Those who live in the Strata apartments across from 7-Eleven on 7th Street should take great consolation that Mayor Tuerk is disappointed in those shooters who made bad choices on Sunday evening. Likewise, they can take comfort in knowing that their state representative Josh Siegel was appalled by yet another incident of violence. He prescribes more investment in our youth to prevent future instances.
When you're locked down in your Strata apartment, who is actually living in a prison? Apparently not those participating in yet another Allentown celebration of diversity.
There is always a strong police presence at the 7-Eleven, sometimes up to three squad cars. Apparently that's not enough to deter the shooters. While eight people were shoot, one person was arrested. The police may have shot some themselves, when the victims pulled their guns to defend against the original shooter. Police chief Charles Roca said that this behavior by those who chose to engage in violence does not reflect who we are or what we are about as a community. Actually chief, while all that chaos was confusing, what is clear is that we need the bad actors to be more intimidated by the police. We would be better served if you realized that the violence is becoming commonplace, and you need to response appropriately...enough with the kumbaya. What is also clear is that all money going to the anti-gun violence non-profits is going down the drain, at best. Despite that glaring reality, in its news report, the Morning Call continues to publicize Hasshan Batts and Promise Neighborhoods.
If I were mayor or state representative, my recommendation would be for less events and celebrations. If and when Allentown ever becomes safe again, then that would be an occasion to celebrate.
art by Mark Beyer
Mike, excellent commentary. I would only add that if the citizens of Allentown want safer streets they may want to reevaluate how they have voted in past city elections, and if their choices have led to improvement. Their current choice seems to be more concerned with virtue signaling, flag raising, bike lanes, restricting traffic, making parking more difficult, and rewriting our zoning codes. His response to more of the same violence is the predictable demonstration of anquished hand wringing. Perhaps voters may want leaders who would respond with more concrete solutions.
ReplyDeleteOne of the laws of science proves WATER will always follow the path of least resistance. This same principle can also applied to PEOPLE.
ReplyDeleteLook around you. Pay particular attention to politicians, and those whose employment depends upon politicians. These folks look to remain in position. Not all, of course. Some will go above and beyond to advance their positions. Those are the LEADERS.
Leaders face challenges directly, roll up the sleeves, and do whatever it takes to solve the challenge quickly. Leaders don’t look the other way. They often ‘keep up appearances’ by involving themselves in the mundane, the easy stuff. To them, all things will pass on their own. Better their own hands remain clean.
Allentown, and, unfortunately, now all of America needs more LEADERS. First, begin by removing the dead wood in place.
For Allentown to become "safe" again, it would require social changes that are not going to happen. So no reason to mention them and be subject to criticism that I don't support DEI..
ReplyDeleteWe should celebrate the unity of all of us being Americans, and not the racial, ethnic, cultural, or sexual backgrounds that divide us into groups of people
Allentown certainly has a lot of diversity, but the celebrations are not necessary. Another motivation for these festivals is our elected officials pandering for votes. I think it's time for public safety to weigh in on the excessive events calendar.
Delete“Josh Siegel was appalled by yet another incident of violence. He prescribes more investment in our youth to prevent future instances.”
ReplyDeleteEvery time Josh Siegel opens his mouth, he manages to utter the most idiotic cliches imaginable.
From what I read, the shooter was 21 years old. That’s an adult, not a youth, and (thanks to politicians like Siegel) it likely he’s been on the voting rolls for three years already.
Moreover, the shooter was apparently at a free (non-gated) festival in the middle of the area that’s received the largest amount of municipal welfare in state history. Exactly how much more “investment” is Siegel proposing?
What’s needed is obvious - more police, and longer sentences for violent offenders. But Siegel’s political party is against those common sense solutions. So instead we get the meaningless drivel above.
Personally, I believe the city should spend public dollars on the services it is tasked to provide in the annual budget approved by city council.
ReplyDeleteVarious ethnic festivals can be funded by NGOs like Dr Batts's group to help bring everyone together into one happy family of Allentonians. That way Promise Neighborhoods can make a positive contribution to the community by bringing people together. The parkway would be a good place to hold it
This type of urban lawlessness is a national problem, more than just a local Allentown issue. Watch the Philadelphia news, there are stories like this one every day as well intentioned neighborhood block parties inevitably succumb to gun violence. It seems like every time the Police try to do their jobs, someone issues a phone video that make the Police look bad. Check out Art in the Park and World of Food Festival at 19th & Liberty in September and you will see that certain gatherings do not involve inevitable violence and lawlessness. I would not be in favor of limiting celebrations in Allentown, but I can assure you, I'd never put myself in danger by being near certain celebrations and festivals.
