Upper Tyrone resident speaks out

Dear Editor:

I attended the Upper Tyrone Township Supervisors meeting, along with numerous other residents that took time out of their busy lives, hoping the local issue of police protection would be resolved.

A petition representing approximately 400 residents was presented to the supervisors, along with numerous residents present in support of retaining Officer Roger Adams as police protection.

The net annual cost of $13,175.24 for police protection by Adams for 35 to 38 hours of service per week has provided our residents with almost a full decade of complaint free service that residents of neighboring townships do not have.

Our neighbors rely on state police protection exclusively.

Everson's proposal would still not provide our community with full-time protection. Would the additional possible 22 hours of protection per week justify the increased expenditure of at least $36,337.55• In fact, the cost to taxpayers could be even higher due to insurance costs.

Even if the proposal guaranteed a 50 percent increase in police protection, would it justify a 300 percent cost increase and a commitment of eight years?

The attendance of Everson's Mayor Tim Shoemaker, Councilman Bill Schomer, Police Lt. Mark Price and Officer Joe Lane seems to substantiate the fact that Everson's proposal lacks the merit to stand on its own.

Perhaps the citizens of Everson should be concerned that their law enforcement officers have been providing unauthorized, uninsured services to an Upper Tyrone business owner; and after the fact is interested in an agreement with the township to cover liability issues concerning the patrol of a neighboring municipality's business.

If the business requires so much protection, perhaps the owner could do what many local businesses do and contract for his own security. Should Upper Tyrone residents foot the hill of an additional $24,000 to satisfy one business owner and a handful of residents?

The township supervisors must take a stand on the issue of police protection.

The supervisors were elected by the citizens to make the best decisions for the majority, not to remain neutral or use referendums instead of decision making.

After weighing the facts and issues, a fair decision should be easy to make.