To the Editor,

As a point of clarification, the Coplay "Mayor's Achievement Award" was an award I developed in 2002 when I was the Coplay mayor.

The award is presented to former, retired Coplay elected officials having a long, distinguished volunteer service to Coplay. I felt it was and is important to recognize hard work.

Past recipients include Helen Schnecker, Mayor John Zsigovits, Ron Oakes, Mayor Leonard Klingler, Mayor Josephine Shemanski, Joyce Long, Rollie Yudt and Fritz Wiesner. These distinguished Coplayites are community icons who did many wonderful things for Coplay and its residents. I appreciate their efforts.

When I vacated the Coplay mayor's office in 2007 to become a Lehigh County Commissioner, the name of the award was changed to the "Mayor's Achievement Award." The law states a mayor, governor or president retains the title after leaving office out of respect and for ceremonial duties.

As a former mayor I meet the requirements to perform marriages. I have done one wedding as a former mayor. If you need someone to do your wedding, please call me. I'd be happy to help you tie the knot.

Some current Coplay Borough Council members are experiencing a tough time understanding this legal reality. They believe if I present the "Mayor's Achievement Award" people will be confused and in disarray.

At a recent council meeting they expressed concerns about my my presenting the "Mayor's Achievement Award" at the Oct. 13, Saturday Awards Reception planned for Sam Owens Restaurant beginning at 6 p.m. I told them they are all invited, along with the entire community, to attend when the Properties of Merit Awards, the Coplay Town Watch "Volunteer of the Year Award," and yes, the "Mayor's Achievement Award" will be presented.

It will be a great, fun night. I hope to see you there.

Bill Leiner Jr.

Former Coplay mayor