Residents urge Chester County commissioners to hold public forum on election review; commenter alleges 'two failed elections'

During the Dec. 22 meeting of the Chester County Board of Commissioners, two residents used the public-comment period to press the board for more public engagement and to criticize the county’s handling of recent elections.

Linda Moore, an inspector of elections from Pecosun Township (Precinct 530), asked the board to hold a public meeting similar to a prior session on the Pecosun prison issue so residents could “have conversations back and forth” with the board and election officials about the attorney recommendations following the Dec. 17 review. She asked the board to schedule such a meeting in the early evening and in a larger venue so “the majority of the county residents would be able to attend.”

John Luther of New London Township used his three minutes to sharply criticize county administration and raise specific allegations. Luther said he is "angry" about the election results and stated there have been "two failed elections" under the county CEO’s review. He questioned the independence of the firm that produced a review, saying it was the work of "a law firm in Westchester," which he characterized as not independent. Luther also raised budget concerns, asserting operating costs are "up 40%" and that spending for Children, Youth, and Family Services rose "21%."

Commissioners did not engage in extended discussion or announce a new public forum during the meeting. County staff acknowledged public comment rules before speakers began, and the board thanked the speakers after their remarks. No formal response to the substantive allegations or an immediate plan for an additional public meeting was recorded in the transcript.

The requests and allegations made during public comment will need to be addressed in subsequent meetings or through county staff if the board elects to respond or to schedule a separate forum.