To the Editor:

I recently attended a clock dedication ceremony in Coplay.

Groups and individuals donated more than $30,000 for the purchase of a large, beautiful community clock. Many municipalities have decorated their civic squares and parks with beautiful, large clocks. These items are symbolic of the passing of time and time-oriented activities within communities.

These clock purchases, unless fully funded by the local community government, provide a citizen the opportunity to provide funds for the clock purchase. The clock then becomes a touch point for the donators and the town.

The dedication was held on a beautiful, warm May day and featured music and fellowship among attendees. There was a genuine feeling of connecting for most people attending the dedication.

A number of dignitaries were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication led by Coplay Mayor Stephen J. Burker. Several elected officials and other community leaders were allowed to make brief statements. All the statements, save one, were positive in their orientation and befitting the mood and event.

One Coplay elected official, an 80-something gentleman who, when asked by Burker to make a brief statement, began his remarks in a booming voice, saying, “The federal government sucks. The state government sucks ...” and then went on the talk about the clock and dedication.

Many attendees scratched their heads as they heard the statement, ill-timed at this event.

These unmindful statements provided no redeeming value for the event.

The gentleman can reflect on this ill-disposed statements, and if he has self-awareness, he can extend apologies, starting with Mayor Burker, then to his council peers and to whomever heard his words.

If one is an elderly, local elected official who openly complains about the federal and state governments in pleasant forums, he is faced with options. He could return his monthly Social Security check to the U.S. Treasury and throw away his Medicare card provided by the federal government.

Bill Leiner Jr.

Coplay