Who the hell can be opposed to monkey bars? Blogger Michael Molovinsky, that's who. He's condemned a "destination playground" planned for Allentown's Cedar Beach even though it is designed to include children with disabilities. Now the Lehigh Valley's favorite conservative - Scott Armstrong - is taking a swipe at it, too. This is what he sings from his perch atop the Allentown Commentator. "Changing Allentown's Cedar Beach into a vast playground will have the unfortunate effect of moving the city's problem of neglected and unsupervised children into the heart of the so far peaceful West End. Of course this obvious outcome is unforeseen to the clueless Director of Parks and Recreation Greg Weitzel. He, like almost everyone else in Pawlowski's city hall, is an out of towner, a young college grad from York I believe, here to build a resume before he moves on to another assignment in another town. He will, however, leave behind a huge problem which the city lacks the resources to deal with. Does it take much imagination to understand what the result of this mega playground in this location will be?
"A better solution would be to raze a blighted block in the downtown and build the playground there. The kids there need a place to play and with proper oversight could be a real plus for everyone. This approach however is just basic common sense, but that has been in short supply here in the city since the Democrats took full control eight years ago."
54 comments:
Sure, Mr. Armstrong, let's raze something downtown. Who wants those poor kids in our neighborhood and our beautiful park in the first place? Keep 'em in their place, dang it.
O'Hare, I'm surprised at you. If this came from a Pawlowski supporter, you'd be screaming about gentrification and prejudice and all sorts or related sins.
Tell me, Mssrs Armstrong and O'Hare, why can't poor kids or disabled kids enjoy Cedar Beach, too?
Actually, I disagree with Scott and MM on this one. This seems like a good idea to me, and I've seen enough of Cedar Beach this summer to know its facilities are enjoyed by groups from all over A-town. I see basketball games there nearly every Monday and Wednesday night. I love the idea that it includes facilities for the disabled.
But I'd also like to hear what others think, too. It's called the Socratic method.
I cringe every time I read a suggestion to rip another block down in Downtown Allentown. I think one of the many differences between Atown and B and Easton is that for whatever reason, there's a lot more left of Easton and Bethlehem. Nothing of 18th Century Allentown is left but Trout Hall, all the old mansions on Hamilton are now City Hall, Federal Court, Post Office, we even ripped down an old mansion to build the Historical Society museum which is quite ironic. I think if there was much left of old quaint Allentown left as there is of the other two, things might have been different.
"Changing Allentown's Cedar Beach into a vast playground will have the unfortunate effect of moving the city's problem of neglected and unsupervised children into the heart of the so far peaceful West End."
You honestly believe a play ground for children is going to be the end of the west end? You attack Ed constantly for spending and now you want him to spend money to raise buildings in the inner city so you can keep Cedar Beach Pure?
FYI I speak for myself on this issue. I live about a half mile from this park and I have no problem with children of all races, creeds, and economic backgrounds playing in it. I enjoy the park personally quite frequently during the summer months. The sound of laughing children, regardless of who their parents are, is what parks were for.
BTW My offer for coffee sometime to see if there are an issue or two we agree on and can work together on still stands Scott.
Unsupervised! If it is anything like the boys locker room in the Y on 15th St it will be.
Where the kids covet bolt cutters and make a habit out of stealing girls panties from the girls locker room for those unfortunate enough not to have a lock for their locker.
They defecate and urinate in the trash bins after spreading soapy water on the floor for a skating contest.
Say something to them and you are told to F*** off. Staff is afraid to do anything.
This is the place funded by the UW and other stalwart Lehigh Valley charitable organizations.
This is the place where "Moms" drives up to the door and lets the kiddies out and comes back at the end of the night to collect them.
That is if they are still there and if Mom ever does come back.
Try to befriend one of the kids and they hit you up for money or want to know about your female children.
Normal course I guess for this city. Yes another cae of kids just being kids and a good example of another charitable organization helping the heathens in Allentown and nary a one of the board of directors lives in our fair city.
