To the Editor:

We have read the two articles in the Whitehall-Coplay Press – the borough council version and the rebuttal by Dan Pavelko on his demotion from public works director in the Borough of Coplay.

This is a tragic travesty on the services for the community of Coplay and for Pavelko himself.

For 30 years he has been there, serving with dedication, regardless of the task at hand. He has guided the workforce in his own style, and they have, and are, responding with a great job being done.

Why is council throwing him under the bus with this demotion?

The community has saved many dollars because of Pavelko's capabilities (and those of Rick Bundra also, who recently retired).

In the future, the borough will require a bit of costly outsourcing of services, which had been provided in house by Pavelko, and this will mean increased expenditures.

During my career, my boss approved my budget wherever I served and then turned me loose to manage my offices.

There was no micromanagement involved.

Why is borough council doing this? Is it because someone, or everyone, on council disagrees with Pavelko's style of management.

Why not let him do his job?

How many complaints have they received?

I only know of compliments from folks who have been served by Pavelko going above and beyond what is required by him in his capacity as public works director.

Is it the almighty dollar speaking again?

The newspaper article stated that Dan's salary is approximately $51,000 and he would be reduced to approximately $38,000.

That is a cut of some $13,000. And then, council could hire a new director at a much lower starting salary – let's say, approximately $42,000 for a savings of about $9,000.

I have seen this mentality in the regular business world. Reward those who have served with a diligent and dedicated fervor with a kick in the butt. Those so called savings will be diminished with the outsourcing that will have to be utilized.

It is our fervent hope that the residents of Coplay will rise up and demand council take a step back, smell the roses, and reverse their decision to demote Dan Pavelko.

What say Coplay?

Frank and Ann Dickman

Coplay