Former Allentown mayor deserved full prison term
Regarding former Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski’s early release from prison, I believe if you can’t do the time, then don’t do the crime. He was convicted of trading municipal contracts for campaign donations to bankroll his unsuccessful bids for governor and U.S. Senate. How can he face the people of Allentown after stealing from them? He was supposed to serve 15 years but is being released after eight years. If it was the average joe, he would be doing the full sentence.
— Barry Buchecker, North Whitehall Township
Land donation would confirm family’s legacy
In an opinion piece published five years ago, Elizabeth Koontz of the Jeras Corp. described her family’s history as landowners in South Whitehall Township. Her grandfather started Trojan Powder Co., an explosives factory that produced munitions for the military and explosives for building roads and railroads. (She wrote that Parkland derived its “Trojans” nickname from her family’s company.) Koontz’s grandfather bought all the nearby farms, which makes sense given the kind of work they were doing, and when the company was sold, the family established Jeras “to retain and maintain the land around the plant.” She touted the family’s commitment to continue farming the surrounding farmland (or in partnership with other farmers). Balancing development and preservation of open space (including donating land for the Jordan Creek Greenway) was Koontz’s stated desire in 2021. Today, I ask Jeras Corp. to walk away from its deal with CDE Acquisitions LLC, which wants to use that wonderful piece of “Trojan” land to build a monstrous data center across from the home of our Trojans, Parkland High School. I urge Jeras Corp. to create a magnificent legacy by donating all of the land as dedicated open space, which we will gratefully honor for generations.
— Carla Lindenmuth, South Whitehall Township
Lehigh Valley’s fathers deserve recognition
As Father’s Day approaches, we celebrate the men who shape our lives through love, sacrifice and guidance. Beyond gifts and gatherings, this day offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the vital role fathers play in strengthening our families and communities. Across the Lehigh Valley, countless fathers work long hours, coach youth sports, volunteer and quietly support their families without seeking recognition. Their influence extends far beyond their own homes.
At a time when many young people face loneliness, uncertainty and the pressures of a rapidly changing world, the steady presence of an engaged father or mentor makes a profound difference. Children who receive guidance and support at home are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and contribute positively to society. As an Ahmadi Muslim, I am reminded that faith teaches us to honor our parents and recognize the responsibilities entrusted to fathers. A good father provides material support while serving as a vital source of moral guidance, compassion and integrity.
This Father’s Day, let us express gratitude to our own fathers, and to the mentors, coaches and role models guiding the next generation. Their quiet service builds stronger families and a brighter future for us all.
— Ahmad Chaudhry, Bethlehem
Proposal would punish the wrong people
This is in response to Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel’s proposal to institute a policy that would impose serious consequences on county employees for cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
What a joke. The ones who ought to be facing consequences are the people who broke the law by entering the country without proper documentation in the first place.
— Bill DeLong, Allentown
New rule puts science research at risk
As a retired Lehigh University chemistry professor with 50 years in research — supported by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the National Institutes of Health — I write with deep concern about a rule proposed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB-2026-0034).
America’s scientific leadership has long rested on a simple principle: Funding should be awarded through rigorous peer review by qualified experts. This rule would increase the influence of nonexpert political appointees over funding decisions and allow approved grants to be terminated when political priorities shift. Federally funded research has produced advances in cancer treatment, vaccines, agriculture and technologies that save lives.
In my own lab, such funding led to two new approaches to drug design, one already shown to reduce toxic side effects in animal studies. This rule risks slowing the discoveries that protect Americans’ health and economic prosperity.
I urge U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie to speak out forcefully: The integrity of American science must be preserved and this rule discarded. America’s health, competitiveness and scientific leadership depend on it.
— Steve Regen, Williamsburg, Virginia
The Morning Call publishes letters from readers online and in print several times a week. Submit a letter to the editor at letters@mcall.com. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author(s), and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication.
Happy birthday America!
It’s been 250 years since the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia declared on July 4, 1776, that all men have “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
With the country’s anniversary fast approaching we would like to hear what those words suggest to you and what it means to be an American two and a half centuries later.
Please submit replies of 200 words or less to the editor at letters@mcall.com. The Morning Call will run the best replies as we approach the holiday.