Dear Editor,

Please understand, I agree that the recent Boot Drive, conducted by the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1835 on and off duty fire fighters, as well as staff from the Beatty Middle School, was for a very worthy cause. My comments pertain to the manner it was conducted on the roadway at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue West and Liberty Street in Warren from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2017.

However, I very much regret to inform your readers and the organizers of the event that it was conducted in violation of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Title 75 Section 3545, Subsection 2, which reads as follows:

No person shall: Stand on a roadway for the purpose of soliciting employment, business, or contributions from the occupant of any vehicle. If a citation would be issued, the fine is $25.00 plus costs for a total of around $130.00.

Since this intersection used to have a red light, which was replaced with four stop signs, there is enough confusion and frustration regarding who has the right of way by some of many the drivers and pedestrians who use it daily. My only purpose in addressing this situation is for the safety of all involved and to avoid any personal injury or vehicle damage. Therefore, I suggest and expect that any future soliciting of funds on our roadways will be done in compliance with the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.

In conclusion, I want to thank the many volunteers for their time to work on this event, and I hope their efforts were very successful in collecting sufficient funds for the food pantry at Beaty. Any money raised beyond the needs of the food pantry will go towards purchasing clothing and assorted personal care items for students in need.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Dennis L. Bonace,

Warren