A state official’s request to have authority over Chester’s administrative functions, effectively suspending the mayor and city council, is unlikely, ruled a Commonwealth judge on a petition filed in November by Chester’s Receiver Michael Doweary, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

“That’s where things get a little over the edge,” said Commonwealth Judge Ellen Ceisler. “It’s the area where the Receiver would have sole authority over pretty much everything – that wasn’t going to happen.”

Chester’s situation will, however, be a test case for Pennsylvania’s Act 47, which gives the Receiver an enormous amount of power, Ceisler said Wednesday.  

The state Department of Community and Economic Development has overseen Chester’s finances since 1995, tasked by Act 47 to help the distressed city fix its finances.

Gov. Wolf declared a financial emergency in Chester in 2020 and Doweary was appointed Receiver, asked to create and implement a recovery plan for the city.

On Oct 27, 2022, Doweary filed for bankruptcy on behalf of Chester.

Michael Doweary testified that actions and behaviors from city officials were creating resistance to his efforts.

It now appears the Receiver’s office and city representatives are willing to negotiate some of the issues raised in the case.

Read more about the judge’s decision in the Daily Times.

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