Lansford taxpayers: If you attended the council meeting of March 13, or read the TN article pertaining to it, you, now, should have an indication/cause for the police shortage in our town. The lack of professionalism, as well as ignorance of proper procedure regarding employees, was evident at that meeting. Also, at a recent committee meeting, a council woman criticized an officer’s performance. The officer was not present to defend himself. Employees have the right to have proper procedures followed. Unfortunately, there are additional instances of council’s actions having a negative effect on the police department. In the recent past, after adverting for officers, applicants paid the fee to be tested, Civil Service tested and provided a list of the top 3. Motion was made to higher #1 on the list. No one seconded the motion and it died, our part time officer, who was first on the list, quit the next day! Also, an officer who served the community for 27 years has had to file a grievance/lawsuit to obtain the accrued funds and pension due him. Over the past years, motions to do minor upgrades to the police office or request for equipment have been shot down. While the present contract will increase their hourly wage some, they have been the lowest paid, but busiest department for years. And it goes on and on. Mr. Markovich points out the funds spent on ads for officers without results. Wonder why? Word spreads. The present discussion to move the department to Dock Street is a terrible project for now. A building is not what is needed. Council needs to improve its working relationship with the officers we have. They deserve respect. A new building is not the answer. More borough officers are needed. Not the state police! If you call and there are no Lansford officers on duty. Thank the borough council.

Rose Mary Cannon

Lansford