Dear editor,

First, I would like to thank Sen. John Yudichak and his staff for their tireless assistance in helping Summit Hill borough council in adopting a noise ordinance that would allow us to assert local control on an issue that should be local in the first place: noise in our restaurants and bars.Since we have taken over control of enforcing noise levels in these establishments on April 30, we have received zero complaints of excessive noise in those establishments. This is not because behavior has changed. Instead, it seems to be that since there is now accountability for an individual's actions that those responsible for the complaints in the past are no longer making them. One thing that most people do not know is that noise complaints made to the Liquor Control Board are anonymous, and because of this the business owners never get to face their accusers no matter how unjust the complaint is.So why do I feel that this is a smart way to go with regards to noise in these establishments? The LCB has a far slower response time than our local police. While our police can be there within minutes to handle the situation while it is still ongoing, the LCB could take hours or, depending on the time of the complaint, it could be the next day. Additionally, if there is an establishment that has a noise problem, then they will be fined, and that fine money would go to the issuing municipality rather than the state.So it's a matter of choice, do you want the state coming in to our communities with their heavy hand, or should our very capable police forces handle these issues and allow us to control the issue locally? In the case of a problem, do you want the state taking money from our local businesses or would you rather that fine money stay in your local community? Many people throughout the area attend performances at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, and I would hate to see those performances stop because of the inaction of a few.Jesse WalckCouncil PresidentSummit Hill Borough