Progress on effort to save Chester Water Authority

Rep. Leanne Krueger November 26, 2024 | 1:59 PM

PA Representative Leanne Krueger banner image

Dear Neighbor,

For two years, we have been waiting for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to hear the case that would decide who has the legal authority to sell the Chester Water Authority – the City of Chester (and the Receiver, on the City’s behalf), or the Board of the Chester Water Authority. While the case was originally scheduled for a hearing in November 2022, the Receiver’s bankruptcy filing on November 11, 2022 put a hold on any other litigation on this issue and the PA Supreme Court hearing was cancelled.

Last week, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Ashely M. Chan, the judge who is handling the City of Chester’s bankruptcy case, issued an order allowing CWA's case to proceed to the PA Supreme Court by permitting the State Court Appeal to “proceed through and including an opinion or other nonprocedural order by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.” The request for the PA Supreme Court case to proceed has been supported both by CWA and the Receiver, as well as other interested parties.

I see this federal order as a positive development. Within two hours of this order being issued, CWA submitted a request to reschedule oral arguments with the PA Supreme Court (you can read their filing here: 2024-11-20-Application-to-Reschedule-Oral-Argument.pdf).

I hope the PA Supreme Court schedules oral arguments soon so we have a clear legal decision on who can sell CWA. I will continue to keep you updated through my weekly e-newsletters.

Home Heating/Weatherization Help

As the cold weather sets in I wanted to remind you about state and local programs available to help you or someone you know stay warm this winter.

Pennsylvania’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible Pennsylvanians pay their home heating bills during the winter months. Cash and Crisis grant assistance is available for both renters and homeowners. The program runs through April 4.

Delaware County’s Home Weatherization Program provides income-eligible residents several services to keep homes warm, including home energy audits, primary heating system inspection and service, attic insulation, home air leakage testing, weather stripping and caulking, primary window repair or replacement (as needed).

I encourage you to check out these programs if you need help or give the information to someone you know. Please call my office at 610-534-6880 or email RepKrueger@pahouse.net if you have questions or need help with the application.

IN THE DISTRICT

Brookhaven Holiday Parade

My team and I had a great time marching in the Brookhaven Borough Holiday Parade on Saturday with Mayor Denise Leslie, Senator John Kane, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and Brookhaven Councilman Dan Burke. It is always great to see Santa escorted by Brookhaven Fire Co. Station 52, because for our office, this event marks the official start of the holiday season!

Celebrating 90th Birthday Milestones

Last Wednesday I had a delightful time visiting two women who celebrated their 90th birthdays this year and who were unable to attend the birthday celebration at our Senior Expo earlier this fall. Marilyn Previti and Caroline Dowling both live in Ridley Township. Please join me in wishing them all the best in their 91st year!

If you have a family member who will be celebrating a milestone birthday, I’m always happy to sponsor a special birthday citation. Call or email my office to make the request.

PennDOT Virtual Meeting Update

Thank you to all our neighbors who joined the virtual public meeting last week to learn about the transportation improvement projects planned for Interstate 95 between the Delaware state line and Interstate 476 in Delaware County. If you were unable to attend, you can learn more here: www.95Delco.com

UPCOMING MOBILE OFFICE HOURS

We’ll be at Kinder Park Towers on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Please stop in if you need help with any state-related program or service.

DONATION DRIVES IN MY OFFICE

Toys for Tots Drive Now Through Dec. 13

In the spirit of giving and spreading holiday cheer, I invite you to join my office helping Toys for Tots provide children in need with a new toy this holiday season. Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at my office, located at 115 Brookhaven Road, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. now through Dec. 13.

Diaper Drive Now Through Dec. 13

One in two U.S. families struggles to provide enough diapers to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry and healthy. Unfortunately, three in five parents miss work or school because they cannot afford the diapers required to leave their children in care while they work.

Now through Friday, Dec. 13, my office is collecting donations of new and unused packages of diapers, wipes and baby formula to support local organizations. Please help if you are able.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

ArT Showcase at the DCIU Education Center

You’re invited to visit the ArT Showcase from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 at the DCIU Morton Education Center, located at 200 Yale Ave., Morton. The showcase will feature artwork created by students with special needs. The ArT Showcase was designed by DCIU staff members whose role is to help students who use assistive technology as an alternative means for learning, communicating, and activities of daily living. Learn more here.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I hope you have a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. As a reminder, my office will close at noon on Wednesday will be closed on Thursday and Friday for the holiday.