But this won't happen out at Cedar Beach will it? That is a different class of people isn't it? Wake up to the realities of life in Allentown in 2009.
Truth told there is a lot of real estate in Allentown that should be torn down.
No one lives in much of it except maybe vermin, squatters or crack addicts. Historically it is not the same as Bethlehem or Eaton.
It is not keeping the parks "pure". It is maintaining their original intent.
This current administration is as bad as the troop of aluminum siding salesmen who made a fortune in Allentown in the mid 1900s.
Take the money and run.
To Anon 4:08
I worked in Allentown during the Obama campaign on Hamilton Street. There are major problems in the downtown area and throughout the city. I will agree to that and sometimes it is frustrating at the lack of respect the youth show to adults.
I met some nice respectful neighborhood kids, I met some neighborhood kids who would steal all the food out of our office despite being well fed if not watched.
That being said, I went to Parkland and the same can be said for some of the kids that I went to school with. Only difference was their father's had a Mercedes and a lawyer to help when Junior did something stupid.
There probably was the same amount of drugs in Parkland in 1997 as their was in Allen in 1997 when I graduated. Only difference was that the kids in Parkland who got caught went to rehab. The kids in Allen went to Juvenile Detention.
We are talking about a play ground. A play ground is meant for children under 12.
A good police presence to keep the teenagers out will be required in any playground whether it is in the west end or a demolished block in Center City.
In the last several years the “hood” has moved west and surrounded our home and community. We all feel it, hear it, see it, and yes, live with it. None of us are racist or intolerant, we are Republicans, Democrats, and independents, we all moved to the city for all of the benefits an urban area provides. What none of us counted on was a dysfunctional environment. People who were never taught how to co-exist or be courteous are the norm. I believe Councilman Mike Donovan has learned a thing or two about the new facts of life here recently. One cannot “resolve conflict” through communication and understanding if the other party has absolutely no interest in what you (or anyone ) thinks.
How easy it must be to sit from a safe distance and rip those of us who actually live the experience, my boys are in the schools here, and my wife won’t sit outside if I am not home. A man three doors up who was a real problem for many reasons was arrested last week for seven counts of armed robbery. The truth is it doesn’t have to be this way and everyone is suffering from it. Marginalizing people who dare to speak the truth won’tchange the real facts that exist on the ground here, and these facts are moving west.
Scott Armstrong
I once heard that while Rap was coming up many of the white kids in the rich suburban neighborhoods wanted to be just like the guys in the hood.
On the other hand the guys in the hood wanted to emulate the business practices of the fathers of the kids in the burbs.
They needed skills in building drug dealing organizations etc.
Some gangs dictate non involvement with the judicial system to avoid undo attention so they can engage in a more important enterprise.
At the same time it seems more and more of the suburban kids are ending up in the judicial system.
Interesting how "what goes around comes around" sometimes.
Often when one is marginalized it is because he/she speaks the truth and not the idiotic group rhetoric of those in charge. They really are not as much disliked as they are feared.
Scott and Mike are fighting a losing battle against the creeping crud (crime, blight, loss of services resulting from the flight of the lawful). The crud never stops creeping.
My real estate strategy has always been to predict the crud's movement and sell before property values reflect its arrival.
I got out of Easton by '85, and, when Easton's problems moved west, sold in Wilson for a solid gain before the shootings started there. I won't say where I live now, but recently read of a rash of property crimes in the area for the first time in memory. The crud never stops creeping.
Allentown has exactly two nice neighborhoods left. One is about to go away. It will seem to transpire at a glacial pace, but will be unstoppable, nonetheless. The crud never stops creeping.
Protect your worth and get out now. Leave Allentown to the social engineers who've made it what it has become.
Nice to see all the racists out in force this morning speaking of their fellow people as vermin and scum. You can recognize that some people are disrespectful and misguided without degrading them as subhuman.
