Dear Editor,

I am confused with how the Carbon County commissioners prioritize projects when spending taxpayer money.As recently reported in the Times News, more than $1.54 MILLION dollars was "invested" on the Packerton Yards project without creating one new job, and now they are insisting on spending over $3.1 MILLION dollars to build a pedestrian bridge to gain access to some historic trail.Yes, I understand there is a grant that will help to pay for this project, but grants are still taxpayer money and should be used for more important projects.Several months ago I wrote an opinion letter to recommend saving the current Jim Thorpe Bridge from demolition.Instead of spending $3.1 MILLION dollars on building a new walking bridge that looks more like a cattle chute, my suggestion was to renovate the current bridge for pedestrian and bike traffic only. Install new fencing, Victorian-type lights, benches, painting and a new surface.This can be financed by simply approving a construction change order reallocating funds assigned to demolish the old bridge upon completion of the new bridge. Vendors can set up booths during the tourist season; bikers can access the Lehigh Gorge Park and even this historical trail.I have seen many of these bridges throughout Europe, and they are a beautiful part of the town and used for many seasonal purposes. It will be a very unique aspect to Jim Thorpe and certainly attract more tourism and economic funding to our community.I urge the residents in Carbon County, especially the good people in Jim Thorpe, to seriously consider this idea before it is too late. Maybe some of the primary candidates now running for commissioner will look at this idea more favorably. Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion.Robert V. StraussNesquehoning