Lehighton Borough Council received a letter from a former area resident who had moved and worked in New York City for close to 20 years. Recently, the letter said, the individual returned with his wife and children, buying a home in Mahoning Township.

The letter was from Steven P. Sofranko, who said he grew up in Jim Thorpe.He was very complimentary of Lehighton's municipal swimming pool, mentioning the vast improvements made and its professional operation. He singled out pool manager Tom Evans, but also had praise for the lifeguards and maintenance workers.He stated the swimming lessons are useful, writing, "My daughter was not swimming and maybe a bit afraid as of last month and now I can't get her out the pool. This is directly related to a friendly lifeguard putting in some extra effort and caring more so than I would have expected."He added, "The opportunities our pool brings to this community are not often found in a town the size of Lehighton."He also expressed gratitude that local officials, including school officials, are working to fight the drug abuse.He continued, "Lastly, and on a not so side note, I would like to recognize and thank you for offering back-up assistance to Mahoning Township police and vice-versa, for supporting our volunteer firemen with the most recent approval of an expalnsion ... and for any support you approve for the Lehighton Police Department."He said he saw first-hand at the World Trade Center what police and firefighters are willing to do for the public, adding, "Let's do our best to keep them safe."At council meetings you always hear complaints. There are many negative things we can find in our communities.It's great to read a letter like was sent to the borough by Steven P. Sofranko to remind us how good we do have it; why we keep living in this beautiful area. And it is beautiful.Hopefully we keep it that way.By Ron Gowerrgower@tnonline.com