As the urban center for the regional towns along the Montgomery and Berks county border, Pottstown often gets stuck with the tab for hosting big events that attract residents in those neighboring towns. One example is the annual Halloween parade, which this year was threatened with cancellation if the group throwing it couldn't come up with the thousands needed to pay the necessary police overtime. Luckily the public came through, but not before there was some debate on why Pottstown's neighbors weren't paying their fair share for the borough's entertainment offerings while voicing complaints about the problems with the event.
This cartoon ran with the Oct. 14 editorial "Halloween parade costs should be tab for region."

After a recently passed law required drivers to give bicyclists 4 feet of space when passing, the hot topic of who should have more rights on the road has often highlighted the need for both cyclists and drivers to be more considerate and careful. This cartoon accompanied the editorial "Biking safety is a two-way street," which appeared in The Mercury three days before Walk/Bike to School Day on Oct. 3.

Phoenixville's Clinic is finding a way through the often burdensome issue of health care without all the hoopla and fruitless efforts of the federal government. This cartoon appeared with the editorial "The Clinic challenges won't deter mission" which looked at the organization's need for a larger building 10 years after it began.

Pottstown's yearly Fourth of July Celebration, which lasts several days, is one of the most positive events the borough is known for in the area, but that tradition is under threat of underfunding. In August, organizers said this year may be the last for the event as funds failed to meet the costs of holding the event. http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20120902/OPINION01/120909957/ju-y-4th-celebration-in-serious-jeopardy