This is in response to the Sun Journal story (July 25) about how the town of Rumford would be removing 41 or more streetlights to “save” $6,000. Town Manager Carlo Puiia announced the decision, however, I feel it was a very poor one.

Streetlights in Rumford were upgraded in the 1960s in response to vandalism and other criminal activity. The Sun Journal story also mentioned that the proposal to remove streetlights would be reviewed by the local police chief. Unless the reason for upgrading streetlights is no longer the case, then the police chief cannot, in good conscience, go along with the proposal.

Far better to have mandatory trash recycling. That would “save” far more than the aforementioned $6,000 (probably 10 times as much), and be beneficial to the environment as well.

Dennis Breton, Rumford