Exception from the Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce

The Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce is a vital voice in the community and the Board of Directors unanimously agrees that the proposed State House Map changes are unnecessary and not in the best interest of the Slate Belt community and businesses. Not only does the preliminary map changes create division within the Bangor Area School District, it would cause Upper Mount Bethel Township and Portland Borough to be represented by a district that is largely based in Monroe County, as opposed their residence in Northampton County. It can be noted that the geographic boundaries of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Trail place Upper Mount Bethel Township and Portland Borough in the Slate Belt/Northampton County. Please note, the ‘Slate Belt’ is comprised of: Pen Argyl Area School District: Pen Argyl Borough, Wind Gap Borough, Plainfield Township and Bangor Area School District: Bangor Borough, Rosetto Borough, East Bangor Borough, Portland Borough, Washington Township, Lower Mount Bethel Township, Upper Mount Bethel Township The Slate Belt is a distinct area with a rich heritage and deep sense of community and should be kept as a single legislative district to best enable the community to act as one voice on adverse matters.