Among the gems he tried to sell is that our city has grown by over 17% since 2000, and we’ve seen over $1 billion of investment in the past 10 years. He omits the fact that the $Billion is our states taxes being used to build one man an empire. Besides that NIZ nonsense, there has been very little investment in center city until the recent PPL residential conversions.
Another delusion peddled by Tuerk is that crime is going down to record lows. Credit great ER work at the hospitals and poor aim, because there has been no shortage of shootings. Perhaps some non-profit can build a shooting range, marksmanship shouldn't be a privilege limited to the middle class.
In fairness to Tuerk there was no reason, especially during an election year, that he shouldn't take advantage of the paper's offer for a column. Likewise, there's no reason that a local blogger shouldn't chime in with a review of it.
Yes, there probably is a billion pumped into the NIZ which looks new, but mostly devoid of people.
ReplyDeleteHow much money has been "invested" in the rest of Allentown outside of the NIZ, which is teeming with people ?
I have driven Downtown on Hamilton St. several times during the Christmas season. There have been more people standing in line at the Allentown Post Office then walking on the sidewalks of the Downtown.
DeleteMy count starts at 11th and ends at 5th. I feel for the few merchants that remain.
Did Tuerk accidentally put out one of Ed Pawlowski’s old press releases? I feel these are the same exaggerations we’ve been getting told for the last decade.
ReplyDeleteEven taking Tuerk’s statements at face value, he does realize that he’s only been Mayor for four years and had nothing to do with any “investments” in the NIZ, right?
That aside, and again assuming that his figures are correct, how are Allentown taxpayers benefitting from the $1 billion investment?
Has any tax been reduced or eliminated for city residents? Has City Hall’s housing policies brought stability (and higher test scores) to the ASD? Are the city’s roads smooth and pothole free? Are city parks well-maintained? Are the city’s youth leagues strong and keeping kids active and off the streets? Despite gaslighting by politicians, does anyone actually FEEL safer living in the city?
Unfortunately, city residents know that the answers to all those questions are “NO”.
The question now is whether city voters in the coming primary will believe the press releases from City Hall or what they see with their own eyes.
RGR
The crime numbers are always fudged. There is a huge drug problem in the city. Overdoses are sky high, but the way they are recorded doesn't reflect that.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me started on the NIZ and Reilly. The mayor and him are in cohoots. The people in city hall are really upset that the council members named in the recent discrimination lawsuit flipped and voted down Scott Curtis Investigation. It's so corrupt this city. Sorry article shouldn't be Tuerk pitches Tuerk, should be Tuerk only cares about Tuerk. Since I work in city hall I cannot reveal my true name because I will surely be retaliated against. Such a same people are governed or controlled by pompous arrogant leaders that do not have the respect of their workers.
The Reality Show Mayor does what he’s told.
DeleteI would like to see a breakdown of said 'investments.' Do investments include spending thousands of dollars to open a restaurant that closes a year or two later?
ReplyDeleteOne thing you can be sure of. He can't be accused of being bipartisan. He does not represent all of Allentown. You are so right 827. Talk about collusion between Council and the Mayor. WOW!
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't the mayor talk about how he acted like a child when Trump came to town? Or how he had the police Chief move the barriers so he could get his protestors closer to Trump supporters and put both police and people their in possible danger. Or how he could care less about an H.R
ReplyDeleteDepartment in the city because quite frankly it's the look at me Tuerk show.. There is no reason an incumbent mayor should lose an election, however this guy is proving it can be done by his poor leadership.
Matt is emblematic of Allentown's failure the produce people who are up to the job of running the city.
ReplyDeleteAllentown won’t hit bottom in the lifetime of anyone viewing this post.
ReplyDelete