I spent the weekend at Cedar Beach Park enjoying the beautiful weather and the large crowds. Yesterday I saw a group playing touch football by the pavillions near Cedar Crest College, a bunch of sunbathers, a couple nature-lovers enjoying the already improved wildlife habitat of the riparian buffer zones, and there was a large basketball tournament as well.
As far as I'm concerned, seeing all of these different groups of people and individuals obviously from very different neighborhoods all coming together and enjoying the park together, is exactly the prime example of how parks bring people together and do exactly what they were intended to do: provide a venue for fun, relaxation, recreation, etc...
I can't identify with those who think these kinds of opportunities are poor uses of our parks. I think most of these complaints are just thinly veiled classist and racist whining.
Anon 8:22, That certainly concerns me, too. I have a hard time seeing how a playground will attract "crud." It might attract an ethnically diverse crowd, but that should be a good thing. And I do see supervision at the park when I attend Cedar Beach basketball games. So what's the big deal? Is it cost? Is it really fear of "those" people? In Scott's case, I know it is not. I may disagree w/ him, but he is no racist.
Know Armstrong a little. Don't think he means not to have center-city children enjoy Cedar Beach but as a downtowner myself, center city children have little in the way of open space and the chance to play (in addition to some trips to Cedar Beach) everyday every hour closer to home does seem to make some sense. All moms know how busy the day can get and a trip from 8th St. to Cedar Beach, parking, walking to playground, etc., requires time, at least a few hours, while a corner playlot is a minute away. Suspect that is point of Armstrong's comment. Never, in decades of knowing him, have we heard a bias towards center city children expressed.
I posted this over at MM's site, but those who don't visit his... I will post this here as well.
We already have an amusement park in the area to drop the kids off. Parks are intended to be a respite from blasting stereos, crowds, screaming kids, litter and other annoyances that come with living in an urban area. I'm so against filling every square foot of Allentown's Parks up with erector set like stuff that would bring these very same elements.
Our parks were never intended to become playgrounds. Face it many parents dump their kids off at various Allentown pools currently. Ask a lifeguard. They will tell you they are the cheapest babysitter in town! Much would be the same with a super-sized playground.
Purchase a season ticket for DP's wildwater. The kids will thank you a lot more, they will be under safety supervision, in an already well maintained park with the latest allures and a season pass is only a fraction of the cost of a baby sitter.
Small set asides for playgrounds close to various neighborhoods are the way to go. The kind of local parks that kids don't have to travel a couple of miles to get to. A place where kids can make neighborhood buddies they can play with everyday not just on a one day trip to Cedar Beach here and there. Is LANTA going to add this route too?
Parks are habitats for the critters and those wishing to take a break from the inner city. Let's keep it that way.
If that makes me a, "a whiney brat not a catalyst for change. too.. then like Sarah says, "you' betcha'".
"Parks are habitats for the critters and those wishing to take a break from the inner city. Let's keep it that way."
Does this mean the basketball courts, volleyball courts and swimmng pool should be demolished? Was there a hugh and cry about them? I just don't get the objection.
Jacob Oberholtzer said...
"A good police presence to keep the teenagers out will be required in any playground whether it is in the west end or a demolished block in Center City."
Isn't a good police presence a bit of a problem in the city right now, along with finding the money to maintain such an attraction?
What neighborhood should have a reduced police presence in order to properly police the new playground? What existing neighborhood playground should be neglected because maintenance funds are being used at the new playground?
Center City currently has at least a dozen playgrounds for neighborhood children to enjoy. Several of them are very nice and expansive such as Bucky Boyle, 5th Street, and Velenia.
The West End currently has none outside of the Ott Street Playlot (literally on the southern edge of the West End) and equipment at UT and Muhlenberg which is not available during the day for small children and their parents.
As a West End Parent I think this is great.
Perhaps we shouldn't allow the blacks into Cedar Beach pool either. They changed "the complexion."
