The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— May 19, 2023 (69th edition) ——

Delaware County Elections Holds Successful Primary and Special Elections

Bureau of Elections anticipates ballot total to approach 100,000

On Tuesday, May 16, Delaware County held a successful 2023 primary election with nearly 100,000 Delaware County-registered voters participating across all 49 municipalities.

Voters across the county cast ballots for Republican and Democratic candidates who were competing for their parties’ nominations in varied races, including contests for the statewide judicial positions, Delaware County District Attorney, Delaware County Council, and dozens of municipal contests in boroughs, townships, school boards and Chester City.

Additionally, Delaware County held two successful special elections due to vacancies in office, with voters in the 163rd State Representative District electing a new House Representative, and voters in Radnor Township’s 4th Ward electing a new Township Commissioner for their Ward.

The Elections Department anticipates that the total number of ballots will not exceed 100,000—which will be roughly 20,000 fewer than the approximately 120,000 ballots processed at the May 2022 Primary Election and significantly less than the nearly 253,000 ballots processed for the November 2022 General Election. Turnout for the odd-year election is typically lower as it does not feature Presidential or federal or state contests in all areas.

Over 26,000 vote-by-mail ballots have been processed, with approximately 73,000 Election Day ballots completed in-person at the polling places. Under the law, there are only small numbers of provisional ballots, late-arriving military/overseas ballots, and ID-verification ballots that may arrive and be added to the counts at this time.

“Elections staff worked to improve the processing of vote-by-mail-in, the receiving of materials from the Judges of Election and drop boxes, and the posting of results. They succeeded in making positive progress in every one of those areas,” said Delaware County Elections Director James P. Allen. “The staff also received important support on these fronts from poll workers and many county departments, especially Emergency Services, Personnel, Park Police, the Sheriff’s Department, Facilities, Information Technology, and other County offices,” adding “Most important was the hard work and dedication of our hundreds of Judges of Election and other poll workers who have learned the systems and provided valuable feedback from election to election.”

Successful e-Pollbook Pilot Program

Delaware County Elections was also proud that the electronic Pollbook pilot program, which used tablet-like devices at three locations—in Upper Darby, Middletown and Brookhaven—was a success, with early feedback from both poll workers and voters extremely positive.

“Electronic poll books have been used for years in a number of counties, with great success,” said Director Allen. “They provide faster check in, consistent and clear guidance to the poll workers, and information to the voters who might show up in the wrong polling place. Most importantly, e-pollbooks help capture voter history in a few days, instead of several weeks, after an election.”

Delaware County Elections has unofficial totals of all Election Day and vote-by-ballots that were qualified to be counted on Election Day on the Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/results.

Delaware County Elections will continue to post unofficial updates to the Delco Votes! website as the remaining ballots are adjudicated. The process will continue with small numbers of military/overseas ballots and provisional ballots. They will be added to the counts in the days after the May 23 deadline for receipt of military/overseas ballots.

Election News & Notices

Delco Election Results

Pennsylvania Election Results

The Road to Certification: Upcoming Board of Elections Meetings

As part of the process of finalizing the results of the Primary and Special Elections, the Delaware County Board of Elections has scheduled a Board meeting on Tuesday, May 23, at 9:00 a.m. in the Delaware County Council Room in the Government Center Building located at 201 W. Front St. in Media. The primary purpose of the meeting will be the consideration of recommendations and objections to provisional ballots cast by Delaware County voters.

Director of Election Operations James P. Allen will present his Director of Elections report, and public comments will be accepted. The meeting also provides an opportunity for the County to pay respects to the memory of Jeanette Walsh, a Balloting System Specialist, who recently passed away while on medical leave a few days before the election.

The Delaware County Board of Elections has also scheduled a Board meeting for Thursday, June 1, at 9 a.m. in the Delaware County Council Room in the Government Center Building located at 201 W. Front St. in Media. The purpose of the June 1 meeting is to consider the certification of results of the May 16, 2023 Primary Election and the Special Elections in the 163rd State House District and 4th Ward Radnor Township Commissioner.

Board meetings are livestreamed on the Delco Votes! Board of Elections web page.

Reminder: Delaware County Office of Sustainability Holding Campaign Sign Recycling Event at Rose Tree Park May 20

The Delaware County Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Delaware County Council, the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority, and the Delaware County Bureau of Elections will again be holding an Election Campaign Sign Recycling Event at Rose Tree Park in Media on Saturday, May 20.

During the event, volunteers from multiple County departments (thank you!) will collect various types of campaign signs (plastic-coated, cardboard, and vinyl) and accompanying metal stands will also be accepted free-of-charge.

Although recycling is highly encouraged, victorious Primary Election candidates are encouraged to reuse the same campaign signs in the upcoming November 2023 General Election. Voters, candidates, and campaign offices are encouraged to store their signs for re-use in the fall.

