Based on their strong attendance at Wednesday's board of supervisors meeting, Middlesex Township residents left no doubt that they are watching and listening regarding their elected officials' proposal to cut four police officers from the seven-member department.

Regardless of the residents' stance - and this time it was virtually unanimous about not cutting the department's manpower - it was refreshing to see so many people put aside everything else so they could express their opinion in person.

There ought to be good attendance at all municipal meetings, in Middlesex and elsewhere, even when such an important issue is not on the agenda. Unfortunately, that is rare.

In Middlesex, an important issue is capable of attracting a crowd, as Wednesday proved. Some communities cope with lackluster resident interest, even when an important issue that merits strong taxpayer involvement is on the agenda.

The Middlesex supervisors proposed trimming the size of the police department as one means for increasing the amount of money available for badly needed road repairs. However, residents are understandably fearful about the repercussions of having a smaller department and fewer hours of police coverage at a time when stepped-up growth is envisioned and, in some parts of the township, already under way.

Now that residents have spoken, they should not only continue to pay attention, but ponder alternative ways for the township to find revenue for the needed highway work. Further delay in carrying out road repairs paves the way for worse deterioration and a bigger expense when the work is finally attacked.

Middlesex residents who attended the supervisors meeting should feel a sense of satisfaction in having been a part of getting Wednesday's message across so emphatically.