PA Voters For Same-Sex Marriage, Poll Says

According to poll results, more voters support same-sex marriage in 2013.

A majority of state voters said they are in favor of allowing gay and lesbian couples to legally marry, according to one pole. The Frankin and Marshall College poll of Pennsylvania voters for May 2013 showed that 54 percent of voters polled were in favor of allowing legal same-sex marriages. The 54 percent in favor is up from 48 percent in the previous year. The poll, which was conducted between April 30 and May 5, gathered responses from 526 registered voters, including 265 Democrats, 196 Republicans and 65 Independents. The full poll is available for review here. The following information representes the questions asked in the survey and the results given by voters. 1) Would you favor or oppose a constitutional amendment that would allow…

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Anti-Theft Bill Makes it Easier to Become a Felon

A proposed law would lower the value needed for a felony charge in retail theft.

A new bill passed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives could crack down on retail theft, or make it easier for someone to become a felon.  Under House Bill 1000 any incident of retail theft in which the value of the items stolen exceeds $1,000 can result in a third-degree felony charge. Before this bill the cutoff line for a felony charge of retail theft was $2,000. As the law exists now, there are a number of ways one can be charged for retail theft as explained below: The bill passed 195-0 in the House and now moves on to the Senate. Do you support this bill? Let us know what you think in the comments area below. 

•  3 Comments
• Photos (1)

Growers Market Returns Saturday-With a Plea

The people behind the seasonal outdoor market say their West Chester location could be in jeopardy.

The West Chester Growers Market returns for the 2013 season this weekend but they are asking for help from patrons with what organizers see as a potential threat to the market's outdoor location. An announcement on the Market's website says the West Chester Borough Council is considering developing the parking lot at Church and Chestnut Streets where the market is held on Saturday mornings from May through November. In an open letter to the public the market is asking shoppers to contact their elected representatives. As we approach our 19th year of serving the local community, the West Chester Grower's Market faces the possibility of losing our home in the parking lot at Church & Chestnut Streets.  We need your help.  The parking lot is …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (2)

Sex Crimes, Human Trafficking Targets of New Bill

A new bill in the Pennsylvania House aims to crack down on sex crimes.

A new bill approved in the state House of Representatives aims to crack down on human trafficking and sex work. House Bill 663, which was unanimously passed 195-0 in the House, expands what the state considers "commercial sex acts" and raises the crime of buying or selling people for sex work from a third-degree to a possible first-degree felony. Under the new bill, the definition of commercial sex includes being forced to perform "any sexual activity … in which anything of value is given to or received by another person" and includes "prostitution, participation in the production of pornography, performance in strip clubs and sexual activity … regardless of the age of the victim." As the law is currently written, there are no provisions …

• Photos (1)

Chesco Historical Society Expands Web Presence

The group has updated its website.

Dinniman Named 'Humane Senator of the Year'

He was honored for his successful effort to ban animal gas chambers in PA.

West Chester Hosts Wednesday Forum on New 'Quiet Zones'

The chief of police and university reps will be on hand to take questions about the new noise ordinance.

Have questions about the new “Quiet Zones” that have been created around West Chester University’s campus? On Wednesday, you can get answers. From 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the university’s Sykes Student Union Theatre, West Chester Borough Police Chief Scott Bohn and a team of WCU representatives will discuss the new ordinance, and take questions from residents. The “Quiet zones” have been established in several neighborhoods near the college between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Violators are subject to a $250 fine. The forum is sponsored by the Off-Campus and Commuter Association and all borough residents are encouraged to attend.

• Documents (1)

Monday's the Last Day to Register to Vote

It's not too late to register to vote in the primary election.

The last day to register to vote in the May 21 primary election is Monday, April 22. Individuals applying to register to vote must be:  Get more information from Chester County's Voter Services by clicking here. Click here to download your voter registration form.

• Photos (1)