Dear Editor:

Tamaqua Borough Council appears to be content on laying off a police officer because of lack of money. Is that what the residents of Tamaqua really need - less protection in the fight against crime?I do not believe that is a responsible action to be taken. I am sure that there are other avenues that council may take. First, if Borough Council and the Mayor do not take their salary for one year, there will be a savings of $12,000-plus for the year. Since there is supposed to be shared sacrifice in all of this, they can do their part.Second, get rid of the street sweeper. I have lived on Schuylkill Avenue for the last 20 years. The street sweeper comes through once a year. I am sure other residents probably feel and experience the same. It is only Broad Street that receives special treatment.Third, eliminate paying benefits for the Downtown Manager. Let the Chamber pick up the costs. That would be a savings of at least $45,00 a year.Fourth, there should not be any money given to any Downtown organization for one year. Again there would be savings. You can build all the Taj Majals they want, such as the Old Tamaqua Moose Building, but at what cost and effort?The bottom line on everything is "Where are the jobs?" I have heard this refrain for the past few years from legislators in Washington, state and local governments and nothing has transpired. Political rhetoric-YESreality-NO.The unemployment rate for Schuylkill County is higher than the state average, roughly 10 percent. And I believe one thing may transpire that may throw the entire budget upside down - What happens if the residents who are affected by being charged money for sewage connections, that never happened go to court and sue the Borough?Where will the Borough get that money?Michael VadyakTamaqua