Cedar Beach Park is being used and loved to death. this destination playground and required parking will only complicate this overuse. between the basketball tournament, sports feast, mayfair, etc. taking up all the required space for the playground will force these other venues to cross over ott street into the passive rose garden side. because of it's location and hamilton street, the playground is not inductive to children getting there on their own. the expectations involved for special need children exceed any record allentown has in park maintenance. the carbon/lehigh IU 21, which has the experience and expertise, is planning on building a" special playground". the cutbacks in personnel from the fiscal problem make this plan even more problematic. the playground at the mack pool, while having features for the disabled, is never used. it's very easy to label objections to this plan as racist or classist, but in reality, it is the wrong place.
"Scott and Mike are fighting a losing battle against the creeping crud (crime, blight, loss of services resulting from the flight of the lawful)."
"Crud" was defined without any racial component. Those who automatically associate this description of crime and lawlessness with minority populations are simply race peddlers who will always have buyers.
Being a minority doesn't make one a criminal. Moving one's family from a neighborhood plagued with crime and blight doesn't make one a racist. Witch hunting has long been used as an effective razzle-dazzle to avoid unpleasant discussion. And witches are hunted by both sides of the political spectrum.
There are two main problems with the playground proposal:
1. How will Allentown pay for the maintenance, upkeep, and policing of this site??
2. Why are we changing an already good park system? This change is NOT consistent with what General Trexler outlines in his will and his vision of the parks being an escape from city life.
There are 20 playground in Allentown, not to mention all the other playgrounds in surrounding areas. We do not have a playground defecit here.
It just seems like a terribly bad time to make such a large financial investment and commitment. We already cannot afford basic city services - the city is in the hole. I realize the funds for the $2 mil. playground come from the Trexler Trust, but maintaining and policing this area will not be free. Allentown simply cannot afford this kind of extravagance at this time.
actually the parks improvement plan is entirely in agreement with Trexler's will and his instructions to his estate executors. Harry Trexler envisioned the parks as being expanded and improved upon through his trust, not merely "maintained."
He also was very specific about Springwood (Trexler Park) being reserved for passive enjoyment of nature, but for all other parks to be well used with recreational opportunities created and promoted to benefit the citizens of Allentown.
Bravo Anon 4:08, Bravo!
Anyone with half a brain can see what has happened to the city of Allentown. I am now 40. IT WAS NOT LIKE THIS WHEN I WENT AWAY TO SCHOOL AT 18!!!!
Anyone who dares speak out is shouted down as a racist.
Anoyone who dares speak THE TRUTH is shouted down as a racist.
Wonder what Allentown will be like when I am 60?
Pawlowski for Mayor
Change You Can Believe In
The supposed anti racist do goobers among us who all love to remind us they enjoy all peoples regardless of their color, are some of the biggest closet racists I have seen.
There is a contingency here in Allentown that always likes to deflect the real issues with the race card.
Their resolve is to move to MCunGee and come to Allentown to wallow with us unwashed when they want to feel good about themselves.
ironpigpen - Yeah, I'm 40 too. So the city has changed. Life is all about change. Adapt. Holding on to the past is fruitless. The Puerto Rican immigrants that have moved into the city are American citizens free to move where ever they like. If you believe they have destroyed the city, what is your solution?
Bernie O'Hare said... Does this mean the basketball courts, volleyball courts and swimmng pool should be demolished? Was there a hugh and cry about them? I just don't get the objection.
What is done is done. These are at reasonable levels. The various schedules of special events is acceptable as well. But more isn't better.
-We don't have park police presence.
-Safe supervision in place for unattended kids.
-Then there's further city liability issues.
As far as the pool, it's only a ghost of what it once was. Only a fraction use the pool anymore since DP's water kingdom is not too much more expensive.
In the 60's you couldn't find a spot to jump in. The pool certainly is not an issue. A couple of courts doesn't draw 12 & unders who need adult supervision that many parents will not provide, given the history of our other play areas. Funding for our playgrounds activities through the recreation dept has all but evaporated.
