In recent memory Allentown has two women who aspired to be Mayor, Pam Varkony and Sam Bennett. If I was less politically correct, and willing to catch a storm of hell, I might refer to them as alpha females, but I won't. Pam heads an organization designed to empower women, and is both a MSM columnist and blogger. Sam heads a do-gooder organization, Properties of Merit, and is a Democratic Party activist. As a candidate for United States Congress in the 15th district against Charlie Dent, Sam has been the target of two recent columns by Pam Varkony. The first column concentrated on supposed fundraising misinformation. The current column concerns salary controversies at Properties of Merit. In the past I have been critical of the program itself; just because a couple of guys buy a new house, and plant flower boxes the first year, i don't think they deserve a trophy. To me the long term homeowner who keeps his property presentable, year in and year out, regardless of a declining neighborhood, is the property of merit. But putting aside my incendiary remarks, let's read Pam's. First she states,
"There was a case in Pittsburgh where a politician's wife did pretty much the same thing: Started a small non-profit, received government money, then took a large salary." Sort of sounds like Bennett started Properties of Merit to end up with a large salary. In fairness to Sam, she started Properties of Merit many years ago; I know because I have been criticizing the concept for a long time. Pam later writes, "I realize that the POM program, when properly managed and executed, has value...."
In fairness to Pam this post is a reaction to the juxtaposition of Sam's treatment in the local blogosphere. On the comment section of Bernie O'Hare's site she is being assaulted by even fellow liberal democrats. I always had a soft spot for the underdog.
CLARIFICATION: Both the quotes I contribute to Pam were made in the comment section, when she was reacting to comments made by other people about her posting.
Michael,
ReplyDeleteOne of your most admirable qualities is the way you look out for the underdog. You bring out the sense of fair play in the rest if us, and I thank you for that. I will be sure to give you Bennett's side, and in her own words. You can then decide.
thank you bernie, and in regard to fairness, as i since added to my posting, pam's quotes came from the comment section, and not the main body of her post. her criticism of the supposed transparency of the salary controversy may well be valid. I am admittingly taking advantage of Pam's comments to illustrate Sam's dilemma, she(sam) has been on the receiving end of many shots this past couple of years, yet is willing to come forward and give her energy to her party in a near david-goliath matchup
ReplyDeleteIt is great to get another perspective.
ReplyDeleteThanks Micheal
I still find this a sleazy way to get rich. Government, you gotta love it.
ReplyDeleteI thought that she volunteered for several years before receiving a salary from POM? I have always thought she was unfairly treated and bashed by the local bloggers.
ReplyDeleteAnd since Mother's Day is approaching I think someone should mention that she is a mom, has a young child I believe, is active in the community, running for office, and willing to take the time to answer tough questions from BO'Hare.
I usually have a "soft spot" for the underdog too, but I see it as more like respect for a woman who manages many roles in her life, is willing to take risks, even if I might disagree with her politics.
MM, You post a blog about the Americus, and a story ends up in the MC. Then you write this story, and it appears on another blog. In both cases, no one credits you. Sad.
ReplyDeleteI read the story in the MC about Minich's and other tenants from the Americus and I thought the same thing, they stole that idea from MM!! I bet tomorrow's featured business in the MC retail scene will be "Tucker's Yarn."
ReplyDeleteWhat other blog stole MM's idea? I have not seen that one.
Oh, sorry I just read that other story. I usually read this blog before that other blog.
ReplyDeletei've been being flattered alot lately. today the morning call wrote a story about the youth gang initiative and grants available for programs i also blogged about. i'm somewhat concerned that programs coming from churches will get to much favor. are we trying to find constructive alternative activities for kids or line up congregations as voting blocks?
ReplyDeleteMM-
ReplyDeletePlease know that when I wrote my "Sam VS Pam" post, I hadn't read yours. Aphrodite alerted me to the title similarities. When you read my post you will see my topic and view is somewhat different. No disrespect was intended,
naked blogger, thank you for the note, i did realize the different slants
ReplyDeletemichael,something stinks and im gonna stir the pot.just what kind of public relations/consultant firm does pam own? Who are her clients?Afflerbach also supports himself with such a firm.Does she accept money from state republican party funds to promote their agenda through her blog.What about the bankruptcy in her past? IRS troubles? who got stiffed and how much? Since when is Power of Women seen only through the republican telescope? she may ignore these questions but im sure they will come back should she decide to run against ed p.
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