Dec 4, 2008

City Hall Bloat

City Council prevailed on Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski to hire four more police officers than the four submitted in his proposed 2009 budget. According to freelance reporter Sarah Fulton, Jeanette Eichenwald convinced the Mayor this increase was warranted. We in the local blogosphere know Michael Donovan also supported the additional manpower. Considering how many officers may retire this year to benefit themselves by the infamous "PensionGate", a true wild card, will we really reach a force of 214? Considering Pawlowski gave a press conference last spring saying he would concentrate on public safety, why didn't the proposed budget include at least eight more officers? Although City Council questioned the necessity of the Mayor's professional service fund, they have yet to question all the additional administrative positions added by this mayor.

1 comment:

  1. "they have yet to question all the additional administrative positions added by this mayor"

    But can they?

    Allentown operates as a third-class city code of Pennsylvania with the strong Mayor-City Council form of. A Home Rule charter was adopted by the voters in 1996.

    Councilmember Frye, in San Diego describes it in this way:
    http://www.sandiego.gov/citycouncil/cd6/pdf/fryelights/fryelightssept06.pdf

    In the strong-mayor form the mayor is given almost total administrative authority and a clear, wide range of political independence, with the power to appoint and dismiss department heads without council approval

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