South Chester Today

Rep. John Lawrence has voiced strong opposition to a recent plan filed in federal bankruptcy court by Michael Doweary, the state-appointed receiver for the City of Chester. The plan proposes terminating the board of directors of the Chester Water Authority (CWA), a move Lawrence deems unacceptable.

Lawrence criticized Doweary's claim that "Chester has ownership and control of the Chester Water Authority," calling it "an outrageous and false statement." He pointed out that the receiver's own court filing suggests otherwise, stating that water assets would "revert to the city by force," implying current ownership lies elsewhere.

The proposal also seeks to dissolve CWA’s board, which was established through state legislation passed unanimously over a decade ago. Lawrence argued this request disregards existing law.

He further expressed concern about plans to monetize CWA, suggesting it would unfairly burden ratepayers with increased bills due to Chester's financial mismanagement. “It is irresponsible and outrageous,” he stated.

Doweary was appointed by Governor Tom Wolf and works under Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development. Lawrence emphasized that these actions reflect on Governor Wolf’s administration.

Finally, Lawrence urged Governor Josh Shapiro to publicly declare that CWA is not for sale or monetization. He called for an immediate announcement from Shapiro clarifying this stance.