It's politically incorrect to take shots at Alan Jennings. He runs a multi-million dollar organization which supposedly helps low income people. People and companies feel good about themselves when they answer his call for contributions. He has developed into a self righteous ego maniac, who even boasts of having people incarcerated. Although I just took him to task a couple weeks ago, his new hypocrisy needs a mention. Alan's running an entrepreneurial training program for people of low to moderate income who are thinking about starting a business or expanding their current business in the neighborhoods of center city Allentown. The course will be conducted at 702 Hamilton Street. Alan, Alan, Alan, where do I begin! There were such merchants across the street in that now vacant rubble who were displaced while you sat silently by. The merchants which you will train, and bankroll with contributions and taxpayer grants*, will never be allowed to operate on Prime NIZ Hamilton Street. You have been appointed to serve on the new NIZ Authority, and you're conducting your class in J. B. Reilly's building; The biggest private beneficiary of the NIZ, who intends to apply for even more loans. Ain't that rich!
*give them a fish market
I just got the news release myself.
ReplyDeletecuriouser and curiouser all the time.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is WOW!
ReplyDeleteAlfonso Todd
www.5minutes2shine.blogspot.com
Alan is a big disappointment.
ReplyDeleteScott Armstrong
This sounds like Alan needed to find some NIZ excuse. "Quick. Find me a program. Any will do."
ReplyDeleteShame on him.
the program has been going on for years. in addition to creating entrepreneurs they also set people up in business, and then claim that their success rate is 94%. in other words, his graduates and business picks supposedly outperform the general rate of about 50%, by self starters who get actual bank loans or work and save. (there's a concept alan!) he doesn't give them a fish, or a fishing pole, but buys them a fish market. he omits the on going cash assistance given to keep them afloat, and big failures, like the paint angel project. he is a sacred cow, who has made a career of out political correctness.
ReplyDeleteJack Kemp must be rolling in his grave. What a bastardization of his original "enterprise zones."
ReplyDeleteIsn't crony capitalism bad enough? Now we get crony socialism tinged with crony plutocratism (my word).