In the Pawlowski era, most opportunities to get on Allentown's council came from appointment. There was no opportunity to become mayor, even after Pawlowski was indicted.
When Schlossberg and Schweyer moved on to Harrisburg, their seats became available for appointment. Michael D'Amore resigned when elected magistrate. Jeff Glazier also was appointed, and his successor was appointed, when he became controller.
This year with Roger MacLean's decision not to run again, there is a rare opportunity for a new face to be actually elected. While another chronicler might list all the candidates running this year, I prefer to ponder the election environment, and speculate, rather than ask, why people aren't running. MacLean, as a long time public servant, has probably decided to enjoy his amenities, and forego any controversies about them. Nat Hyman might have decided to concentrate on his rental business activities, and forego the inevitable conflict of interest allegations.
Mike, As someone who has worked hard to recruit quality, able people to run for office I can write with certainty that these people aren't interested. Why? Because they are sure they won't be elected, and if they are Republican they will be slandered by the Dems and the local paper in the process. I can only speculate why able Democrats won't run, surely there must be some in the city. It's my guess, they are willing to be party hacks and or don't want to share company/be associated with, with our current elected officials.
ReplyDelete"unwilling to be party hacks"
ReplyDeleteunlike the city of South Bend, Allentonians cant seem to look past the end of their noses. We also seem to be waiting for a Prince or Princess charming. Too cliquish for anyone to rise above the so called leadership of either party. So sad.
ReplyDeleteGuy, exactly what do you know about the leadership of the local Republican Party? My guess is absolutely nothing, but correct me if I am wrong.
ReplyDeleteNo different than the leadership of the local Democratic Party. What success have either party accomplished in the last twenty years? Please correct me if I am wrong. Instead of bloviating about the state of affairs why not work together for its improvement. For example check out South Bend's vacant and abandoned housing challenge. Its been on the net since 2013. 1000 properties in 1000 days. started in 2011 and finished ahead of schedule. Now being implemented in trenton and other cities. South Bend a city of 100,000 with similar demographics and has undergone other revitalizing successes. Unless there is a big attitude change among the people that live in allentown and start working together there will be no change to create and I mean create a city we can all be proud of. So read up on 1000 properties 1000 days and you tell me what you find wrong with it. Lets all stop trying to invent the wheel.
ReplyDeleteSo you know nothing. You apply a template and make assumptions from that. Uninformed commentary is what it is,worthless. Sorry to be so blunt but many of us put in many hours, too many hours apparently, in an attempt to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteWhat I know I know thru the lens of my Insurance man. Without effective party organizations many, many hours of work goes for naught. No one in their right mind would put themselves out there in the current political climate. The last thing republicans need is you as their spokesman/recruiter.Then theres WPCA. Sorry you made your own bed.
ReplyDeleteEarth to guy! Your insurance man told you everything you know about the local Republican Party? You actually have never been involved but you know someone who was...and of course this man is absolutely correct about everything he knows, and all his judgments are free of bias and absolutely sound.
ReplyDeleteWell Guy, All of my knowledge is firsthand and over many years. I also know all of the people involved, many good people. You sound as if you want to appear informed but aren't and instead have some personal axes to grind. There's frankly way too many people like Guy posting. Everyone has the right to, but if that's all they do while lecturing on what to do, or how to do it, it's merely more self satisfying pontification.
By the way, the WPCA is a first class organisation and the West Park neighborhood is the last decent place to live in the downtown thanks to us. Now, why not tell us what your insurance man told you about that?
ReplyDeleteMy insurance man told me WPCA was a very good organization and has done some very good work over the years. Would like to also point out you are good at blaming democrats for the problems of the local GOP but fail to talk about their lack of better funding the city committee. We all know that most of the political contributions raised in this area comes from Republican donors. Where did it go. National party,Dent and county candidates. Great investment with Dent and Nothstein. There is no excuse for the city committee to lack the funding needed to mount at least a top notch campaign. Especially when the dems are in worse shape financially. No excuse. Feel sorry for ya in a way because the city GOP always had good hard working dedicated volunteers. My source will defend you as being well intentioned but lack the public relation skills to succeed. You just don't get it. I happen to know for a fact that you are intelligent, keep up on all things political and would want nothing more than to have Allentown a great place to live but your social skills suck for lack of a better word.It shouldnt be but you have made your own bed as I have said before.Oh and by the way my insurance man happens to have been the best mayor we have ever had. He for one could tell it like it is and not be offensive. A great administrator as well. End of story.
ReplyDeleteEarth to Guy! The local Republican committee spent 17 thousand in an attempt to get me re-elected to the school board, they apparently felt it was that important. I came in dead last. Get a clue Guy or get a new insurance man to give you insights into local politics.
ReplyDeleteIf social skills mean telling people what they want to hear then I plead guilty to not having them. Ce-Ce is the champion of that. Allentown needs to hear the truth, it is in short supply and the few who dare to speak it are impugned and told they lack "social skills". You guy have demonstrated you are part of the problem in Allentown.
ReplyDeleteBill Heydt is a good friend. Shall I tell him you relayed all this information to me?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHeydt
ReplyDeleteBy the way Guy, Bill also spoke the truth and did it bluntly. He was raked over the coals for it by the local media. So again my point is proven.
ReplyDelete