Under the name Chester County Liberty Alliance (CCLA), these groups with members county-wide intend to continue their focus on reform throughout the political system, well beyond the November election: The West Chester Tea Party, Coalition for Advancing Freedom, and Valley Forge Patriots. All three groups and their "spin offs" meet regularly throughout the county, from Valley Forge, Coatesville, and West Chester, to Kennett Square, with programs including everything from seminars on the United States Constitution to bus trips to legislative offices in Harrisburg and Washington, DC.
Membership in all groups continues to grow rapidly, with an estimate of formal and informal members numbering over two thousand.
"CCLA activities will be even more focused in 2011," according to Brandon Boyd of the West Chester Tea Party. "We intend to hold every elected official, from township supervisors and school boards to Harrisburg and beyond, accountable for measurable results. And, we believe it has to be done without growing government or raising taxes". Boyd adds, " Our members refuse to accept programs like TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program), an unconstitutional and ill-conceived solution to the failure of legislators to create appropriate oversight in the banking and financial sector. Worse yet, through TARP and a parade of other programs like it, taxpayers are made to pay for the mistakes of those whom we have elected to protect us. Here in Pennsylvania, failure to promote anything approaching a real solution to our public pension crisis will make things even worse."
Dave Herion of the Coalition for Advancing Freedom sees an advantage in the CCLA alliance: "We do not believe political parties have done the job--none of them have held their candidates accountable for delivering what they promise at election time. We intend to demand that accountability. By banding together, we can reach people in every corner of Chester County and make them aware of how those elected are and are not delivering on their promises."
Betty Dunkel-Hernon of the Valley Forge Patriots feels strongly about reform. "We focus on getting the best from our political system, but relying on the status quo--party politics, business as usual--has failed to deliver anything better for the people. It's delivered a lot for a few politicians, but not for us. Just because someone is "in line" for Speaker of the House in Washington, for example, does not mean he is the best candidate and should automatically get the job."
Further to CCLA's intention to activate Chester County, she adds, "We can educate and inform, but we can do much, much more. Many of the Valley Forge Patriots are the people you have seen and heard, actively participating in town halls and community meetings, carrying signs and asking questions. The status quo has solved nothing and you can be sure our members will demand better, especially in 2011." All three member-groups in the CCLA meet monthly, with numerous other member activities available throughout the month.
The CCLA itself meets twice monthly, coordinating efforts county-wide.
For further information regarding the Chester County Liberty Alliance contact:
Brandon Boyd (West Chester Tea Party)
Dave Herion (Coalition for Advancing Freedom)
Betty Dunkel-Hernon (Valley Forge Patriots)