Former Allentown mayor deserved full prison term<\/p>\n
Regarding former Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski\u2019s early release from prison, I believe if you can\u2019t do the time, then don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Barry Buchecker, North Whitehall Township<\/p>\n
Land donation would confirm family\u2019s legacy<\/p>\n
In an opinion piece published five years ago<\/a>, Elizabeth Koontz of the Jeras Corp. described her family\u2019s 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 \u201cTrojans\u201d nickname from her family\u2019s company.) Koontz\u2019s 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 \u201cto retain and maintain the land around the plant.\u201d She touted the family\u2019s 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\u2019s 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 \u201cTrojan\u201d 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.<\/p>\n \u2014 Carla Lindenmuth, South Whitehall Township<\/p>\n Lehigh Valley\u2019s fathers deserve recognition<\/p>\n As Father\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n This Father\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u2014 Ahmad Chaudhry, Bethlehem<\/p>\n Proposal would punish the wrong people<\/p>\n This is in response to Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel\u2019s proposal to institute a policy that would impose serious consequences on county employees for cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u2014 Bill DeLong, Allentown<\/p>\n New rule puts science research at risk<\/p>\n As a retired Lehigh University chemistry professor with 50 years in research \u2014 supported by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the National Institutes of Health \u2014 I write with deep concern about a rule proposed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB-2026-0034<\/a>).<\/p>\n America\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019 health and economic prosperity.<\/p>\n I urge U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie to speak out forcefully: The integrity of American science must be preserved and this rule discarded. America\u2019s health, competitiveness and scientific leadership depend on it.<\/p>\n \u2014 Steve Regen, Williamsburg, Virginia<\/p>\n