But hey go ahead put it in. But do expect me to come back this same time next year and say, "I told you so". Gee I hope I'm wrong, but I lived here way too long and I no longer have youthful optimisms based on past local experiences. And there's been too many "I told you so's" already.
So here's my compromise.
(1) Give it a chance for a year.
(2) Keep a fully financed deposit for a PLAN B removal if all this goes South.
(3) Contract with a bakery, just in case people have to eat cake.
"In the last several years the “hood” has moved west and surrounded our home and community."
As a recent transplant to "the hood", I'm learning that "the hood" is invoked by those who have lived here for 20 years or more as a proxy for "minorities" or "the poor" or "the uneducated" or "single parent families" or "people who are different that I am". Since we have been assured that Scott is not racists (we can give the benefit of the doubt), which other "hood" element is he afraid of.
Elitist snobs. That's what I'm starting the think dominates Allentown, and the title is not limited to political party, race or creed.
OK Mr Smarty Pants ANON 2:44, What flavor of elitist snob are you since you have everyone else figured out?
Please educate us all as to the correct phraseology to refer to an urban culture that exploits everyone, even the very people you accuse others of being racist about.
I guess you are one of the politically correct transplantos.
You should realize the reason Mayor Polanski has such a nice park to F up is due to diligent planning and vigilance of those with pride in and a history with the place where they live.
Like a bunch of kids and name calling. Your a racist. Your a racist. Na Na Na Na Na.
Focus on the real issues.
“As a recent transplant to "the hood," I'm learning that "the hood" is invoked by those who have lived here for 20 years or more as a proxy for "minorities" or "the poor" or "the uneducated" or "single parent families" or "people who are different that I am." Since we have been assured that Scott is not racist (we can give the benefit of the doubt), which other "hood" element is he afraid of.”
Oh, how easy to pontificate and cast dispersions from behind the screen of “anonymous.” I, for one, am who I am and will always back up my thoughts with a name.
Since “anonymous” has chosen to “bravely” slander me from the safety of a hidden identity a reply is hardly merited. However, since others have chosen the favored Democrat tactic of name calling I will once again remind the uninformed that I actually live in the city. I volunteered (for years) at the JFK after school program for Raub Middle school children (even before my kids went to school). I was a recipient of the “Morning Call’s “Community Spirit Award.” As a community leader I was instrumental in the formation of the West Park Historic District and Allentown’s Rental Inspection Law. I also was publically thanked by Julio Guridy at his induction on city council for my “encouragement.” I was the campaign manager of the city’s first Lesbian magistrate and was instrumental in the formation of the state’s first Latino county political committee. I took on the FOP in the disastrous contract that will in time bankrupt the city. I could go on but I think the point is clear; I have earned the right to express myself without cheap shot retorts, but since this is Allentown and since the Democrats who have ruined Allentown are the target of my complaints crass replies are de rigueur.
When people like me give up on the city Allentown is in trouble. That is the Pyrrhic victory all the anonymous posters may revel in. To the Democrat victors go the spoils. So, enjoy.
Scott Armstrong
Everyone realizes this is a playground right? Allentown has some problems. Not sure a playground is on the list.
Seems to be a War on Kids as of late. Playgrounds are bad. Municipalities don't want families with kids. School districts don't want them either.
Scott, the only fault I can find with you is your overwhelming sense of humility.
Thats, Mr. Anonymous!
"Democrats who ruined Allentown"
Scott, I actually do respect you, your views, and your intellect. I'll probably disagree with you 8/10 times but I still respect it.
We have some bad democrats we have some good democrats locally. We have some bad republicans we have some good republicans locally.
Here is the thing, I really don't mind people attacking Ed. Ed chose public life and that is part of the bargain for being the Mayor. There are somethings he is more than open for criticism on. He is however, the only one stepping up and trying to solve the problems in the city right now.
As for blaming the democratic party. I do not see a Legit GOP alternative. So you can't really blame the democratic party that the GOP has given up on Allentown.