ReplyDeleteToo think of these happenings as just another subsidized act of the progressive agenda. My first question to this is we're there any orange shirts active on the site?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there were. This wasn't a political event, it was an ethnic event.
DeleteAnyway, the problem is with the criminal element, which is present in the city. It appears that two groups of individuals decided to have a shootout with each other in the parking lot. The police got involved and restored order and at least one arrest was made.
The APD also should have rounded everyone involved in this up and verified their residency status, but of course, Lehigh County is a "Sanctuary City" and does not allow enforcement of our federal immigration laws.
...and not one MAGA hat to be seen.
DeleteIf you will note.. Kutztown had a multi-day folk festival and fair. Macungie large auto shows. Bethlehem a 10 day 'Musikfest'. Easton has one 'fest' after another. Yet Allentown can't go 3 hours into one of it's events without a shooting or two. Not the first time either. People can say all kinds of things trying to downplay this city's problems but time after time Allentown has demonstrated how different it is from those other cities mentioned.
ReplyDeleteJosh Siegel prescribes "more investment in our youth to prevent future instances". Of course the big government liberal wants the government to spend money to address the problem. Why cant moms and dads in Allentown invest in their youth to prevent future instances. Perhaps its the policies of Siegel's party that encourages teenagers to have babies out of wedlock, rely on the government for sustenance and expect nothing from the fathers. The government itself is happy to provide sustenance and expects nothing from the fathers either. How many young fathers in Allentown keep expensive phones, cars, guns etc.. while the government is paying to feed and house their children. I'm disappointed that Siegel refuses to even acknowledge the benefits of responsible parenting.
ReplyDeleteForget ethnic festivals, they are fine at the private church or social center, the only festival the government should engage in is the 4th of July. It is for all Americans
ReplyDeleteYet another piece of the Pawlowski legacy. Let’s not overlook the obvious, the troubling allegations involving the APD itself and the rot that remains in City Hall itself. Criminal activity isn’t limited to the streets of Allentown.
ReplyDeleteWith each passing year (month?) Allentown becomes more and more like NYC, Philly, et al. The middle class which struggled for decades since the end of WWII are dying out or moving out. The Gen Z'ers and their successors might like the new 'lofts' downtown, but as soon as the baby bump is felt they will flee, too. My guess is that the Strata this and that will be Section 8 Housing in twenty years.
ReplyDeleteAs -ALL- of the NIZ apartments are paid for by commonwealth tax dollars, Reilly needs to be compelled to accept HUD section 8 vouchers now.
DeleteI still think the big questions are:
ReplyDelete1). Was this a private festival or a city event?
2). Did festival organizers get the proper permits and were they required to post a bond for any liability issues?
3). Were festival organizers required to get private security for the event, or did they simply rely on regular APD patrols?
There are other questions like that but you get the point. City Council needs to address these questions publicly.
At best, lawsuits will be filed against the festival organizers and covered by their own (adequate) liability coverage. If it was a city festival or if the city agreed to cover the liability, taxpayers are potentially on the hook for hefty settlements. I would expect at least 8 lawsuits to come out of this event.
And if the city is on the hook (liability-wise) for this event, how many other events in the city are taxpayers similarly being put into jeopardy over by their vote-seeking elected officials?
I am attempting to get the answers to you questions. As soon as I can get them I will post them. Years ago, I held a small block party and was required to do everything you noted. Except, for the security.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThank you Councilman Zucal! It’s good to know that the taxpayers have someone representing them on council.
DeleteWe should all be incredibly disappointed.
ReplyDeleteIt’s the least we can do.
I was able to get your answers. The event was put on by the Latina Broadcasting Group. They did secure a permit and the insurance bond that was approved by the Risk Management Department. There were several police officers there on OT. I probably won't be able to verify it but my guess is the city taxpayers will be footing that bill. As far as being civilly liable , I think a court would have to decide that. In addition to the police being there other city staff where present. Because other city staff participated that could be a fine line. We have a great bunch of police officers and citizens. Luckily, everyone got to see Monday.
ReplyDeleteThe city will continue to decline with the lack of leadership here. Our "photo op", " no clue" Mayor lacks in accountability and knowledge to make this city whole again.
DeleteAn aside... I passed by that 7-11... the huge blinking camera setup is conspicuously missing... it's been there, blinking ANNOYING blue for eons, and now, when it was needed the most, it's absent...??? When was it removed??? If it was just removed, why was it removed??? Does it possibly have an internal record of the shooting event??? Just asking for a few friends...
ReplyDelete