On Facebook I see people who are equating candidate Nat Hyman's success in the business world with Donald Trump, which isn't helping his campaign. In reality, Hyman's success would work well for Allentown in City Hall, but he must first get elected on November 7th. Another issue stemming from Hyman's success is if he has a conflict of interest because of his apartment business? This question headlined The Morning Call on Sunday. In my informed opinion, rather than a conflict, Hyman has a unique understanding of the Allentown's housing situation, which is one of Allentown's biggest issues.
A number of years ago Allentown codified the conversion of commercial buildings into apartments by changing the zoning law. While previously such conversions were a matter of special variance only, they now became allowable. The thinking was that after decades of sitting idle, with no prospect of reuse as factories, it was time to make these buildings again productive.
I must question the motive of the Morning Call's article. Was it intended to convey that Allentown doesn't need another possible conflict after Pawlowski's abuse of his power, as Daryl Hendricks spells out, in case anybody missed the implication. That would leave only Ray O'Connell as the viable alternative. Of course the article conveniently omits any history as O'Connell as a Pawlowski enabler for the first three terms. For someone who lost the primary, the paper is certainly treating O'Connell very well. Hyman is not running for Mayor because he is seeking or needs special treatment from the city. He truly wants to restore honor back to city hall. Hopefully the voters will avail themselves of the offer of his time and energy.
Hyman owned Livingston Apartments
Not sure the paper is much of an influence anymore. That said I believe Nat Hyman has stated he would suspend development activities as mayor.
ReplyDeleteBoth O'Connell and Hendricks walked hand in hand with Pawlowski until the FBI stepped in. Every picture you see with Pawlowski in it, Hendricks' was always in the background! He is a big supporter of O'Connell and avails himself to the same photo-ops with O'Connell. Housing is a big issue, and I think Hyman has an advantage over all the candidates, however, Dodge City needs to be cleaned up and the current posse [police administration] is unable [or unwilling] to cope with it. Body-Cams will not curtail crime or even put a dent into it. We need a forward thinking police administration, with a solid crime plan, that will attack the problems in the neighborhoods, which will affect crime at its' roots. Nobody has advanced any theory to accomplish this and putting more cops on the street without a justifiable plan will not make the city any more crime-free.
ReplyDeleteThe question is how can a conflict be avoided if Hyman wins. After the City's experience with Pawlowski, this is a very good question to ask. Whatever the answer, the voters deserve to hear and consider it. "Trust me it'll be fine" didn't work out so well the last time, and I applaud the Call for asking the question. I also appreciated the story's background re: former Mayors Heydt and Daddona.
ReplyDeleteIf one starts with the conclusion that the Call is biased in favor of Pawlowski or O'Connell, then one will see bias in every printed word, whether it's there or not. Look in the mirror and you'll see where the bias really lives.
FWIW, I agree that Hyman's business experience is a plus, if the conflict of interest questions can be resolved.
ReplyDeleteMorning Call is treating Ray OConnel like he's actually on the ballot, which he's not. Also his answer to the question of how Allentown should deal with blighted properties was atrocious.
ReplyDeleteMM,
ReplyDeletehere we go with the mechanicals, how is it a special switch is as necessary as a stoop light that is a nation measure of safety for the occupants yet in Allentown pa some don't even need a stoop light and some are installed with extension cord aperatus through the brick wall? Than we go to the conversions that would look much like a pinball machine on any given night for police or firefighters and last but far not least the paramedics.
We now have directors that are claiming ignorance, but yet are complicite.
Imho The Morning Call's business interests require them to bolster, generally, the so-called establishment political candidates (Hyman and Pawlowski) generally; and specifically, whomever their landlord JB Reilly bolsters (probably Hyman). I think Emily Opilo impartially calls them as she sees them, to the extent The Morning Call permits her.
ReplyDeleteI should like to know why we should elect as mayor the candidate who bases his campaign on his so-called business prowess but had a recent extended business bankruptcy and lost a major trademark infringement case?