Luiz Garcia reported receiving a poll survey call. Who would you vote for, Democrat Ray O'Connell, Republican Tim Ramos, or independent Nat Hyman? Garcia wanted to know if anybody heard that Hyman was running? To me, the question is who paid for the poll, and the answer would be only Hyman. Elsewhere in Hyman's world, State Senator Pat Browne appears determined to sell a cleared parcel, formerly known as the state hospital. While he changed his bill's number, the intent stays the same. But the new wording seems to suffice, even the Call's columnist, Paul Muschick, thought that it was indeed a new deal. With Browne's NIZ law written in flexible pencil, land trades are now allowed. Maybe the east side parcel will become Reilly Office Campus?
I suppose if Hyman was interested in a third party attempt, this would be the year. Allentown's Republican Party hasn't seated a mayor since Bill Heydt in 1998, so in essence, an independent would be the second party in this town. Ray O'Connell isn't exactly a full fledged incumbent, having been appointed by council. Between O'Connell's 27% tax raise, and Hyman being a landlord, I would expect a less than gentlemanly contest.
UPDATE JUNE 6, 2019: Today blogger Bernie O'Hare claims that I implied that Hyman was running for mayor, while he (O'Hare) actually asked him. While trying to imply that he is a better reporter, what Bernie actually did was confirm that indeed Hyman did have a poll conducted. Allow me to imply that apparently Hyman didn't like the results, if he paid for the poll, but isn't running.
It would be a mistake for anyone to believe the Republican party is not behind Tim Ramos. Any 3rd party run would guarantee a continuation of the same old, same old.
ReplyDeleteAs this is Allentown, expect stupid to happen.
Ramos would be an opportunity to drain the Allentown swamp, You can bet they will try to savage him if he looks like he can win.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to think Ramos can win, but where's he been? He's already squandered the first five months of the year.
ReplyDeleteReviewing Ramos' campaign report (online) through 5/6/19, he raised $980 - from 4 donors (!) - and has $631 on hand.
That's hardly a winning campaign in a town where he's outnumbered registration-wise 4-1.
I'd welcome Hyman or any other qualified candidate who is capable of mounting a serious campaign against O'Connell.
Aside from the ability to run a real campaign, Hyman is probably the most qualified person to run for Mayor since Heydt. The City needs his leadership, and I don't care if he runs as an independent, republican or democrat.