Anonymous,
Good Democrats? Then name for me the good Democrat who spoke out against the police contract or any of the other bad ideas of the past two administrations. Silence is part of the problem, how many "good Democrats" like Max Davidson or Malcolm Gross said nothing while Allentown has been brought to ruin. I should respect this party? Once the paper played into to "partisan" line local Democrats should have come forward to speak out against the contract, the bond issues, the firing of talented people from city hall,the hiring of the city manager... they didn't.
Scott Armstrong
"Give Ed credit" for what trying? Ed made many promises when he ran for office and ran an ugly campaign against Bill Heydt. He is the ultimate Democrat Party Machine player and has used city hall to find employment for Democrat activists. Instead of making excuses Democrats should stop defending what the "machine" is doing to the city.
Scott Armstrong
Scott,
There will be a 12%-15% turnout in the city of Allentown. If you guys can't get your act together to overcome a 12%-15% turnout you can't get mad at us for your incompetence.
Allentown is a very difficult challenge and it didn't become the mess it is in overnight. There has been a series of bad administrations both democratic and republican that have gotten us into this mess.
You are fielding what? 2 City council candidates? One of which is a spurned old time democrat?
If your that angry you should be using your organizational skills or running for City Council yourself.
in reading your comments scott, it sounds like you are asking somebody to thank you. Well thank you for all your efforts, past, present and future. Thank you for caring. Thank you for being a citizen.
Now, if you'll excuse me, grandstanding to make a point makes me sick. But it's to be expected from the elites who don't want "the hood element" using parks in the west end.
Jacob,
The Democrats are in complete control of Allentown, therefore they get the credit or blame for what occurs on their watch. I think it is fair to say that the last eight years have been a text book example of municipal mismanagement. Are the Republicans to blame for this because in the last election and in this election the local committee has failed to find quality people willing to do a fool’s errand running for office in a city that threw out the best city council person merely because he wasn’t a Democrat?
No, the mess is laid at your (city Democrats) feet where it belongs. You made it; now let’s see if the Democrat Machine can fix it. For a clue to the answer look at all of the municipalities controlled by Democrat Machines.
Scott Armstrong
Scott,
My response is simple. Don't cry when you don't try. You have ideas on how to fix the city. Let us hear them. If they are good ideas you will be able to win an election. Honestly, I'm not part of any "democratic machine"
I could care less what the letter is behind the candidates name. Sell me on ideas. Don't sell me on the other side is a bad guy.
I could give a flying swear word on what the guy who is helping us out of the ditch looks like or party identification.
Jacon & Scott, Ironically, an email was forwarded to me today that demonstrates a rampant partisanship in the LV. I find that destructive when it comes to local government. I'll be posting about it tomorrow and will have some excellent comments from Dean Browning. I'll be interested in what voth of you have to say. You both work hard for your parties.
Jacob,
Cute rhyme but let me respond with a very appropriate cliché, “been there done that”. A Democrat machine like this is impossible to change without help from the press and Democrats willing to take on their own party from the inside.
I really don’t see that happening but would welcome it would it to occur.
Scott Armstrong
Bernie,
I no longer hold a position with the party. I respect the party and its leadership however, the party stuff is just not my thing. I'm a grass roots organizing type a guy. Motivate people on an issue and get them to vote for a candidate that supports that issue.
I personally like Ed Pawlowski. I think he is a bright man. I might not 100% agree with everything he does, but I'm not Mayor.
If Scott is that adamant that Ed is the devil he should be working to motivate people on an issue. Not on Ed is a horrible person.
I think Scott and I could sit down and have a conversation and agree on the problems. Where we would fight is what the solutions are and that is based on our idealogy and world experience.
If it solves the problem, I don't care if it matches my ideology.
Scott,
The city elected a GOP Mayor 8 years ago. Stop whining about your own inadequacy organizing.
Scott,
I apologize if I seem harsh, however we better start looking past each others party labels and start talking to each other about ways to solve the problems in our society. Instead of looking for scoring points on each other because of the letters we choose to put behind our names.
