The following is a collection of recent Letters to the Editor of Coal Region Canary. See the bottom of this post for instructions on submitting your own letter.
📰
To the Editor:
I remember being represented by a congressman who wasn’t afraid to meet with constituents in a public setting. Matt Cartwright regularly scheduled “Coffee with your Congressman” meetups throughout his district. I showed up for one he held at the Frackville Library and was impressed by the poise and dignity he displayed in response to some angry MAGA types. Most importantly, Cartwright listened to ALL of his constituents.
Not so with Dan Meuser. Since being elected to Congress, he has held zero in-person town halls in his district. Schuylkill Indivisible, of which I’m a member, has asked repeatedly for a town hall with Meuser to no avail. Instead, he engaged in juvenile name-calling, referring to his own constituents as “nasty” and “lunatics” because we hold different political views and ask tough questions.
Here are a few of the questions we want to ask our congressman:
Why do you keep repeating the lie that Democrats shut down the government (which the GOP can reopen) so that undocumented immigrants can participate in federal healthcare programs (which they are already ineligible for)?
Why did you run for Congress, an equal branch of our government, only to surrender your power to the executive branch?
What is your response to Trump’s social media post showing him in a fighter jet dropping bombs of excrement onto fellow citizens? Do you deem that an appropriate presidential response? And do you share Trump’s view that the millions of Americans like me who abhor his administration’s policies are “the enemy within”?
Why is Trump permitted to attack boats in international waters without congressional approval? To date, the U.S. has blown up 10 or more boats, killing nearly all onboard without giving anyone the opportunity to surrender.
Finally, when will you agree to a real town hall?
Helen Sluzis, Morea
📰
To the Editor:
St. Clair’s High School Decision Matters, to an entire community.
Change is never easy, especially when it comes to decisions that shape the lives of young people and the fabric of our community. As the St. Clair Area School District considers its longstanding partnership with Pottsville Area School District and weighs proposals from North Schuylkill and Schuylkill Haven, our community stands at a critical crossroads. This is not just an exercise in numbers and logistics—it’s about the future of our children and the soul of our local identity.
For years, St. Clair students have called Pottsville High School their second home, benefitting from established routines, a familiar environment, and deep-rooted community ties. But as the District assesses new proposals, it’s clear that the decision before them is bigger than reviewing tuition rates or transportation routes. We must ask ourselves: What do we want for our students, and what kind of legacy will this choice leave for generations?
Proposals from North Schuylkill, Schuylkill Haven, and Pottsville offer contrasting visions for all four of the districts’ futures. The numbers—tuition costs, projected increases, ancillary expenses—are important, but they are only part of the story. The district must look beyond spreadsheets, considering how educational opportunities and extracurricular programs at each school will empower our students. Are we providing access to advanced courses, robust support services, and the kind of well-rounded experience that sets up our youth for lifelong success?
Travel logistics and safety concerns also loom large. Long commutes can sap energy and time from students, affecting participation in before- and after-school activities. Bad weather and hazardous roads aren’t just inconveniences—they’re risks that must be weighed carefully. The best choice isn’t necessarily the cheapest or the closest, but the one that ensures our students can thrive, learn, and grow in a safe and nurturing environment.
Changing high school affiliations means more than swapping school colors—it means reimagining traditions, sports leagues, and community connections. Will a new agreement disrupt youth sports feeder programs or cherished events that bring families together? Can new bridges be built with a different district, fostering relationships that honor the past while embracing new possibilities?
The voices of parents, students, and community organizations are vital in this conversation. The decision cannot be made in isolation; it demands open forums, candid discussion, and a willingness to adapt. This editorial calls on every stakeholder to engage in the process with compassion, transparency, and vision.
With school board transitions on the horizon (at least 1 school board member’s term is over at the end of 2025), timing is everything. Rushing a decision risks overlooking vital perspectives. The board must balance thorough analysis while keeping the focus squarely on student welfare and educational excellence.
As we face this turning point, let’s remember what’s truly at stake. The next agreement will shape not only where our children attend high school, but also how they learn, interact, and lay the foundations for their futures. It is our duty—as educators, leaders, and community members—to ensure the path we choose is paved with opportunity, safety, and a commitment to the best interests of every student.
In my opinion, and for reasons outlined above, continuing the relationship with Pottsville Area School District, is the correct choice. The 18 members of the two school boards need to put aside any differences, sit at the table together, negotiate in good faith with open minds and perform the job you were duly elected to perform – which is ensuring the best for all our current and future students.
Our community’s story is still being written. Let’s be sure the next chapter reflects our values, our hopes, and our unwavering dedication to our children.
Oliver “Ollie” Denuis
📰
To the Editor:
This letter is in reference to the current political environment surrounding the City of Pottsville council and mayoral races.
It appears that the rhetoric and tactics of national politics have now come to the local level. Political jousting on social media and public grandstanding by both parties. This type of high-pressure politics has led to distrust of elected officials, the loss of friendships, and a lack of community.
First, the Democratic candidates have not offered a positive message and have made several blunders. The fracturing of city leadership over the past year has created a power struggle. City leadership has had opportunities to course-correct, yet apathy and other political bureaucracy (e.g., state regulations) have led to the City’s current state. I am concerned about Andy Wollyung, who is sending mixed messages throughout the campaign. As for Candidates Wood and Weres seem to have no voice or message, other than hey, we are already on council. On a positive note, in non-election years, I have seen Mr. Weres be a part of Pottsville by supporting community organizations.
Second, for the Republican candidates, do you really have the City’s residents’ best interests at heart? Do you really love the City, or is there an agenda? My concern is that for the past forty years, the Republican Party has not held a majority of City leadership. However, for this election, the Republican Party, including donors and support from outside of the City, is making a major play for City leadership positions.
There is a lot of talk about the CRIZ and other business-related issues, but little about other pressing issues facing the city. Public Safety issues such as recruiting and retaining police officers, funding public works, and improving infrastructure.
A significant concern is candidate Scott Price. I have seen his unprofessional actions at City Council meetings. While it appears he is trying to score political points, is this really someone who should be elected to represent the residents of Pottsville?
As a lifelong Pottsville resident, I am still undecided about the candidates running. I really hope the political temperature cools and Pottsville can become a vibrant community.
Catherine Stevenson, Pottsville
📰
EDITOR’S NOTE: Letters to the Editor can be emailed to newscanary@gmail.com. Please include your name and phone number for confirmation purposes. Your phone number will not be published.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...