As Allentown turns, it was not a great week for Ed Zucal. With legal action perhaps intimidating Candida Affa, she voted with Tuerk ally Santo Napoli to suspend the lawsuit against the Tuerk administration. Fortunately for Zucal, the shift in council dynamics came after his announcement about running for mayor.
I also had a setback this week. As I was interviewed for membership on the Parknership board, I could hear interest in me waning as I explained that the current administration's public park meetings are a political dog and pony show, based on inclusion, rather than real park excellence. I can understand that many people, as relative newcomers to Allentown, don't have my frames of reference. However, they should know that for older residents the parks have seen better days.
This city and administration has enough sycophants. As a park advocate, board membership or not, my mission stays the same.
In those better park days there were numerous picture postcards of the Allentown park system. Shown above is a postcard of Trexler Park.
On the lawsuit issue, was it Affa who changed her vote? I thought it was Mota who had originally voted in favor of the lawsuit.
ReplyDeleteThat said, it is quite curious that there was suddenly a racial harassment claim against a city council member (Affa) on the eve of council’s lawsuit against the administration going to court.
I thought it was very suspect that the motion came up a day before court. It was a slimy and calculated move by Napoli—he has learned a lot from his Muse, Matt Tuerk. The body language and nonverbals on that Dias said everything. Mota and Hendricks couldn’t even raise their heads and look at the citizens. They are cowards and this is more evidence that the Mayor and Council serve themselves. Affa has said racist and demeaning remarks at council ON CAMERA and these slimeballs all collect to protect her instead of calling her out for what she is and demanding a resignation or excusing her from future council actions until the case is finished? Allentown MUST vote these people out or face a dark future. The Mayor and Council are not here for US.
ReplyDeleteI've been in council chambers when Affa said supposedly "racist" things. They were not racist. She doesn't walk on eggshells, and may not keep up with what phrases are currently politically incorrect, but that does not make her a racist. Racist is an accusation way overused.
Delete8:16 - Could you give an example of what these “racist” comments might be? One of the problems with lawsuits is that we don’t know exactly what’s been said until the trial begins, and if it’s settled, we NEVER know.
DeleteWhile I believe that the comments in the new lawsuit were not the same ones you’re referring to, I think it would be helpful (at least to me) to understand what was said at a public meeting that you find offensive.
The “overused” claim is the white mans newest term to minimize the facts that brown and black skinned continue to be targeted by racism.
DeleteActually Mike I don't consider it a set back at all but a victory. It further adds to the claims of Mayor Tuerk trying to avoid the inevitable. Except, now he's using Council members from having the truth come out. To clear up some suspicion from Anon. 8:16. The spur of the moment motion was in no way a split second decision. This was a PLANNED EVENT. Earlier in the day a conference call between some Council members took place. Myself and Council members Santos and Gerlach were not invited to the party. The reality finally set in for the Mayor. In less than 24 hours he would be ordered to cooperate with Mr. Curtis and pay him. Mr. Curtis has been doing his job since June 5th when he was hired by Council. The Mayor shouldn't get to comfortable. A report will be coming forthright on his findings.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Deleteanon@10:50: Your reply to a "signed" comment would require a verifiable signature on your part.
DeleteMM - Off topic, but I wanted to pass it along.
ReplyDeletePlease check out the Union Terrace Amphitheater. The masonry work at the stage area appears to be done, and a large plastic overhang now covers a large part of the stairwell coming down from St. Cloud Street, apparently in advance of more work to be done there.
While you might not be getting a seat on the politicized Parknership board, this is a real win for your continuing advocacy for our parks and the WPA structures.
I had been keeping my eye on the progress there. Next on my wish list for that park is getting a walk bridge put back over the waterway on the north side of the pond. Visitors previously could always enter the park from Walnut Street.
DeleteI've passed on printing numerous comments criticizing city council members. My comment policy:ANONYMOUS COMMENTS SELECTIVELY PUBLISHED. SIGNED COMMENTS GIVEN MORE LEEWAY.
ReplyDeleteLol, but you allow an opinion from a council member because in identifying himself he hopes as a mayoral candidate for a vote from a resident who he may have swayed. Nice.
ReplyDeleteanon@10:18: This blog is not comment centric. I chose not monetize it, and I do not measure its success by click spots. I do value reader's insight and that it is widely read by our regional elected officials. I will allow readers to take those officials to task anonymously, but not with descriptive adjectives such as slimy.Some decorum is required with anonymous comments on this blog.
DeleteMM
ReplyDeleteI for one appreciate when someone signs their name. It shows they aren't afraid to reveal themselves rather than hide behind a keyboard. Political Candidate or Joe the Plumber! Which, if my memory serves me correctly, Councilman Zucal always signs his name. Thank you Mr. Zucal for bringing to light what shenanigans are actually happening. Someone who actually is transparent to the citizens. By the way MM, I was already voting for him. He doesn't need to sway me.
What are Mr. Zucal’s positions on, well, anything? “Not Matt Tuerk” isn’t really a platform. I think many voters may be interested in an alternative but just another body probably isn’t enough.
ReplyDeleteI believe that a Zucal administration would be more concerned with public safety and quality of life issues. As a former cop, Zucal would not be fawning over Promise Neighborhoods.
DeleteAgreed. “Not Matt Tuerk” isn't going to work. The same as not Cinthia Mota isn’t going to work. I agree that city hall needs to change all leadership. Matt has an opportunity to start getting rid of some of the incompetence in the city and start focusing on bringing the city workforce to reasonable numbers. I heard CoA employs almost 950 people right now. There is certainly fat that can be trimmed.
DeleteIf Mayor Matt doesn't start focusing on waste and incompetence, Zucal surely will.