I firmly believe you love this country and the Lehigh Valley. I know I love this country and the Lehigh Valley.
Dark times are about to occur and it is both the democrats and republicans faults because they ignored problems for years and chose short term fixes over long term solutions and have sold our future out to stay in power.
I'd like to have kids someday. I'd like for them to have a country worth living in.
Jacob,
It has been twelve years since the city elected a Republican mayor and eight years since they elected a Republican council person(exclude Bausch).
We could sit down and chat about Allentown until the cows come home and not move the city one iota in the right direction. It isn’t going to happen because the machine won’t let it happen. Allentown has become a Democrat vote producing machine. Why don’t you check out the campaign finance reports of the major Allentown Democrat candidates for yourself and see where the money comes from. These same funding sources have made sure Ed Pawlowski had no primary challenge. Don’t you think his uncontested primary speaks for itself? Local Dems have given him a cowardly defacto endorsement even though his performance as mayor has been dismal and the city has deteriorated in every regard since he took office.
City Democrats need to take a good hard look in the mirror and understand they all share the blame for what has become of Allentown.
Scott Armstrong
Scott,
Its sad to hear you are giving up on the city. Competition is what makes this country strong, party ideologies change with times and based on the problems society face.
Primaries are good for the party and for the people. Incumbents rarely face strong primary challengers for either party.
That being said, there is nothing Ed has done or not done that I can see warrants a strong primary challenger. Being the Mayor of Allentown or on the city council of Allentown is an extremely difficult task. There are economic realities they do not control and are forced to deal with and use their best judgment.
Scott; The 'money machine' of which you speak doesn't care which horse they back so long as it's a winner and currently the GOP doesn't have any winners. It's that simple. Do you actually believe developers and business owners are beholden an allegiance to any party?
If the next mayor were to be a Republican 'the money machine' would flip faster then a dime. It's called the incumbent advantage. Business expects a return on investment. This mayor's better at it.
The local GOP can play the blame game, criticize and whine about it for another 12 years, but if they can't defeat a mayor who they believe is such a lousy leader that nobody likes... what does that say about local the GOP?
Here's what I believe.. Party affiliation has little influence on local voters. It's about the local economy & crime. The guy that can sell the public gets the job. Pawlowski is out and about selling it.
Where's Tony? Why ain't he out kissing the babies? Crime watch groups. Door to door. He's going to have to get out there and show he hungry for the job. Schools out.
"Local Dems have given him a cowardly defacto endorsement... City Democrats need to take a good hard look in the mirror and understand they all share the blame for what has become of Allentown"....
"No, the mess is laid at your (city Democrats) feet where it belongs. You made it; now let’s see if the Democrat Machine can fix it."
Just keep saying this kind of stuff for the next 12 years.. see how that works for ya? Your lobbing grenades at the very people you need bring over. Attacking & labeling. Not such a great campaign strategy.
Thing is I agree with you on the park and I bet a ton of democrats do too. But quite a few of the local people on the conservative side of the political fence are so angry and bullheaded few are able to get a word in against the shouting.
"That being said, there is nothing Ed has done or not done that I can see warrants a strong primary challenger."
Jacob, if you can't see the reasons then perhaps you should stay more informed.
Bill Heydt ran the city effectively for eight years, with eight balanced budgets, no tax increases, and real progressive legislation. He didn't fire talented employees,hire a city manager to perform his mayoral duties,borrow millions to balance current accounts and claim he fixed the city finances,and refinance city bonds on ruinous terms. Bill Heydt had a real plan to restore the downtown neighborhoods and put several hundred families into properties that had been problem multi-units. Ten years ago the city was full of energized community groups on a mission to save the city. Ed and Roy changed all that and no Democrats spoke out against them. Jacob you are just another apologist.
Scott Armstrong
LVCI,
Get a clue, the money machine is almost all from big Democrat sources and from outside the area. The purpose of the donations are clear, they are to cement Democrat control.See the reports yourself on this blog.
