Delaware County Council congratulates itself

The five-member Delaware County Council took time Tuesday to mark last year's accomplishments in the county, including the opening of a movie studio and the first soccer season at the new stadium in Chester.

"As a county, we are on strong footing," Council Chairman John "Jack" Whelan told a gathering of about 75 people at a Delaware County Chamber of Commerce luncheon. "Despite the recession, I am encouraged by many signs of recovery."

Last month, a Save-A-Lot Food Store opened in Darby Borough, the first new supermarket to open there in 30 years, Whelan said. In Chester Township, the $85 million state-of-the-art movie studio, Sun Center Studios, broke ground in June. The project created 927 construction jobs, and the studio expects to employ 286 people permanently. It boasts the largest sound stage on the East Coast and is expected to hold its grand opening next month.

And the Philadelphia Union, the Major League Soccer team that plays at PPL park in Chester, sold out its home opener scheduled for March 26. Last year, an average of 19,000 fans attended each game, Whelan said.

The council plans to focus on public safety, economic development, and government accountability in 2011, Whelan said.

"Our doors are always open," Whelan said. "Delaware County belongs to all of us."

Democrats didn't hesitate to take a shot at the all-Republican council's congratulatory press event.

"The typical county council meeting is an hour of photographs and 10 minutes of business," said David Landau, chairman of the Delaware County Democrats. "It's governing by photo-op and not really public debate on the serious issues facing Delaware County."

To avoid a tax increase this year, county council offered early retirement to its workers. About 250, or nearly 8 percent of the county's more than 3,000 workers took the buyout. By comparison, Montgomery County has about 3,000 workers and Bucks County has 2,700.

Landau questions whether the county government ever needed to be so large.

"Are we getting the bang for the buck or are we just supporting a bloated county government?" he asked.