NORRISTOWN — State Rep. Mike Vereb (R-150th of Montgomery County) has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at strengthening the state’s Sunshine Act — even as far as calling for jail time for the most egregious offenders. News in recent weeks has revealed a troubling reality for some lawmakers — that the act has no teeth, giving way to disregard and even abuse by politicians. Read More…

NORRISTOWN — In the wake of the leak surrounding Montgomery County commissioners and alleged Sunshine law violations, as a year-end wrap-up, The Times Herald looks back at the outcomes such news has had on the public persona, and of the men in question. It all started from a tip, and the reporter from The Times Herald, who followed that tip, knew it would lead her right to Joe Hoeffel and Jim Matthews, the media’s now-dubbed “Breakfast Club.” Read More…

Montgomery County officials have been subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury investigating accusations that two commissioners violated the state Sunshine Act, according to anonymous sources. The District Attorney’s Office declined to comment on grand jury involvement in the case or whether prosecutors were looking into pay-to-play allegations that have dogged Republican Commissioner Chairman James R. Matthews for nearly a year. Read More…

NORRISTOWN — The chairmen of both of Montgomery County’s political affiliates rarely agree on much, but they found common ground Wednesday in rebuking the so-called “Breakfast Club” meetings recently uncovered by The Times Herald. Asked to opine on whether the secret meetings of Montgomery County commissioners Joe Hoeffel and Jim Matthews at the Jem Restaurant on Tuesday mornings stood the test of legality, Montgomery County GOP Chairman Bob Kerns said these meetings only reiterated doubts he had years ago. Read More…

COURTHOUSE — Montgomery County officials have been subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury investigating accusations that two commissioners violated the state Sunshine Act, according to anonymous sources. The District Attorney’s Office declined to comment on grand jury involvement in the case or whether prosecutors were looking into pay-to-play allegations that have dogged Republican Commissioner Chairman James R. Matthews for nearly a year. Read More…

NORRISTOWN — Two of three Montgomery County commissioners have been meeting on Tuesdays before the regular 10 a.m. county commissioners regular agenda meeting, a Times Herald reporter recently observed. The Jem Restaurant, located across the street from the Hillcrest Plaza Shopping Center at Swede Street and Germantown Pike, is typically bustling at 8:45 a.m. Some regular faces can be seen during that time, namely those of Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairman Jim Matthews and Vice Chairman Joe Hoeffel.
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COURTHOUSE — Two Montgomery County Commissioners denied discussing county business together in an East Norriton restaurant on two separate occasions recently, though a woman reportedly overheard them talking about official government matters and took notes. Read More…

NORRISTOWN – The `Breakfast Club,’ as they’ve been dubbed, usually meet Tuesday mornings before the regular 10 a.m. county commissioners meeting, a Times Herald reporter recently observed. As coffee cups swing in waitresses’ hands, the buzz of morning chatter often drowns out the diner doo wop, but every so often the nature of things allows for a break in the babble, and a sampling of conversations can be heard. Some regular faces can be seen during that time, namely those of Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairman Jim Matthews and Vice Chairman Joe Hoeffel. Read More…

In light of recent accusations about undue political influence in Montgomery County government, a former county official has asked the Board of Elections for details about the commissioners’ campaign finance spending over the past two years. Read More…

Montgomery County has stated it will require another month to provide the county’s professional services contracts and related documents requested earlier this month by The Times Herald. Read More…