Joe Pitts visit borough officials

This morning, Republican U.S. Congressman Joe Pitts visited borough officials at Borough Hall. It was interesting to sit through, as Borough Manager Ernie McNeely, Police Chief Scott Bohn and Mayor Dick Yoder raised concerns about dealing with the growth of the borough and the drain on police services. Pitts said his office would be willing to help with obtaining grants, but said there isn't a lot of money in the federal budget for some of the relief borough officials are seeking.

There was also a lot of discussion regarding how national terrorism and funding policies influence local municipalities. Bohn and McNeely raised concerns about all of the federal money going to Homeland Security and other anti-terrorism measures, which they acknowledged is important, but the lack of funding going to municipalities to help them fight local crime and maintain infrastructures and services.

Pitts was also asked about the war in Iraq. Councilman Stephen Bond sat in on the session and asked if the war is going to wind down soon, since it absorbs so much of the federal budget. Pitts said it is likely 40,000 troops will be withdrawn by next summer, as U.S. Commanding General David Petraeus recently recommended while appearing before Congress, but it is not likely all troops will be withdrawn anytime soon or funding will be cut off.