Funeral Directors Support Kelley [News – Item, The (PA)]

To the editor: As funeral directors in Northumberland County, we want to address the county taxpayers and feel we need to speak out in support of Mr. James Kelley.

After the devastating pay cuts and additional charges for health insurance, the extra "jab" to call the coroner position "part-time" is appalling. We as funeral directors understand our duties to be on call for families that select our services; however, as coroner, one does not have a choice as to be on call. Coroner is a 24/7/365 position.

Unfortunately, death does not allow for part-time work. The realities of the coroner position are not glamorous. Generally, on all occasions, you aren't relaying good news as coroner.

Mr. Kelley has certainly made the best of his time in office, however; he hosts plenty of events and assemblies to educate everyone on the risks of drinking and driving, texting and driving and drug awareness. Mr. Kelley also helped initiate a Safe Haven program for infants.

We feel the need to write this letter to express our utmost respect and support for Mr. Kelley. Jim has and will continue to serve the taxpayers of our great county.

The recent articles and shots taken at the Kelley family are ridiculous. Feuding neighbors will always feud, and the election shouldn't be an excuse.

We ask that you please consider the facts when voting this year. Mr. Kelley and his staff have never missed a call and have always called for professionalism, class, respect and, of course, thorough investigations. There is always coverage, never any excuses or dirty laundry aired.

We ask everyone who appreciates family, respect, class and professionalism to vote for Jim Kelley.

Jerre Blank, Wirt-Blank Funeral Home, Sunbury;

Malcolm and Andrew Farrow, Farrow Funeral Home, Shamokin;

Julie and Stephen Tetreault, Brooks Funeral Home, Turbotville;

James R. Gotlob, Olley-Gotlob Funeral Home, Sunbury;

Thomas and David Shaw, Shaw Funeral Home, Milton;

David T. Zweier, Zweier Funeral Home, Sunbury;

Joseph J. Stutz, Stutz Funeral Home, Mount Carmel;

Robert Foust, Foust Funeral Home, Trevorton;

Stephen Chowka, Chowka Funeral Home, Shamokin;

Charles Lucas IV, Lucas Funeral Home, Mount Carmel;

Leonard Lucas Jr., Lucas Funeral Home, Shamokin;

Ray Rothermel, Rothermel Funeral Home, Mount Carmel;

Nathan Grenoble, Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, Watsontown