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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Letter to the editor: Coplay Borough Council must return to 4 Ps

At its core, a small borough government’s business is addressing the four Ps: Pave roads, fill Potholes, Plow snow and Pay bills. In Coplay, there is council behavior beyond the four Ps.

In a little more than four years, five elected borough officials have resigned from their office. The last two mayors and three councilmen Packed it in (another P?).

A current councilman in 2014 pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct charge after threatening publicly to conditionally murder another council member while at a church picnic. The council majority stunningly allowed him to remain on council. He should have been removed or exhibited the decency to resign.

During the past four years, some residents who came before council with an issue were verbally put down and bullied by some council members.

In 2012, one former council member, along with the assistance of a former Press editor, successfully worked to end an unethical form of government that made decisions outside of open meetings.

Taxes have been raised nine times in 10 years, an unprecedented display of spending “other people’s money.”

The most recent resignation is a mayor with a long, dedicated record as an elected official and a Coplay volunteer. He is a lifelong resident who clearly loves Coplay and its residents.

He cited “personal reasons” for abruptly resigning. This may be so. His resignation is a loss and a symptom that something is aberrant in council chambers.

I have known this gentleman since we were kids. He is a person who will give 110 percent if he is appreciated and receives necessary support. His impulse is to do the right thing in any endeavor.

An informed observation yields the real reasons for his departure. It involves a lack of support and respect from some on council, a disagreement as to how council conducts its affairs and a disdain for the bullying he received from one council member.

Coplay Borough Council needs to return to the four Ps and cultivate a respect toward residents and with their elected peers. The goal should be working together to benefit the community.

Being on council in a tiny borough like Coplay is a privilege given by the voters. It is not a place for arrogance, ego-driven spending and bullying behavior.

Bill Leiner Jr.

Coplay

(Editor’s note: Leiner is a former Coplay Borough Council member and a former Coplay mayor.)