Whether Mayor Edwin Pswlowski is convicted or not, nobody can have any doubt about the corruption this city has experienced over the last decade. Every contract was negotiated not for the taxpayer's sake, but rather the position of the mayor. These distorted criterion infected every department. Those who follow this blog realize that while both local politics and history are my topics of choice, the park system is my passion.
Although the Cedar Beach Pool contract was investigated as corrupt, it was not the only questionable decision made by the park department under Pawlowski. First and foremost, two new parcels should have never been purchased; This is the land by Basin Street, and the former fertilizer plant land along Martin Luther King Drive. The existing park system has been neglected since Pawlowski was elected in 2005, with the iconic WPA Stone Structures literally crumbling.
If the administration and city council had taken suggestions made on this blog to heart, the entrance wall of Lehigh Parkway would have never collapsed. I do not possess unique insight, but rather the simple understanding that Allentown has a magnificent park system which needs only to be maintained.
blogger surveying entrance road wall after it collapsed in Lehigh Parkway
Mike,
ReplyDeleteWell said. I don't expect much to change in Allentown even if Ed is convicted. The corruption won't be as apparent but it will remain and the one party rule that the voters have imposed guarantees little inter government oversight and patronage. Neither make for good government. I expect the press to return to its see no evil reporting as well.
scott@9:08, i couldn't agree more. as a confession, i will not harp too much on city council after pawlowski's departure, because as unpure as they may be, i'm hoping for some change in park policy.
ReplyDeletein regard to the Morning Call, it is apparent to me that the transplanted publisher is relying on Bill White for advise. Almost every editorial decision seems to mirror White's known preferences on the different topics, even including stringer assignments.
Thank you, Mike, for caring about the City of Allentown. It's a pleasure to read the thoughts of a person with a clear head and insight as well as passion. I guess the best way to ensure that our parks remain usable and enjoyable is to visit them, observe and make our opinions heard (never solicited but so what). I wonder how long it's been since Allentown had referendums on topics of importance or concern to its residents and visitors. Is there a way to request that referendums be offered?
ReplyDeleteAgain, thanks and best wishes,-CS