Positive dialogue

It's okay for borough officials to disagree, but too often anymore we hear about factions, about voting by political party, and just plain negativity.

Of late, Lehighton Borough Council meetings have been very positive. The council members aren't unanimous on everything, which is a good thing, but resolution of issues is done respectably and maturely.

As a result, there is progress being made on various issues - big and small.

At last night's meeting of the council, several topics came up. There was no shouting or negativity as we hear at so many meetings.

When the meeting started, Frank Potoczak of the Castle Grill told the council he moved his business to the borough four years ago. He said when customers park in his lot, they look over the embankment and see only junk brush and a lot of trees.

He suggested that council remove some of the brush and trees so that the Lehigh River is visible. He offered to place tables outside and even use some of his own employees to help clear the brush.

No problem, said the council members. They not only want to help a business in town, but felt it was a good idea to capitalize on the river.

A borough resident, Richard Gombert, complained that the road material used to fill potholes isn't very effective. The council, as well as Borough Manager Nicole Beckett, agreed with him instead of becoming defensive. They will look into the matter and obtain other materials.

Discussion occurred regarding placing a traffic signal at Ninth and Bridge Street, putting a left turn lane on Ninth Street into the high school campus, possibly having the borough join a Council of Government, recreation improvements, and what lies in the future for a proposed hydroelectric plant.

All the matters were discussed intelligently and civilly. There was no shouting. None of the borough officials sounded angry, even during the discussion phases of each topic.

Had high school students been in attendance, they would have seen a great example how government should function.

In addition, the council indicated it isn't afraid of taking on new projects. Several of the projects that were discussed would involve expenses - such as a hydroelectric plant and a second community center. The council isn't acting reckless in expending funds. Instead, the pros and cons of each project - including potential paybacks - was aired.

It's great when adults act like adults, especially in political circles. Washington could take a lesson from Lehighton Borough Council.

By RON GOWER

rgower@tnonline.com