In 2006, shortly after Pawlowski started his first term, he hired Francis Dougherty to be Managing Director. In the previous two years, City Council had rejected the idea of changing from a strong mayor system to the manager system, with a ceremonial mayor. So when Pawlowski hired Dougherty, we actually ended up paying for both systems. Additionally, Pawlowski created three other positions which had never before been part of the mayor's office. In 2007, when this blog started, I often wrote about the top heavy 5th floor at City Hall. Last night, Pawlowski had a statement read into the record at Council, which ended with the following statement; I thank you for your consideration and I apologize I am not able to be there personally tonight but am in Washington representing our great city at the US Conference of Mayors. With the dark cloud floating over Pawlowski, we certainly are not being well represented at that conference. If his concern was the city, and not himself, he would have instead sent one of the many underlings he has created to Washington.
Although he will bring no value to us in the conference in Washington this week, he continues to inflict actual damage back here in Allentown. The Parking Authority, and it's director, has been tainted by his involvement in the bid to construct their latest parking deck. In another involvement, the Park Department, and it's director, has been tainted by the recent purchase of the Atiyeh parcels. It's general knowledge that City Hall and all its departments are more less paralyzed by the current cover your back mentality.
I'm not surprised by his refusal now to put the city first. I opposed him first in 2005 as an independent candidate for mayor, then as a frequent speaker at council, and letter writer to the paper. In 2007, I began this blog, which largely opposed Pawlowski's policies. At that time, Allentown thought he was wonderful, including the local blogosphere. Allentown will survive, until which
The few, the proud, the naysayers. Scott Armstrong
ReplyDeleteThe current atmosphere in Allentown City Hall is impossible to describe.The city is like a huge ocean going ship, its engine room shut down, drifting toward a dark and dangerous shore as a winter storm approaches.
ReplyDeleteScary, very, very scary.
The city is in a standstill! Does this mean nobody knows a snow storm is coming? Does this mean the streets will not be plowed because Ed d.is not talking? Maybe this means that the 90% of the useless shit they do won't get done!
ReplyDeleteThis City Council vote was the Pot calling the Kettle Black.
ReplyDeleteI suggest a name change be made for "The Lehigh River" as it runs through Allentown. Perhaps renaming it "The De-Nile River" might be more appropriate.
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree with the idea that this is way late... I am willing to take the council at their word, that perhaps it is time to man up and take on this corrupt, idiot mayor. Last night's vote only has meaning if they in fact continue to challenge him week in and week out like Eichenwald did. Otherwise, it is a blank, empty gesture.
ReplyDeletesaw greedys speech. Oh thank you sir. You being such a busy man, we are truly thankful. Did you have time to work on the bridge this week? No- well your a busy man. That all folks.
ReplyDeleteI might join others in saying Daryl Hendricks position is a bit late in coming, but I'd have to add that I find his sudden forcefulness to be a larger dose of hypocrisy then I can force myself to swallow.
ReplyDeleteExcuse me, I think I'm going to be ill.