Please note that all collected materials will be recycled; no material will enter the waste stream. Signs do NOT need to be dismantled for collection.

Hope to see you there. Please spread the word!

Campaign Sign Recycling Event Details

Saturday, May 20, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media, PA 19063

Click for Map

Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association Holds 10th Anniversary Time Capsule Burial

Local townships and Veteran organizations donate items to be unearthed in 50 years

Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer was honored to join Veterans, Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association President (DCVMA) Joseph Daly, DCVMA Vice President Dennis Murphy, DCVMA founder Claude de Botton and his daughter and board member, Nicole de Botton Robinson, local elected officials, friends, families, and dignitaries at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association’s 10th Anniversary Time Capsule Burial event on Saturday, May 13, at the Veteran’s Memorial site in Newtown Square.

A variety of objects and documents from Delaware County municipalities and local Veterans organizations were placed in a 3 ½ x 2-foot time capsule that will be left buried and unopened for 50 years. Donated items included news articles, patches, challenge coins, photographs, drone footage of the Memorial grounds as it stands today, township histories, and other unique and special items.

“The collection and assembly of these items is our gift to the future generation, and we hope that anyone here today, who will still be here in 50 years on or around May 13, 2073, will attend the opening ceremony, said DCVMA Board President Joseph J. Daly.

“This time capsule will help ensure that 50 years from now, our Veterans and our community appreciate our local heroes—our Veterans—and better understand what our world was like,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer, who participated in the ceremony. “I’m sure the items placed in the capsule will provide insight and fascination for those who will think of 2023 as the olden days.”

In addition to the items included in the capsule, the initial letter written to Claude de Botton from the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Committee requesting land on West Chester Pike and the construction plans for the Memorial were included.

“Today, we pay homage to the sacrifice of the youth, and men and women of this great land - with love of country, physical strength and lack of fear, they sacrificed their best years so that all citizens can live their lives in peace, freedom of religion and the pursuit of happiness,” said DCVMA board member, Nicole de Botton Robinson.

Delaware County Council thanks the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association and the de Botton family for making the day possible and for their ongoing commitment to the County’s Veterans, and thanks all of the Delaware County Veterans for their service and their sacrifice.

About the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association

The Delaware County Veterans Memorial, located at 4599 West Chester Pike in Newtown Square, is open daily, year-round and is free to the public. Visitors are welcomed to learn, honor and reflect on the American Wars and Conflicts, from the War of 1812 to the Wars of the Middle East.

The Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association first was proposed in 2013 as a way to recognize and pay tribute to fallen armed forces members from Delaware County. Through the concentrated efforts of the late Steve Neri, United States Marine Corps Veteran; the late Stan Short, United States Marine Corps Veteran; and the late Linda Houldin, former director of the Delaware County Historical Society in Newtown Square, plans were put forward.

Thanks to the generous support of the land donor and major benefactor, Claude de Botton and family, a plot of land donated to the cause became the home of the region’s newest monument to military service. The dream became a reality on May 11, 2013, when the monument was dedicated in a solemn ceremony. Click the DCVMA logo below to visit their website.

Recognizing National Emergency Medical Services Week in Delaware County

Delaware County Council joined Regional EMS Director Patrick O’Connell and members of the Delaware County EMS Community during the May 17 public Council Meeting to recognize May 21-27 as National Emergency Medical Services Week.

Established in 1974, May is recognized as National EMS Week, a week dedicated to recognizing EMS workers around the country who work to save the lives and improve the health of residents. This year, May 21-27 is designated as 2023 National EMS Week, with the theme “Where Emergency Care Begins.”

Each year, thousands of Delaware County residents require the services of emergency medical services personnel. Emergency Medical Services is a vital public service comprised of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, dispatchers, firefighters, emergency physicians, air medical personnel, nurses, and others. Delaware County’s EMS community is readily available and coordinates emergency medical services of the highest quality for residents to prevent death and reduce suffering and disability which may arise from critical illness or injury.

The work of the EMS Community is vital at all times, but even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of EMS have been on the frontlines, caring for COVID-19 patients, and many also staffed COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinics. Each day, they risk their personal safety and health to ensure the safety and health of our community. They are true front-line heroes.

Council commends and thanks the Delaware County EMS Community for their dedication to selflessly serving the residents of Delaware County.

West Nile Virus Detected in Delaware County; Mosquito Season Arrives Early in 2023

The first day of summer is still over a month away, but the Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) announced it has identified the first 2023 pool of mosquitoes that has tested positive for West Nile Virus. The detection of West Nile Virus in Delaware County is not uncommon; however, residents should take precautions to protect themselves.