Scott Armstrong
Scott,
The reason you and your party are losing is your tone. I'm opening to listening to your ideas and seeing where they make common sense to me, however you can't share them without throwing a punch at my chosen party. A party by your own admission you would need significant support from in order to actually elect a candidate you like.
I will add this, I don't believe there is a democratic machine in Allentown. I do believe that over the past 3 Presidential election cycles the democrats locally have worked hard to register as many people as they possibly could. That has had a positive impact on local elections as we have added more democratic leaning voters to our rolls.
If that is a democratic machine, registering people to vote. Than I'm part of a democratic machine.
Scott Armstrong.. "LVCI.. Get a clue"
Exactly as Jacob has said, "The reason you and your party are losing is your tone. I'm opening to listening to your ideas and seeing where they make common sense to me, however you can't share them without throwing a punch.."
I was 100% behind Heydt and truly upset that Tom Burke got the boot. They were the best things that happened to the city in like forever. But would have Tom or Bill said, "get a clue"?
A couple of years ago I posted on 'Allentown Commentator' that I agreed with another person even though I will not commit to party lines. I will vote based on each candidate and on each issue. I was called many names as someone who was selfish and just suckled onto anyone who'd give me what I want. A user.
I posted a response reasoning.. that others defining my intentions and name calling was plain wrong. You replied "Boo-Hoo " get over being a "cry baby". I never went back and quit that forum where only 6 people remain actively posting.
Reasonable people were chased off. That pretty much explains where the GOP stands in this upcoming local election. Either you get on board or get out!
But despite the hard nosed attitude I would do Heydt or Burke in a heartbeat because I know for a fact they weren't representing the local GOP with that kind of attitude. Give us a couple of candidates like they and the party could win again, providing the hardliners don't scare people away.
And yes I'm still ticked that both Heydt & Burke were rejected. Burke worked his butt off and was the only one on council to stand up and vote NO on the pension plan. Was that his and Heydt's downfall? Quite possibly because of standing up to the local FOP. If so that wasn't because of a party affiliation but rather a self interest group.
So NO my vote is not up for sale to either party. I will not compromise myself to be a 'sheeple' for either one. And both party hardliners will just have to accept that, or squander their political love/hate efforts trying to make a convert. Doing so just drives me away. I don't buy used cars from salesman like that either!
Jacob,
Soon enough it will be the Republicans turn to win big. Be patient it won’t be long.
Your opinion that there is no Democrat Machine running Allentown does not change the fact that clearly there is.
Republicans don’t need Democrats for support; Allentown needs to have Democrats with the integrity to speak out when their own local party/mayor/council is doing something that is counterproductive to the city’s best interests. The fact that it hasn’t happened is very telling.
Scott Armstrong
LVCI,
You wrote:
“I posted a response reasoning.. that others defining my intentions and name calling was plain wrong. You replied "Boo-Hoo " get over being a "cry baby". I never went back and quit that forum where only 6 people remain actively posting.
Let’s just say that yes, I am a mean guy; I’m the big insulter here and have a nasty tone. Perhaps that is true; however I am not a part of or an apologist for the party that has destroyed Allentown.
Scott Armstrong
Scott,
I will be sending you an email to the address Bernie gave me when I first tried to reach out to you.
You can choose to read what I write in your republican vs. democrat mindset or you can read it as an American.
If you choose to view the world in a red/blue sense than it is fine by me. I have moved past that.
Jacob,
You may have moved past party affiliation but clearly Allentown, Lehigh County, and America hasn’t. As a conservative I find the need for new need reconciliation just a bit too convenient.
Scott Armstrong
Scott,
That's fine. I made an offer to talk, you rejected it.
My focus in life isn't based on what my political affiliation is or what my ideology is. Its building the best possible future for the next generation.
What the heck is a conservative these days anyway. I liked William F. Buckley even though I disagreed with a lot of the things he believed. He at least made me think and was very articulate and intelligent.
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