State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-18th, addressed members of the Mid Eastern Counties Association of Boroughs Jan. 29 in Freemansburg. Topics discussed included property tax reform, medical marijuana, and gambling among other issues.

Northampton was represented by Mayor Thomas D. Reenock and Bath by Mayor Fiorella Reginelli-Mirabito and former Mayor Donald Wunderler. Also present were Coplay Mayor Joseph Bundra and Councilmen Joseph Groller, Charles Sodl and Steve Burker were present. Other boroughs represented were Coopersburg, Stroudsburg, Fountain Hill, Wilson Borough and Freemansburg.

"There's been more movement than ever before," Boscola said regarding property tax reform over the past 15 years.

Replacing the property tax with a sales tax or a combination of other tax incentives are options discussed in Harrisburg, she said.

Boscola said replacing property tax in some form means another tax will take its place which should be considered.

"It's always tough," Boscola. She added proposed legislation includes real estate taxes, particularly involving school districts.

Unless the state legislature seriously considers property tax reform, Boscola said she does not forsee the issue being addressed for some time.

Sodl questioned benefits and salaries of municipal firefighters, mainly volunteers who, he said, are not borough employees, a matter now at issue in Emmaus.

Boscola was told by several in the audience the present property tax system is not working for everyone, and a countywide or state school board may resolve the issue.

Sodl said he is concerned with the issue of medical marijuana, mentioning Pennsylvania might follow states such as Colorado allowing recreational marijuana use.

"This is going to cost us money," Sodl said.

Burker advocated legislation adopted in Harrisburg allowing small games of chance in fire halls and social clubs. He said casinos are against such a law.

Boscola said it may take state lawmakers to pass a bill. Several bills are now under consideration, she said.