreed to support the Presidential candidate that emerges victorious in our county, PA’s 5th Congressional District, in the State Primary on April 23rd.” was posted.

Congressional District Delegates are unbound and have no obligation to support any candidate at the Convention. To state there were “many attempts to mislead voters” is inaccurate. These are facts.

Mr Agovino is quoted “To be crystal clear the Delco GOP is committed to defeating Joe Biden in November and supporting Donald Trump through the next six and beyond.” I find this statement to be disingenuous.

The penultimate paragraph of the press release reads in part “underpinned by the robust leadership the Republican Party is renowned for” is laughable.

I have zero representation due to this so called robust leadership. The 161st State House, the 9th Senatorial district, the 5th Congressional District, our check and balance to Robert Casey in the US Senate, the entire County Council, the Governor’s Office and the Presidency were lost as a result of the LACK of leadership in the state and county GOP. The Delaware County Republican Party is not robust it is frail.

The entire point of the Primary election is to allow voters, not leadership, to determine who best represents us. We demand choices not rubber stamps. As a result voter turnout is abysmal because voters don’t see a point to checking a box for an endorsed candidate running unopposed. Quite frankly this is despicable and borders on communism.

Finally, Nimarata “Nikki” Haley was able to capture nearly 1 in 4 Primary voters, a candidate who suspended her campaign months ago, is a testament to the poor leadership, disorganization and lack of unity that plagues our party, our county and ultimately our nation. Party leadership can, and must, do better. Or resign.

Joseph B Dychala

Aston Township.

Plight Of Aston Township — An occasional email to the voters of Aston Township, particularly the 7th Ward.

Greetings,

My name is Joe Dychala and I ran a Write In campaign for the 7th Ward GOP
Commissioner nomination. Myself a political unknown, going up against Mike Higgens a four term candidate who had the full support of the machine, managed to earn 1 in 3 votes this Primary.

Regardless if you voted for myself or incumbent Mike Higgens I would like
to sincerely thank you. It is only with citizen participation that our form
of government functions properly. Being an informed voter is critical for
self governance and is the minimimun every American citizen must engage in.

With almost 800 registered Republicans in the 7th Ward, a turn out of less
than 300 voters in the May Primary should concern us all. Municipal
elections are those closest to the People and impact our daily lives
directly.

The latest example is the Board of Commissioners raised our taxes, again,
and discontinued more basic services, again. Property taxes went up and
second summer trash pick up was discontinued. The Board’s solution is a
dumpster. You get to be your own trash service. But make certain you don’t
put the “wrong” trash in the dumpster. Also be aware the dumpster is
monitored by cameras to ensure your compliance.

So we have money for a dumpster and recurring pick ups, cameras, new street
lamps, new street signs, traffic studies for “round-a-bouts to nowhere”,
islands with perennial gardens in the middle of Pennell Road that filled
with trash and weeds but not for basic services we have come to depend on
and deserve.

We have been told much of this was funded by grants. Don’t be fooled,
monetary grants (the shiny object commissioners can’t or won’t refuse) are
generally a one time infusion of cash. In addition, grants are generally
matched by the receiving municipality. There are no free lunches.

Furthermore if it’s a state grant our income taxes paid for it, if it’s a
county grant our property taxes paid for it. When I mentioned this to Mike
Higgens he responded. “I never though of it that way.” Newsflash – thats
your JOB as commissioner, to protect our tax dollars and resources. Period.

This is after the loss of the leaf truck a few years back that had the
unintended consequence of folks just cutting their trees down. No trees, no
leaves to clean up. In Penn’s Woods.

This is after the Board refused to address a failing HVAC system and
leaking roof on the township building thus creating a situation where tens
of thousands of dollars in potential repairs led to hundreds of thousands
in actual damage that will now burden the taxpayers for a multimillion dollar

facility. This alone should enrage your fiscal sensibilities. This is not
what we elect Republicans to do.

This is after the destruction of old growth forest at the site of the
former Mercury Gun Club that failed to generate the promised tax revenue
but did cause excessive noise pollution that myself and many other
residents are on public record chastising the board and warning this would
happen.

Our township is drowning in debt and currently holds multiple municipal
bonds yet the Board continues a cycle of borrow, spend, tax, repeat.

Not to mention the businesses that are leaving Aston. Broadway Plaza is
beginning to look like a ghost town. New businesses aren’t arriving.

Take note of our once beautiful American flag next time you walk or drive
past Valley View and see that it is in tatters. The American flag and
POW/MIA flag that fly above our Post Office is also in tatters. It is
disgraceful. But not a surprise.

