My goal is to interview every City Council candidate for the 2009 primary election. If you are a candidate who is willing to talk with me about your candidacy I can be reached at the following:

610-430-1178
jmiller@dailylocal.com

What's next for the Coatesville Police Department in terms of leadership is unclear.

Ultimately -- just like two years ago -- City Manager Harry Walker gets to recommend a candidate for police chief to City Council. It's up to council to support or vote down his recommendation.

As of late last week, city officials did not have a plan for replacing William Matthews, who served as chief for the last two years. Technically, his last day is tomorrow. However, some sources say Matthews has already cleared out of the station. His farewell luncheon was held last Friday in Caln.

City Spokeswoman Kristin Geiger said Walker plans to discuss the matter of selecting a new police chief at the next executive session, which would be April 13 just before the next City Council meeting.

However, if the city intends to implement some sort of search/selection/interviewing process City Council has to discuss and determine such plans at a public meeting. State law only allows council to discuss privately specific employees.

Before exiting under turmoil, Matthews suggested that council fill the vacancy with Lt. Julius (Mike) Canale.

Canale expressed interest in the top cop post over two years ago when the city began its search. However the lack of a bachelor's degree and city residency -- requirements outlined by a search committee -- apparently prevented Canale from applying for the job.

Some on City Council, including City Councilman Kurt Schenk, have said Canale is qualified to be the next chief, now that Matthews has groomed him.

Matthews gave his notice to council as early as February. He later announced his resignation at a City Council meeting during which City Council President Martin Eggleston said the city had no planned course of action for selecting a new chief. And that seems to still be the case.

And now Matthews is gone. Canale is acting as chief. And the city lacks a plan to move forward at a time when crime has been escalating and the city is dealing with arsons and armed robberies. Not to mention spring is on its way and those in law enforcement know what that means for crime.

CASD
Democrats
-Jason Cann, region 1
-Joseph E. Dunn, region 2

Republicans
-Jason Cann, region 1
-Joseph E. Dunn, region 2
-Laurie Knecht, region 3 (reelection)
-Bob Knecht, region 3 (reelection)

MODENA BOROUGH MAYOR
Republicans
-Ronald E. McCorkle

Democrats
-none

SOUTH COATESVILLE MAYOR
Republicans
-William C. Jones

Democrats
-James C. Kennedy

CALN TOWNSHIP COMMISSIONER
Republicans
-Chuck Kramer, at-large
-Vincent Rose, at-large

Democrats
-Joshua B. Young, at-large (reelection)
-Lorraine M. Tindaro, at-large

Here are the names for the 2009 Primary Election Ballot, straight from Chester County Voter Services:

COATESVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Democrats
-Ingrid W. Jones, 2nd Ward
-Patsy Ray, 2nd Ward (running for second term)
-Karl Marking, 4th Ward
-Kurt Schenk, 4th Ward (running for second term)
-Joseph A. Hamrick, at-large
-Calvin Culclasure, at-large
-Beverly Phillips, at-large
-Matthew Baker, at-large
-Kenneth Allen, at-large
-Jarrell Brazzle, at-large

Republicans
-Eric Lacerte, 4th Ward
-Joseph J. DiSciullo, at-large
-Winifred Mayo, at-large
-Fran Schnering, at-large

(This year, there are two at-large seats up for election, which are currently filled by Robin Scott and Kareem Johnson. Neither are on the ballot for reelection.)

VALLEY TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR
Republicans
-Arlin W. Yoder, at-large

Democrats
-Angela E. Christen, at-large
-Patrice L. Proctor, at-large

DISTRICT JUDGE -- COATESVILLE
Democrats
-Gregory Hines Sr.

Republicans
-Gregory Hines Sr.
-Gabriel P. Milanese Jr.

DISTRICT JUDGE -- VALLEY
Republicans
-Grover E. Koon (reelection)

Democrats
-Grover E. Koon (reelection)
-Richard A. King Jr.