Slatington taxpayers should beware of council's tactics

There comes a time in someone's life when you need to stand up for what you believe is right no matter what the consequences. That's exactly the moment I had at the Sept. 8 Slatington Borough meeting.

My wife and I with other taxpayers are regular attendees of borough meetings because of what we observed at our first meeting 5 1/2 years ago.

This is not the first time they tried to interrupt on my five minutes of speaking time. This is a practice they abuse many times on many taxpayers of the borough. The biggest offenders of this poor behavior are Reed, Neff and Rinker.

I believe this action is totally rude and ill-mannered. Because of untruths spoken by some council members I have made it a practice to video all borough meetings we attend. My tapes have become a great asset to other taxpayers who have had a dispute about meetings.

My stand on Sept. 8 was did Mr. Rinker have a vendor's license or permission from the borough to sell items at the Slatington Trailhead.

After asking the same question twice, Rinker had no answer. Then Neff interrupted with questions, one of which was "How do you know if he had permission."

Again I had to remind Neff that I asked a question, I did not make a statement, and reminded her how she needed to listen more clearly to what taxpayers are speaking about at the podium.

Rinker reminded everyone that he was an American, after which the audience laughed and commented, "So are we." Rinker continued to say all items were inside his jeep.

I proceeded to tell him I had photos and witnesses who saw the items on hangers outside his jeep. He become very argumentative and began speaking very loud. My concern was then all taxpayers should have the same opportunity to acquire a permit to sell items at the trailhead. At the present time residents must pay $10 for a yard sale permit. At this point, I was determined they would not steal my five minutes of speaking time.

To read more information about borough meetings, go to www.krisburek.us.

We would like to thank past council members for their input and knowledge and keeping us informed. Again, thank you Sister, Hoffman, Scheffler and Burek for all you have done.

The lack of decisions this council is making is leaving this borough in great disarray.

If you could give just 1 1/2 hours a month to attend the general meeting of full council, which is held on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m., you will hear and see for yourself why we attend all borough meetings. But guard your five-minute time limit.

@$:

Mel and

Carol Gildner

Slatington