We are a nation in decline (I believe we can, must and will reverse this
trend) and Aston will not be immune or exempt. We desperately need, seek
and demand new leadership. My goal for Aston is forward looking. We should
not be forced to manage the decline that Media, Harrisburg and DC are
pushing on us. We need to be a model not only for Delco but a model for
Pennsylvania on how to successfully manage a township to not only survive
but thrive in these economically challenging times.

Don’t sit out this election in November. Stand up for your community, your
county, your commonwealth and most importantly for our shared values that
truly make America the most unique (and successful) political experiment in
human history.

We might be down but we’re not out. This is far from over.

Yours in Liberty,
Joe D

Aston Accused Of Neglect — Letter

Aston Township Board:

I am writing to comment on the Delco Times article from March 17, 2023 by Pete Bannon.

For over two years myself and other township residents have insisted the Drop Box located at the abandoned township building be removed. The camera for the drop box was installed in such a manner the solar panels were partially or completely (depending on time of year)obscured from the sun thus calling into question their functionality.I can almost hear the condescending tone of Mr Higgens, “you’re a bright guy…” as reported in the article. This is no way to speak to constituents.

Mr Maddren, current township solicitor, pointed out safety concerns at the vacant property. This property is not vacant. This property was literally destroyed by the current board of commissioners who neglected to make necessary roof repairs. This property was neglected and abandoned, not vacated. Now the commissioners demand a multi-million dollar facility to replace what could have amounted to tens of thousands in repairs had they did their job properly.

The noise complaints from the business park at Springbrooke Boulevard is another boondoggle that could have been avoided. Myself and several other township residents are on public record at a meeting detailing this is exactly what would occur if the property were to be developed in such a way. This board of commissioners has been quite adept at destroying. Destroying a township building. Destroying a large swath of old growth trees on the site of the former Mercury Gun Club.Destroying our air quality and quality of life in general for the 4th Ward residents. Destroying confidence in our elected officials.

The irony of Mr Higgen’s abandoned property in the 7th Ward that has an unregistered vehicle in the driveway, an out building that is missing a large portion of roof, an unmaintained above ground pool and failing roof on the house is not lost on me. If I let my property deteriorate in such a manner I would have been paid a visit by Code Enforcement but this does not appear to apply to Mr Higgens.

To add insult to injury Mr Higgens has not resided in the 7th Ward for over two years and has lived in the 4th Ward during this time. Mr Higgens was elected to represent the residents in the 7th Ward and has repeatedly stated he will return home but has not. Leaving a wake of destruction in the 7th Ward (the township building) and now the 4th Ward (Trammell Crow property noise pollution) seems to be par for the course under this failed leadership.

Since both these issues were brought to the commissioners multiplet imes I had to question what changed. Why now all the supposed concern. Then I realized four of the township commissioners are on the ballot this year and the need to placate the residents after raising our taxes. Again. Talk is cheap. Your actions speak volumes.

This is what happens under one party rule. Chaos and destruction with zero accountability. The Board of Commissioners and the Aston GOP are essentially one in the same. I am concerned the township by allowingMr Higgens to run for office in the 7th Ward, where he no longer lives, may be opening us up to legal problems. The board knows he does not live in the 7th Ward as does the local GOP but chooses to not address this matter. In fact it’s my understanding the GOP endorsed his candidacy.

Mr Higgens as Vice President of the board has been little more than atax and spend failure. Now he wants to run for office again,unopposed, even though he clearly does not live in the 7th Ward.Perhaps Mr Higgens needs to retire gracefully and get his own literalhouse in order. It is too late for the township building roof butperhaps he can fix his own.

Joseph B Dychala(Actual)

7th Ward Resident

Aston Accused Of Neglect — Letter

When Aston Turns Purple

Dear Editor

Nasty Nancy, Lapdog Les, NO Energy Mike and the rest of the RINO crew:

The Democrats on Delco County Council are doing a better job holding the line on taxes than you RINOs. You should all be ashamed of your mismanagement, not to mention the DESTRUCTION of our township building that was entrusted to you. 

The way power is consolidated, by rigging the township and local GOP rules, that allow some of you to be both commishinor and committee members is disgusting. That’s not American values, that’s what Communists do. 

I’m old enough to remember when Aston Township had a budget surplus. Now we are drowning in debt.

Here is your belated Valentine brought to you by the First Amemdment courtesy of the Bill of Rights.

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue.

When Aston turns Purple, it’s because of RINOs like you.

