Bradford Era — On the eve of the general election, Mount Jewett Borough Council fielded questions about the borough police department — or lack thereof — which is arguably the largest hot-button topic for the borough in this election year.

In January, council created a new ordinance which called for a limit of 39 hours per week for any officer working for the borough police department, including then-police chief Steve Hale. At least two part-time officers would work 50 hours per week, and their main duties entailed “weekday mornings while pedestrian and vehicular traffic is at its peak” and mid-to-late evening to deter vandalism.

Council president Chuck Paar described council as being divided as to whether or not Mount Jewett should keep an active police force. Paar claims he supports an active force, but his voice is just “one of seven.”  Read More