Grassroots Politics In Allentown

If you're a student of grassroots politics in Allentown, chances are that you know Robert Trotner. This political and community activist has been encouraging political newcomers for a number of years, through both an internet radio show and coffee house gatherings. His recent meetings at the Coffee House Without Limits has attracted new candidates for mayor, city council and the school board. While their names are mostly new to the general public, all of them are involved in the process already, attending meetings and studying Allentown's problems.

I have been a supporter of local outsider politics for decades. These are the people you see at the meetings, week after week. They are the ones that fight the battle for everyone else.  They are the ones who speak out for the many who remain silent.  While a few get elected and become mainstream, most remain unelected, and unrecognized for their commitment.  Reporting their accomplishments has always been an honor for this blog.

Shown sitting with Trotner is City Council candidate Jessica Lee Ortiz and School Board candidate Phoebe Harris.

reprinted from February of 2017

ADDENDUM DECEMBER 19, 2018: Robert Trotner has been taking quite a beating over at Bernie O'Hare's blog.  The assault was started by O'Hare in a comment section, and his anonymous commenters joined in, kicking Robert while he's down. Among other things, O'Hare wrote... "He has done nothing for the cause of good government"  Among the many of us who might disagree with that assessment is Phoebe Harris, who is now president of the Allentown Dems.  Robert provided numerous venues for her and others interested in participating in Allentown government.  The old saying about no good deed goes unpunished certainly applies to Robert.  I hope that the beatings over at O'Hare's does not discourage Trotner, and others, from their grassroots activities.