To the Editor:

I read the Whitehall-Coplay Press Oct. 23 article about Mr. Luckenbach's awful behavior.

It is reported that Councilmen Lou Bodish, Charles Sodl and Steve Burker do not believe this is a council issue.

A councilman threatens,, in front of witnesses to kill another councilman, pleads guilty to the charge and these three men say "It's not a council issue." Really?

I'm Bill Leiner's wife. I was there. It was awful! I asked Luckenbach to stop threatening to kill my husband.

Mr. Burker says he feeIs safe around Luckenbach. Luckenbach can go to Burker's house "anytime." There are criminals in jail who as cellmates get along well. What does Mr. Burker's friendship with Mr. Luckenbach have to do with the crime?

For Mr. Sodl to say this is "self-serving, self-promoting drama" by my husband reflects his unwarranted dislike for my husband. Mr. Sodl needs to learn to think before he talks. His reported comments are thoughtless and show his dislike for my husband.

Also, President Bodish says this is "not a council issue." This is between Leiner and Luckenbach. My husband has spent no time with Mr. Luckenbach and had no issues with him, and said nothing to Mr.Luckenbach the day of the crime beyond, "Hi Carl, how are ya?"

For Mr. Luckenbach to say, "I thought it was over when I apologized and he shook my hand" is not true because my husband told him he will be charged. And, to plead guilty and then say he did not read the criminal complaint is stupid.

In today's world, death threats against anyone, particularly when the person making the death threats pleads guilty, cannot be simply dismissed by saying, "It's not a council issue," "the criminal can come over to my house anytime," "I don't like Bill Leiner so these actions are OK" or "we're moving forward."

Mr. Burker and Mr. Sodl's comments were said to diminish my husband and do not address the crime. They should be ashamed of themselves.

I have watched my husband over the last 20 years help many people in Coplay often at his own expense. He is there for anyone in Coplay who needs help. His heart is right. For these four men to respond the way they have regarding this crime is sad. I've lived in Coplay for 23 years and this is the first time I do not feel safe.

Cynthia Leiner

Coplay