Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Legree sounds off

Richard Legree Sr., the now former chairman of the Coatesville Republican Party, is not happy about losing his seat leading the GOP's Area 14 , covering Coatesville, South Coatesville, Modena and Valley.

From Monday's story:
“After some changes in the local area Coatesville committee in the April election, secret back-room dealings resulted in my replacement as area chairman of the Coatesville Republicans,” Legree said in a prepared statement sent to the Daily Local News late last week.

“It is clear that certain individuals, including prominent lawyers, were behind this move,” Legree’s statement says, “and that their actions are a prime example of the kind of self-interested power politics that has led to the recent low standing of the Republican Party at the local, state and national levels.”

A copy of Legree's entire statement can be viewed here.

Legree is being succeeded by Eric Brown, an attorney from the law firm Siana, Bellwoar and McAndrew.

Also, for the old-fashioned types who still like getting their fingers black with newsprint , you probably missed following paragraphs that had been lopped off the end of the print editions:

Legree also hinted that whatever he does next, it might not be as a member of the Republican Party.

“I have been asked about my interest in becoming District Justice after the upcoming age-mandated retirement of the Hon. Robert Davis (who presides over the city’s district court),” Legree said. “I believe such inquiries are speculative and premature, and I have no comment on this subject at this time.”

Legree works as a constable in Davis’ courtroom.

“I have also been asked whether I plan to leave the Republican Party and join the Democrats,” Legree said. “I have many people asking me for and about many things. However, I have not considered this matter in depth and will not comment further at the moment.”

Aside from this occasion, Legree has been tangled in controversy before, both criminally and politically.

In the late 1970s, he served 17 months in prison after being found guilty of selling heroin. Later, his arrest proved to be a case of mistaken identity and the conviction was overturned.

Twelve years later, Legree was charged with insurance fraud and theft for allegedly illegally collecting disability compensation. That case was dismissed in district court, and two years later his record was expunged.

Most recently, questions arose after it was discovered Legree, who holds no official job with Coatesville, was present during at least one meeting more than a year ago between City Manager Harry Walker and a candidate for Coatesville’s police chief.

The candidate for top cop, a Philadelphia police lieutenant who ultimately was not hired, has said Legree, formerly a sergeant with the Valley police, pressured him to hire Legree and fire two of city police lieutenants, if he were selected to be chief. The Philadelphia officer said he refused to make such promises.

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9 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Legree and Ayers are among a line of dominoes in Chester County that are on very shaky ground.

June 17, 2008 at 12:11 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Legree as a District Justice? That would be as bad as giving the keys to the inmates at the county prison.

June 17, 2008 at 12:12 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

BOO HOO !! Legree

Quit WHINING !!!

You've been the most
SELF INTERESTED Person Ever !!

Maybe Constable Kenneth Hopton will be next to be outed. Since he's always been up Richard Legrre Sr's Behind. Didn't you wonder why it was always brown in color

June 17, 2008 at 5:06 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

District Justice??? God help us.

June 17, 2008 at 7:02 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am resident of a the 4th Ward in Coatesville. I am seriously considering running against Kurt Schenk next election. With a background in law and accounting I believe I could make a difference to clean up this City. I have no political affiliation and only moved to the City 3 years ago,so maybe that will have an impact on the voters.

June 21, 2008 at 5:15 AM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

5:15
Go for it. Schenk is disliked by almost everyone. If your back ground is as you say, Coatesville needs someone like you.

June 21, 2008 at 11:52 AM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

5:15 yes as 11:52 stated before, if what you said is true please by all means. We need people on council with actual experience (business). Then hopefully we'll get some others like yourself on board as well.

June 29, 2008 at 8:02 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

GOD HELP US, Having Legree as District Justice will be just like when they made Grover Koon District Justice; a JOKE! What is the deal with this city? You made your bed now lay in it...You know Legree is a convicted criminal right???

July 4, 2008 at 6:57 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

anonymouse number two is right about legree,

July 30, 2008 at 2:15 AM 

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