Disgusted,

Joseph B Dychala

Concern Raised About Higgens Candidacy In Aston

To whom it may concern:

It has come to my attention Aston GOP will nominate a potentially ineligible candidate to run in the municipal election.

Aston Township is a First Class Township administered under the ward system. As I understand it this means someone running for office in a specific ward must reside in that ward.

I believe Michael J Higgens is ineligible, under existing law, to run for 7th Ward commishinor. Mr Higgens has not resided at his property in the 7th Ward for approximately two years. He lives in the 4th Ward.

According to Article IV Wards Section 401 of “First Class Township Code” the township board of commishinors had several options to address this matter including but not limited to consolidating wards, creating new wards or altering the boundaries of existing wards. Doing away with the ward system entirely would have allowed for a return to At Large commishinors.

The Aston GOP committee considering nominating Mr Higgens consists in part of Mr Higgens, Mr Berry and Mrs Bowden. All three currently serve as commishinors. As such each should be uniquely in tune with requirements of eligibility to run for office.

To summarize:

Aston Township Board of Commishinors had ample time to restructure the administration of the township ward system and chose not to.

Aston GOP had ample time to recruit, vet and select a candidate to run for the open 7th Ward commishinor seat and chose not to.

Mr Higgens had options to accommodate his living arrangements and decided moving to 4th Ward was best for him. He could have returned to 7th Ward but chose not to.

In conclusion, the Ward system as it exists in Aston Township does not allow for At Large commishinors and the 4th Ward where Mr Higgens lives does not have an open seat this election cycle. He should not be on the ballot for 7th Ward if he does not meet the requirements for residency and eligibility.

I will be following the nomination process and petition signing for ballot access very closely.

Sincerely,

Joseph B Dychala

Book Ban Lie Backed By Conservative Cumberland County

We are sorry to see that Cumberland County Commissioners Gary Eichelberger (Republican), Chair Jean Foschi (Democrat) and Vince DiFilippo (Republican) have posted a press release on the county web site from the Cumberland County Library System promoting the “banned book” narrative:

https://www.cumberlandcountypa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/42029/91622–Banned-Books-Week-2022-Books-Unite-Us-Censorship-Divides-Us–

Where was the American Library Association when they banned Dr. Seuss, Huckleberry Finn, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, To Kill a Mockingbird, and other American classics? The answer is “nowhere to be found,” because that did not fit into the Woke Narrative. As American classics continue to be purged from our libraries, as they are deliberating in the Camp Hill School District, the Hard Left is pushing pervasively vulgar and educationally unsuitable books to minors in the name of “free speech.” 

Public school libraries have an obligation and moral responsibility to have high quality, age-appropriate literature that will enrich students’ lives and academic experience, not put their mental and developmental well-being at risk. The trend of pushing unsuitable books on our children is particularly troubling when purchased with funds taken from tax-paying citizens that they would never want their children to read if they were aware of their contents. 

The hyper-sexualization of our young children is a disturbing and evil trend in our schools, from drag queen story hours marketed to toddlers, to directing students to highly sexualized pornographic content on school search engines, to the social media obsession with talking about sex and “gender-fluidity,” our children are being destabilized by being bombarded with deviant concepts and told they have to accept them as “normal.” 

Parents across America who have been attending school board meetings to advise their school directors of the contents of these books and ask for their removal. School directors who do nothing are negligent and should be removed from office when they are up for election in 2023. 

Take Back Our Schools PAC is dedicated to helping parents in Cumberland County fight for a return to appropriate, high quality education, which includes the recommendation of good literature. 

For more information or to get involved, email TakeBackOurSchoolsPAC@gmail.com

Lois Kaneshiki

Take Back Our Schools PAC

Book Ban Lie Backed By Conservative Cumberland County

Aston Drop Box Concerns: Letter to Editor

Mr Stigale, Mr Higgens, Aston Board of Commishinors:

It has come to my attention there is an unattended drop box at the abandoned township building located on Pennell Road.

In addition to the building being vacated there appears to be a solar powered camera. Is this camera operational? Does this camera function at night and is there a reliable power source that will ensure this camera is functional at all times? How is data obtained from this device, are there any radio transmitters of any kind or any removeable storage?

A vacant building and questionable security is clearly justification enough to remove the drop box. At least two other neighboring municipalities have removed their drop boxes and there is a lawsuit in a neighboring county over similar concerns that may have statewide implications.

In light of this information I request you, the duly elected representatives of the People of Aston Township, to vote immediately and unanimously to remove this drop box as soon as possible before the next election and not to replace it at this or any other location within the township, now or in the future.

Sincerely,

Joseph B Dychala

Aston, PA