Politics & Government

Council Says 'No' to Cable for Nazareth Police

For the second time, Nazareth Borough Council has denied a motion to reconnect the cable to a television in the Nazareth Borough Police Department headquarters.

denied a motion Monday night to reconnect the cable to a television in the headquarters on S. Main Street.

Councilman Charles Donello, who is a member of council's Police Committee, made the motion to reconnect, which received three "yes" votes. In addition to Donello, Michael Kopach and Cynthia Werner voted "yes."

That left six "no" votes, and the motion failed. Council .

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The donated television in the police department's headquarters has been a sore subject in ever since a Highway Department employee  to disconnect the RCN cable on Jan. 20.

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A Nazareth officer donated the television to replace a 25-year-old set, which no longer worked when RCN went digital.

Police Chief Thomas Trachta previously promised to place the television in the department's interview room, which is under 24-hour surveillance. The mayor has said he heard rumors of officers from Nazareth and other departments watching the television for entertainment.

Councilman Larry Stoudt, clearly irritated by the motion made Monday night, said he wanted this to be "the last time we hear of this subject, and the last time this subject comes before council."

Donello countered by saying he's entitled to make motions.

"It’s up to council to deny the motion," Donello said. "After four months, we can’t bring it back?"

The debate went from there.

"You bring it back up every month," Stoudt said. "This council runs this borough. Not the police chief, not the police department -- the council. You’re not going to win."

Donello added that Stoudt wasn't present at the , so he didn't know what was said.

Stoudt, the former chairman of the committee, said, "I was on the committee long before you. I know all about what's going on."

Trachta has listed a variety of reasons why the cable should be reconnected -- so his officers can stay up to date on news and weather that may affect the borough.

However, there are "plenty of alternatives," according to Councilman Jack Herbst, such as smartphones, the Internet and the .

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