West Nile Virus activity typically occurs during the summer months and into the fall. Although no human cases have been reported in Delaware County to date, DCHD anticipates that the County will experience more frequent mosquito activity than usual in 2023 and potentially more cases of West Nile Virus.

In early May, DCHD Environmental Health Technicians set traps to catch and test mosquitos. In one location, upwards of 2,000 mosquitos were captured in a small trapping area when a few hundred might typically be expected to be captured in the same area in a typical year.

As a result, DCHD is asking residents to take simple precautions and help reduce the spread.

“Preventing the spread of West Nile Virus is up to everyone in Delaware County,” said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. “West Nile Virus is a disease that spreads from mosquitoes to people and can cause serious disease, and although rare, can sometimes cause death. Using mosquito repellants and taking the proper precautions around your property is key to preventing mosquito bites, and potentially West Nile Virus.”

Most people (4 out of 5) infected with West Nile Virus do NOT develop any symptoms. But, about 1 in 5 people will develop a fever with symptoms such as a headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people who develop symptoms of West Nile Virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.

About 1 in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).

The most effective way to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus is to keep mosquitoes from breeding on your property. To protect themselves and to help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus, residents are encouraged to remember the ‘Three Ds’:

The 3 D's: Drain, Dress, Defend

DRAIN

Anything that can hold water can breed mosquitoes, from soda bottle caps and bird baths to discarded tires, buckets, and wheelbarrows and barrels.

Check your property for these sources of standing water and dump them out.

DRESS

Wear clothing like long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats to protect against bug bites. You can further protect yourself by tucking your pants into your shoes. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants is an effective way to prevent not only mosquito bites but tick bites as well.

DEFEND

Wear insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus on exposed skin when outdoors. Another effective repellent is Permethrin.

Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the labels when using these repellants.

Additionally, people should try to avoid spending time outdoors during peak mosquito activity, which is typically at dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes are also attracted to dark colors, so people should try to wear light-colored clothing when spending time outdoors.

More information is available on the Delaware County Health Department West Nile Virus web page at delcopa.gov/health/pages/westnile.html.

Delaware County Health Department Recommends Children and Adults Stay Current with Immunizations

The Delaware County Health Department encourages residents of all ages to reduce their health risks by getting immunized.

Infants and young children are often at higher risk of developing serious health problems if they do not get recommended vaccines-children in childcare and school are highly likely to be exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases. Parents and caregivers should make sure infants, children, and teens get all recommended immunizations on time.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health requires certain immunizations for children and teens of all grade levels for attendance at schools in Pennsylvania.

The importance of immunizations does not end with childhood. All adults should be aware that protection from some immunizations received during childhood may wear off over time, leaving them vulnerable to diseases.

Each year, thousands of adults in the U. S. suffer serious health problems, are hospitalized, or even die from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines, including influenza, whooping cough, certain bacterial infections, hepatitis A and B, shingles and even some cancers such as cervical cancer and liver cancer. Some adults, including older adults and those who have chronic health conditions, may be at higher risk for serious complications from some vaccine-preventable diseases.

Additionally, adults may be recommended for certain vaccines due to their age, job, hobbies, travel, or health condition, and additional vaccines may be recommended for adults who did not get certain vaccines as children.

Regardless of age, the Delaware County Health Department advises residents to be up to date with all vaccinations. Learn more about the DCHD immunization clinic schedule at www.delcopa.gov/health/clinicalservices.html and you’re invited to watch this short but informative video, available on the County's YouTube channel, to learn more.

The Delaware County Health Department: Who Has Time To Get Sick?

Total Run Time: 45 seconds

May 31 Deadline for Delaware County Board Openings

Delaware County is seeking board members for several County boards including:

Children & Youth Services Citizens Advisory Committee
Delaware County Women’s Commission
Delaware County Chester Waterfront Industrial Development Authority
Delaware County Redevelopment Authority
Mental Health/Intellectual and Development Disabilities Advisory Board
SEPTA Citizens Advisory Committee

Applications for all Boards will be accepted through 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

WHAT DO BOARDS DO?

Although the responsibilities and goals differ from one board to another, board members play a critical role in establishing oversight, defining the Board’s mission and vision, improving the Board’s focus and effectiveness, shaping the County’s culture, serving stakeholders, establishing and updating policies, setting goals, and measuring the Board’s performance based on those goals.

Delaware County encourages interested residents who can contribute their time, energy, and passion, to complete the brief online application. Applicants must provide their name, address, contact information, current employer/occupation, a brief explanation as to why they are interested in serving on a particular Board, and attach an up-to-date resume.

DETAILS REGARDING BOARD OPENINGS

Children & Youth Services Citizens Advisory Committee

Location: Government Center Building, Media

Openings: 2 vacancies (One term ending October 2023; One term ending October 2025)