To the Editor:

As Election Day is fast approaching, the voters of Coaldale need to be informed of a few facts.

Approximately four years ago, Claire Remington was asked to run for council after having previously served as mayor for eight years and councilwoman for 10 years. After taking office and attending these regular meetings for the first year, she was embarrassed to see the poor decision making and lack of concern for our town. Some members were collecting a check and only attending one meeting a year — that’s stealing in my book. Coaldale needs people who are truly dedicated.

After reorganizing and appointing a new president and vice president of council, things began to change. During the next three years, the borough demolished six blighted properties at 100% funding by Schuylkill County; we were out of pocket less than $200. We also resurfaced 12 streets, replaced (not patched) over 15 storm inlets, made major repairs to borough-owned buildings (flooring, painting, windows, LED lighting) in an effort to conserve energy safety/security and cut down on heating costs: changed phone service at a savings of $300-plus per month, changed town lighting to LED at a savings of $900 per year. Furthermore, Kline’s Hill and Avenue A in Seek are slated for additional lighting at present.

A grant for $473,000 is awaiting approval to add sidewalks, proper drainage and construction of an entire new road in Kline’s Hill.

Our police chief on his own applied for and received a grant totaling over $28,000 for additional police equipment through the Morgan Foundation. In addition, our treasurer applied for and received grants in two consecutive years for the purchase of new police vehicles.

In an effort to keep us moving ahead, council needs honest, dedicated, conscientious individuals willing to put their town first, not their personal agendas. Remember the phrase by President Abraham Lincoln — “Don’t swap horses in midstream.” This is something to seriously consider.

Election Day will be here Nov. 5. Don’t be fooled by unrealistic promises. Claire Remington doesn’t promise, she delivers.

Thank you for your consideration on Election Day.

Jean Huffman

Coaldale