If you're a student of grassroots politics in Allentown, chances are that you know Robert Trotner. This political and community activist has been encouraging political newcomers for a number of years, through both an internet radio show and coffee house gatherings. His recent meetings at the Coffee House Without Limits has attracted new candidates for mayor, city council and the school board. While their names are mostly new to the general public, all of them are involved in the process already, attending meetings and studying Allentown's problems.
I have been a supporter of local outsider politics for decades. These are the people you see at the meetings, week after week. They are the ones that fight the battle for everyone else. They are the ones who speak out for the many who remain silent. While a few get elected and become mainstream, most remain unelected, and unrecognized for their commitment. Reporting their accomplishments has always been an honor for this blog.
Shown sitting with Trotner is City Council candidate Jessica Lee Ortiz and School Board candidate Phoebe Harris.
reprinted from February of 2017
ADDENDUM AUGUST 4, 2025:The two gentlemen shown on the left side of the photo, Lewis Shupe and Robert Trotner, are both still at it, and at it again. Although they never stopped their activism, they're putting coffee in the cup again at a physical location. You're welcome to join them tomorrow night(August 5) at Starbucks, 645 Hamilton Street at 6:00PM. I recall years ago meeting Josh Siegel at such a meeting, before he ever ran for any office.
After eighteen years as a daily, MOLOVINSKY ON ALLENTOWN will be produced semiweekly, on Mondays and Thursdays.
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