Why are Republican Council Candidates Supporting The Republican Machine’s Corrupt DELCORA Deal?

Media, PA – Today, the three candidates for County Council blasted their Republican opponents for supporting the Delco Republican Machine’s corrupt DELCORA-Aqua deal.

“Without first proving that a sale was necessary or even in the best interest of rate-payers, the Republican DELCORA Board voted to sell a valuable public asset to a campaign donor, selling out Delco residents just to protect the jobs of a few Republican insiders. Unsurprisingly, their hand-picked candidates for County Council immediately voiced their support for the deal, said Democrat Christine Reuther, candidate for County Council.

In two separate public meetings, DELCORA failed to answer questions on timing or projected rate increases. There has been no independent review, no analysis of alternatives, and no process of opening up bidding to Aqua’s competitors. Instead, Delco’s residents are asked to put blind faith in this sale that was engineered by DELCORA’s executive director, Bob Willert, who also happens to be a local Republican Party boss, a stalwart in the GOP county fundraising machine, and a close ally of the GOP-controlled County machine that has long controlled the DELCORA Board. Aqua, the new owner, has given tens of

thousands of dollars in corporate PAC money to the Delco GOP’s candidates, and its executives have given thousands more.

“Our opponents have been selling themselves as “New Republicans” who are committed to

transparency and accountability. But we now see that is far from the truth. They are part of the same corrupt Republican machine that has for decades forced Delco residents to pay higher taxes for fewer services,” said Democrat Elaine Paul Schaefer, candidate for County Council.

The GOP candidates’ support for this deal shows a shocking lack of understanding of this issue. After the $275 million fund to offset costs runs out, rate-payers will undoubtedly be on the hook for whatever costs exceed that amount.

“Residents should take this deal as a warning: What you see, is what you get. Corruption, and the resulting higher taxes, will continue in Delaware County if Republicans maintain control of County Council. If residents want to end this kind of corruption, they have to vote for change this November,” said Democrat Monica Taylor, candidate for County Council.

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In Historic First, FOP Endorses Delco Democrats For County Council

Media, PA – In a historic first, the Delaware County FOP Lodge #27 endorsed Democrats Christine Reuther, Elaine Paul Schaefer, and Monica Taylor for County Council.

“Christine, Elaine, and Monica have stated their support for the law enforcement community, police officers, and their families. We fully support and endorse their candidacies,” said Joseph A. Fitzgerald, President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Delaware County Lodge #27.

The Fraternal Order of Police, Delaware County Lodge #27, represents 1,100 active and retired members and their families.

“It’s an honor to receive the FOP’s endorsement for our campaign. We are thrilled to have the support of the men and women who put their lives at risk to keep our communities safe,” said Democrat Christine Reuther, candidate for County Council.

“We are really proud of this endorsement. I believe the FOP’s support of our campaign is a strong testament to our commitment to our police and public safety,” said Democrat Elaine Paul Schaefer, candidate for County Council.

“This is a historic endorsement. We are excited to have the FOP’s support, and we look forward to collaborating with them on matters of public safety throughout this campaign and when we govern,” said Democrat Monica Taylor, candidate for County Council.

If we want to support first responders, we need to give them the tools to do their job

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Contact:

Trevor Maloney – email: trevor@delcovictory.com | cell: (561) 803-5553

Delco Democrats Blast Republican Public Safety Record, Call For New 911 Emergency System

Media, PA - Today, the three Democratic candidates for Delaware County Council blasted Republicans for neglecting public safety and called for County Council to swiftly approve funds for a new system to better protect first responders and keep Delco families safe.

“Government has no greater responsibility than ensuring the safety and security of its people. But under decades of Republican leadership, the safety of our first responders and residents has been woefully neglected, said Democrat Christine Reuther, candidate for County Council.

“It’s reprehensible that our 911 emergency radio system hasn’t been updated in 30 years, particularly after the harrowing experience in 2016 of a Folcroft police officer, who after being shot seven times, was unable to alert first responders due to a failure in the system, Ms. Reuther continued.

In June of 2016, after Folcroft police officer sent out a desperate call for help through the 911 emergency radio system after he was shot seven times. Due to a glitch in the outdated radio system, his pleas for help went unheard and unanswered. Fortunately, other nearby police officers heard their wounded colleague’s calls and were able to rescue him.

Delaware County’s current radio system is thirty years old, and is significantly outdated as improvements in technology rapidly increase. Democrats as well as leadership from the Fraternal Order of Police stressed the need for a new 911 emergency radio system to protect the lives of first responders and the public.

“Our current radio system is outdated and vulnerable to hacks. Municipal police chiefs as well as FOP leadership have been pleading with County Council to invest in a new 911 emergency radio system. While Republicans don’t seem to be listening, Democrats certainly are. Nothing is more important than public safety,” said Democrat Elaine Paul Schaefer, a candidate for County Council.

“We need a new emergency radio system sooner rather than later. It just seems like we’re dragging our feet on this. Every day we’re without a new radio system is a day that police officers and other first responders are unnecessarily put at risk. Yes, this upgrade requires a significant investment. But you can’t put a price on our safety. We strongly support the Democrats’ push to get this done,” said Christopher D. Eiserman, Second Vice President, Delaware County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 27.

After decades of neglecting this issue, the Republican-controlled County Council finally tasked Tim Boyce, Director of Delaware County Emergency Services, with finding a consultant to help construct a plan for a new radio system.

“Republicans have done such a poor job of planning for Delco’s future, particularly when it comes to this issue and public safety in general. Once Director Boyce finds a consultant to recommend a plan, County Council should swiftly approve the hire and prepare to fully fund a new system,” said Democrat Monica Taylor, a candidate for County Council.

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