Q&A: Candidates for County Council

Candidates debated last month at Villanova University – Democrats on the left and Republicans on the right. Photo by Aanchalika Chauhan.

What changes to the Delaware County budget would you prioritize if elected, and how would those changes affect taxes Delco residents pay?

Elaine Schaefer (D): We overspend by failing to bid out a great deal of our big contracts, which causes the County to lose out on the cost-saving benefits of competitive bidding. We will realign our budget so that these dollars go toward the many services that our residents need and deserve, but do not receive now—such as a public health department, a robust economic development program, a meaningful open space and trails program, critical investment in our first responders and a well-managed prison system that is not run for a profit.

Christine Reuther (D): 1. Understand the staffing requirements of the county offices. The driver of so called surpluses in recent years has been the number of open positions. 10% of the positions were unfilled as of January 2019. If jobs that are unfilled can be eliminated can be restructured, we may be able to realize a permanent savings. 2. Fully fund the Controller’s office including a robust internal auditing program. At the federal level, studies have shown that internal auditors return $8 for each $1 of savings. 3. Improve our financial reporting systems and generate an ability to track and report on revenues and expenses in real time. Currently, the Council does not receive monthly income and expense statements or reports of expenditures against budget.

Kelly Colvin (R): Under Republican leadership, county taxes have not been raised in five years. Jim, Mike and I have taken a no tax pledge to continue that practice. We plan to institute zero-based budgeting so every county office is required to account for every dollar and we plan to bring the county commerce, planning and workforce development departments under one roof to bolster the county’s efforts around economic development. Supporting our municipalities this way will generate increased revenues for schools and towns, thereby easing the property tax burden on our residents and businesses.

What would be the financial impact of deprivatizing the George Hill correctional facility, and would deprivatization be feasible, in your opinion?

Monica Taylor (D): I believe that not only is deprivatization of the prison feasible, but it is our moral obligation. Corporations should not profit off of the incarceration of individuals, let alone off of our taxpayer dollars. We can absolutely deprivatize the prison without any negative financial impacts or increases in spending.

Christine Reuther (D): I believe that there would be a cost incurred to return the prison to public management. Supposedly the Phoenix study was supposed to provide a road map but, as is so often the case, the “study” was a way of deflecting criticism until after the contract with GEO renewed and there was little useful information. Experience of other counties shows us that without paying a profit to shareholders, much larger prisons can be managed for $3-5 million less than what we spend on the prison.

Jim Raith (R): The Phoenix Report reported that there would be a one-time cost of $1 – 2 million, and at least $1 million per year if the all the services at the prison were not contracted out. This report does not include the other additional liability costs that could be passed onto the taxpayer.

Mike Morgan (R): The financial impact of terminating the vendor contract with GEO Group for security services at George W. Hill Correctional Facility would be significant. The Phoenix Report estimates $1.5 million one-time charge and $1 million per year. While feasible, further due diligence is required for cost, benefit, and risk. We toured GWHCF. I have attended every monthly Prison Board of Inspectors meeting, the Phoenix Report and Coalition for Prison Reform meetings. I support the formation of the new Jail Oversight Board for transparency and accountability, vendor and contract management.

What is your position on the Delcora/Aqua deal: is the right time to sell, and if so is the offer by Aqua the best that can be obtained?

Elaine Schaefer (D): It is abundantly clear that the process of entering into the agreement was wholly corrupt – done behind closed doors, with very little meaningful public input, in a rushed and expedited process and without any attempt to seek other bidders. In fact, a very logical competing bidder publicly came forth and requested the opportunity to put in a bid but the board of Delcora refused to consider it. In the end, the driving factor of any sale should be the long-term best interests of our rate payers. If indeed the Aqua deal is actually the best deal for our ratepayers, that fact would have come out in a public process of exhaustive evaluation and competitive bidding. Instead, we are left guessing after a rushed agreement was put in place without appropriate vetting.

