Coplay Borough Council voted unanimously Sept. 9 to join the Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce.

But the vote wasn't without some discussion.

Councilman Bill Leiner Jr. said he wants the borough to evaluate the membership and see what it's getting for the approximately $320 it costs.

"What makes you think that we would spend $320 and not examine our results?" asked Councilman Charles Sodl.

Leiner said the borough routinely votes to make small monetary donations to charitable organizations without discussion.

"I take offense to what you're saying," said Sodl indicating he interpreted Leiner to be saying the borough is not examining what it spends and what it gets for its dollars.

He asked Leiner what specifically he wanted to examine in terms of chamber membership.

Leiner said he wants someone a year from now to report what the borough got for its membership. But, when asked what specific areas he would examine to make this determination, Leiner said, "I don't know."

"Good political answer," quipped Sodl.

Councilman Steve Burker said he believes chamber membership is a "no brainer" for the borough.

Council President Lou Bodish said other municipalities belong to the chamber, so this provides a good opportunity for networking with them.

"Everybody knows how involved I am with the [Ironton Rail-Trail]," said Mayor Joseph Bundra. The IRT Oversight Commission has gotten a lot of connections and sponsorships for the trail through its chamber membership.

"It's a big, big plus for us," he said.