The Democrats control the Delaware County Council, 5-0. Delaware County remains the only one of 67 counties in Pennsylvania that does not have at least one minority representative on Council. And it shows.

Just last week one of the aforementioned members of Council came clean and admitted trouble ahead when it comes to this year’s budget. As Broad + Liberty has already reported, residents of Delaware County will see a 23 percent increase in taxes this year.

It doesn’t sound good, and the Delco families that can least afford it will take the biggest hit. For those Delco residents, I am sorry to say there is probably very little we can do about it. That’s not what you want to hear, but I believe the damage is done, and the public budget hearings are smoke and mirrors.

We are just actors in a play, with an ending that has already been scripted for us. The Directors are certain the ending, while tragic, will be ultimately determined to be a masterpiece. I’m not so sure.

We can complain and gnash our teeth all we want or we can do something now so that the County’s fiscal future is first salvaged, then resurrected.

Councilwoman Elaine Paul Schaefer spoke for the group recently when she pointed a finger at Republicans who controlled government many years ago for the upcoming tax increases. She complained that the GOP elected officials of eight years ago or more did not raise taxes enough! Imagine that: living within your means.

Additionally, the Democrats came to power in 2017 telling the electorate that Republicans were corrupt, and after all who really benefits from one-party rule? Funny how the pendulum swings. Today, the Dems have complete control of County government. The Democrats have hired more friendly lawyers than even the script called for, and have paid them $4 million dollars in legal fees, obliterating any dollars spent by any previous Republican administration. And this is just one example of the spending frenzy.

The reason I bring this up is to prepare Delco residents for the onslaught of excuses and blame coming Republicans’ way, just in time for the most important municipal election of our time. Council will blame Republicans as part of their sales pitch and will bring back the “C” word with vengeance.

Let’s talk frankly about the corruption claims, since you will be hearing so much about them. The Delco GOP has a completely new team, only on the job for eighteen months. This team of young staff only cares about increasing registration, providing services, and ultimately winning elections. So who are Dems referring to? Who are these corrupted people? Is it the 400+ poll workers that manned polls this November? Is it the energetic citizens that attend Council meetings to have their voice heard? Maybe those that attend election board meetings? Perhaps it is the 400+ committee people that work in the election trenches? Or is it the 153,000 registered Republicans who want the County they love back, and to make sure she has a solid financial future.

What may have happened in the past is inconsequential compared to where we are today. As a political message, it is valuable to the Democratic officials seeking reelection. For the residents of Delco, Republicans and Democrats, who are already struggling with the cost of everyday living, the epic tale of the rise and fall of a political machine is meaningless. Only tomorrow matters now, and a happy ending is never promised.

So let’s be ready for the barrage of nonsense forthcoming and let’s prepare an elevator pitch to talk to our families, friends, and neighbors about truth versus fiction. 

There is one more important action we all must do. We need to continue the momentum of the November election and continue to register more Republicans to vote. Ultimately, it is the only sure fire way to stop the spend and take our home back.

Frank Agovino is the Chairman of the Delaware County Republican Party.