Christine Reuther (D): I am open to being convinced otherwise, but as of right now I do not believe Delcora should be sold to Aqua. The deal is the textbook example of a backroom deal with no opportunity for meaningful public input and no documentation of a justification, besides talking points from the self-interested Delcora management team who will get long term deals once the sale closes. I have not seen any data that shows us how the sale is in the long term benefit of the ratepayers. There may--and I emphasize “may”- be a short term benefit, but it pales in comparison to the rate increases the system will experience six years out.  

Jim Raith (R): This was a good deal for Delaware County ratepayers. The looming infrastructure costs would have been passed down on the ratepayers. Fortunately, the sales of this sale go into an account that will protect ratepayers from billing increases for the next ten years.

Kelly Colvin (R): In addition to assuming the wastewater from Philadelphia, Delcora was mandated by the federal government to address $1.2 billion in infrastructure needs. This would have resulted in a $7,000/year increase for each household. The arrangement was not about getting the most money for the county coffers - the higher the price tag, the higher the cost to the ratepayer. Rather, the county decided to accept an offer that would put proceeds into an escrow account thereby freezing the rates and protecting the ratepayer. It was a good deal for Delaware County residents.

How has the governance of the county changed during the two years since Democrats were elected to Council for the first time since the 1970s? Would you support some form of guaranteed minority party representation on Council?

Monica Taylor (D): Since the first two Democrats were elected to County Council in 2017, the transparency of the Council has improved drastically. However, there is only so much the two Democrats can accomplish in the minority. The Republican majority on the Council still has full control, and I absolutely believe that all our communities would be better off under Democratic control of County Council. However, I certainly worry about single-party control, and would absolutely be open to reforms that guarantee minority party representation on County Council.

Elaine Schaefer (D): Our county is governed under a Home Rule Charter, and any change to the minority party requirement would entail an amendment to that charter. This would involve a community discussion and debate of the merits of forced minority representation, and I am very willing and interested in having that debate. Ultimately it would be up to the voters whether to make this change, as amendment to the Charter comes only after a referendum vote.

Jim Raith (R): Yes, I believe that diversity of thought is important in government.

Mike Morgan (R): Delaware County Council has become too political. People do not want to become Philadelphia (policies) or Washington, D.C. (dysfunction and incivility). I will put people and public service over politics. The people should decide who are the best candidates to vote for.

What is the single most important personal attribute that you will bring to County Council?

Monica Taylor (D): I will work tirelessly to improve conditions and access to services for all members of our communities in Delaware County. Throughout my career, I have fought for the communities I live in and represent. I come from a family founded on hard work, perseverance, and service to others. While Delaware County’s hardworking families are struggling to get ahead, career politicians in Media appear to have lost interest in their constituents’ lives, in creating real jobs, in providing healthcare, and in educating our children. I am deeply committed to working tirelessly to undo the damage our county government has done to our communities and to increase opportunities for all.

Elaine Schaefer (D): Experience; calm, measured and respectful demeanor; diligence.

Christine Reuther (D): Commitment to this County and its residents. I was born and raised here. I believe in the potential of this County as it exists today and am committed to seeing the County with its diverse communities reach that full potential.

Jim Raith (R): As a union member who owns a business and employs only union employees, I understand the importance of a paycheck and providing high quality and good paying jobs. I have sixteen years of experience on the Thornbury Township Board of Supervisors and have never raised taxes. I plan on using both my business and municipal government experience to keep Delaware County a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Mike Morgan (R): I believe in giving back, paying it forward, and making community impact. My passions are leadership, community, and service. I love Delaware County. It is a great place to live, work, and play; raise a family and retire. I seek to make it stronger to serve the 565,000 individuals, couples, families; business, government, education, and non-profit sectors; and all 49 municipalities in one Delco.

Kelly Colvin (R): My community work centers around helping and advocating for the special needs population. I have a child with special needs and understand the difficulties faced by families with loved ones who need extra support. Most people do not know that half of the county’s budget is dedicated to health services. I believe it is important to have someone on county council that interacts with our more vulnerable populations, finds efficiencies and places a greater emphasis on communicating with these families.