web1_daylightsavings02.jpg

Area farmers like the longer days that come with spring

web1_Hoffman2.jpg

Hazleton Area’s Jimmy Hoffman reaches Class 3A 132-pound semifinals at PIAA Championships

PLYMOUTH &#8212; Councilman James Mahon, 79, resigned on Wednesday citing death threats which he said he took very seriously.He said he reported the threats to both the Pennsylvania State Police and the Luzerne County District Attorney&#8217;s Office, according to a press release.Mahon, a Democrat, said the threats caused him to re-evaluate his priorities.In a letter released to the press, he said, &#8220;I am placing my family&#8217;s safety and welfare first, and therefore it is with deep regret that I must step away from my council position.&#8221;Mahon, said after two successful heart surgeries, he decided to run for the position.According to Mahon, he walked from one part of town to the other introducing himself to his constituents.&#8220;I was not part of any ticket, nor did I have a concern for myself, it was all about you and serving your interests.&#8221;Mahon said throughout is two-year tenure on council he fought to keep taxes low and to eliminate corruption from government.He alleged that many of the recent actions of council were focused on the benefit of council and not on borough residents.&#8220;Your taxes will be going up, your liquid fuels accounts are under review again, money is being spent without council approval, and our borough manager, who has told council &#8216;no,&#8217; is being fired,&#8221; he said, painting a grim picture of the borough, its services and its finances.In closing the correspondence, Mahon said, &#8220;hopefully together as a community, we will continue to fight to make Plymouth a better place to live.&#8221;&#8220;Its been five years since we raised taxes,&#8221; said Councilman William Dixon, responding in an interview on Friday night. &#8220;Of course, taxes will be going up eventually.&#8221;&#8220;There is nothing wrong with the general or liquid fuels accounts,&#8221; said Dixon. &#8220;The state has simply directed us to keep a more detailed account of liquid fuels monies.&#8221;When called for further comment on Friday, Mahon pointed a reporter to the release and refused further comment.<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta>By Geri Gibbonsggibbons@www.timesleader.com</bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta>Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons</shirttailMeta></div>

Plymouth councilman resigns citing death threats