With the wind of the NIZ at his back, Ed Pawlowski will announce for a third term this week. Do not expect a similar announcement from a Republican. I have written before that Allentown may have well passed the tipping point where anyone could be elected as a Republican. One potential R candidate has apparently decided against the effort. A liberal yuppie told me this week how excited he was about plans for the river front. Another described the arena complex as only a positive for Allentown. When I explained that the arena will be a dormant white elephant during the daytime, and many nights, he said that was better than what was there before. He hopes all the development displaces some of the
element that live nearby. In one way or another, Pawlowski seems to have wrapped up segments from all the demographics in town. What sacrificial lamb the Republicans produce remains to be seen.
Unfortunately, Allentown (under Pawlowski) is a smaller version of today's America.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't matter if the spending makes any sense. All that matters is if funding is available . . . you spend it! Future debt is not an issue, only what looks impressive now.
Pawlowski is mayor for life, UNLESS a Latino challenges him. Any Latino can beat him. Let's just hope that person is a more responsible leader.
There is no way a Latino beats him. Why? Latino's do not vote. The vast majority of voters in Allentown are white men and women in their 40's or higher and do not live in center city where the concentration of Latino are located.
ReplyDeleteYou could be right 8:27, but, we are living in an "ethnic identity" period. Latinos, I believe, WILL vote given the right candidate.
ReplyDeleteLatinos are what? 40% of Allentown's population?
A Latino mayor is most definitely the next great step, and I believe it's time.
as the post says, i believe that with the NIZ at his back, pawlowski would be almost impossible to beat. he could arrange for a ribbon cutting or ground breaking ceremony almost every week during a campaign. despite their numbers, the hispanics are not politically organized. i would think that in the future, if pawlowski lands an appointment in washington, julio guridy would be the hispanic hope. at this time he is content to bide his time.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how Allentown's residents sit back for the most part and remain docile. Perhaps the lack of home ownership in large numbers has caused this apathy.
ReplyDeleteYep, and the prblom of nusense landlords with tenants the same. Than ofcorse there is the blight problem that the king himself had his hand in the cookie jar¿
DeleteREDD
....... and they say M. Fleck isn't good?
ReplyDeleteI have heard that Pawlowski isn't well liked in the Democratic circles of the Lehigh Valley. Any chance a challenger could run?
ReplyDeleteAre there term limits in Allentown?
I would agree that most of Allentown is extremely apathetic. If people were paying attention, there would be riots.
there are no term limits. there are no challengers. he has a cadre of powerful supporters.
ReplyDeletecounwomanan eichenwalt could beat mayr in primary, if she decides to run for mayor. the recent petition drive had 4500 signatures opposing mayors lease of water and sewer services, plus many who oppose mayor canelect eichenwald.
ReplyDelete@12:58, i do agree with the notion that if pawlowski is to be beat, it would have to be in the primary.
ReplyDeleteAs crazy as it may sound the only way to beat Ed at this juncture would be for a likeable Black and Hispanic newcomer along with a rematch of Bennett and Belleteri to challenge him in the primary.All would have their niche and Ed would come up short.
ReplyDeleteRun Louie Run!
ReplyDeleteMike, do you hear any names for mayor and council on a republican party primary
ReplyDeleteguy at 10:23: your frame of reference is 2005. that train has long left the station
ReplyDelete@5:52: i have no names to report at this time
What we need are leaders who are actually DOING things in the community and with/for the people (no matter what your nationality or socio-economic status) instead of being content with voting at weekly meetings and attending select ribbon cuttings. People have to realize, whether you are a Dem, Repub, or Indy that your community work and relationships are what will take you to where you want to go politically. (Just don't forget where you came from)
ReplyDeleteAlfonso Todd
Get Involved. Be Empowered.
The anti faction needs more sophisticated advisers and a better playbook.
ReplyDeleteSOON.