About Me

My photo
Nazareth, Pa., United States

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Call Him Ismael

That's Ismael Arcelay, not Ishmael. As you can see below, his quest is not Moby Dick, but something far more dangerous - a seat on Northampton County Council. But he's enlisted the services of Mike Fleck, campaign manager to Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski.

The Allentown Hizzoner must still be upset with the Bethlehem Hizzoner, Mayor John Callahan. Although Pawlowski has claimed that his special tax zone (the NIZ) in the Queen City will help everyone, Callahan believes it could hurt business in Christmas City.

It's no secret that Callahan intends to run for NorCo Exec next year, and it is possible that Arcelay is part of a Pawlowski-Reibman-Fleck cabal.

On paper, Arcelay looks like an excellent candidate. He's a realtor with Cassidon, a "Special Assistant" to Pawlowski, a Pennsylvania Human Relations Commissioner and even has something to do with the Center for Humanistic Change and its "holistic, humanistic approach to education."

In Northampton County, he's served as an appointed member of the Elections and Personnel Commissions. He also did a three-year stint as an appointed member of Bethlehem City Council.

But that's on paper. So far, he's been unsuccessful in actually getting elected. He's lost twice in City Council races.

While on Council, he clashed with DA John Morganelli over a civilian review board for the police. Arcelay felt more oversight was needed, but Morganelli argued that's his job. He also crossed swords with Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan when he sought some sensitive information concerning individual police officers.

Arcelay, the City's first Hispanic member of Council, supported Bethlehem's recently enacted human relations ordinance. He has stated that if he walked down a Bethlehem street without a suit and tie twenty years ago, he would be treated much differently because he is a Latino. He claims there is still "disparate treatment," and it extends to Bethlehem's educational institutions and even exists inside City Hall.


From: Sam Ruchlewicz [mailto:sam@fleckconsulting.com]
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 1:58 PM
To: friendsofismaelarcelay@gmail.com
Subject: Holiday Party for Ismael Arcelay
 
Inline image 1
 

73 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is all you really need to know ...

http://fleckconsulting.com/testimonials/

Mark Baker said...

Ish won't make it. He's just a token and a pawn. Wasn't worth much when he was on bethlum council. always whinning and moaning. woe is me kind of guy

Anonymous said...

He may well be the top vote getter for all the Democrats running countywide for the County Council nominations.
There is a rumor that Mr.Dertinger may run as well.

Anonymous said...

Izzy is a fool. He is a suit who picks up a paycheck at Allentown City Hall.
I understand fool is a strong word, but spend five minutes talking to the guy sometime. The guy doesn't know what the f@&k he is talking about no matter WHAT he is talking about.
Izzy got his job because he is a big cheese at the mayor's wife church. A political pay back and a sop to a large fundamentalist evangelical group.
PERIOD. He is the mayors token Jesus guy in the fifth floor suite.
I know that's ruff language too, but this can all be easily verified.
This fella is as clueless as they come. Not sorta clueless ------ outstanding clueless. Championship clueless. " The Mayors Specal Assistant " ----- an insult to every tax payer in Allentown.
Everyone on the mayor's staff will tell you this if you can get them off record for 15 secounds.
Look Fleck in the eye and ask him if Izzy knows his right hand from his left. Even Fleck wont be able to keep a straight face. Just a couple years ago Izzy and some surrogates were running around claiming that he would be " the next mayor of Bethlehem.
It's a matter of record.

Anonymous said...

Any truth to the rumor that Fleck met Izzy in a dumpster?

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a special assignment from his boss. The mayor not the carpenter.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a special assignment from his boss. The mayor not the carpenter.

Anonymous said...

Izzy's church believes that purging unsightly minorities from downtown Allentown is Christ-like.

"Let the children come to me. I'll bus them the hell out of here before they make trouble."

Anonymous said...

One of the biggest race baters in the Lehigh Valley. Right after Allen Jennings.

Anonymous said...

Opps...Baiters

Anonymous said...

What's all the hate about..Geez..Izzy is actually a nice guy, rather harmless at best..
However, he hasn't run well in bethlehem where you have a significant hispanic population. Countywide will be an extremely tough go for him especially when you look at the Dem candidates..Most have run before and have good County names.Heckman for instance. Although he didnt run well in the city , he always ran well countywide, even when no one knew him..Long road for Arcelay here..Why not city council shot again..Heard Belinski is finally leaving and DiGiancento might run for controller ( Hopefully, he should be a shoein)
So, unless this is just one of your crazy rumors, it doesnt make any sense for him to go Countywide..

Bernie O'Hare said...

Don't know Ishmael or Ismael, but this is no rumor. I did not prepare that mailer.

The Pawlowski connection bothers me. Pawlowski has already destroyed democracy in Allentown. We've got plenty of problems in NC, but that has not been one of them up 'till now.


Bernie O'Hare said...

"Izzy got his job because he is a big cheese at the mayor's wife church."

My research about him leads me to believe that he is deeply religious. That could be bad or good. He could be a Pharisee or false prophet who wears his religion on his sleeve. Or he could be a genuinely good person. From what little have been able to gather, I believe he is sincere.

Anonymous said...

He is a "nice guy". Just totally incompetent. No hate. Just the facts,Jack.
He came in last in his council race in Bethlehem, this after he had an appointed seat.
The Life Church Church likes to have their people, like Jones, and to some extent the mayor, in positions of political power. They are part of the "Dominion Movement". This can all be checked out. They want to see a Christian goverment. People can decide for themselves if this is a positive thing.
This reader comes down with the founders in favor of secularism in the grand American experiment.
To each their own. Just please don't point your god at me.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I would agree that church and state should be separate, but do not think Pawlowski is a member of Life Church. He may worship there from time to time.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I certainly do not care what religion he practices, and that is none of my business. I am only troubled when one religion is advanced over others, or when persons who claim to be spiritual are really just predators.

Anonymous said...

Izzy's problem with the Latino vote is that he is not one of them. He may be Latino, but lives in a white bread world in North Bethlehem. He does not have a strong connection to the South Side that would enable him to drive Latino's to the polls.
It is a mistake for him to make a run at any elective office in Northampton Cty. or Bethlehem. He is too close to Pawlumpski, and people in Norco are not fans of Pawlumpski.
Izzy is a nice guy though.

Anonymous said...

Ed's wife is Life Church. The Paster there is his "spiritual adviser". That would be nobody's business ------------- except their political philosophy. They do not promote Christians in goverment. They promote a Christian Goverment. They are relatively open about this and equally assertive in promoting this agenda along with others of like minded evangelical / fundamentalist,"bible beleiving Christians".
The national center for this Christian political movement is Colorado Springs.
As a Jewish American citizen there is much here to give me considerable pause.
Color me uncomfortable. Being a nice guy is besides the point.

Anonymous said...

Not all evangelicals or fundamentalists or those who are both are believers in the Domonion Movement.
The Mayors church, and his wife's are.

Bernie O'Hare said...

If you mean theocracy, your objection has a constitutional basis.

Anonymous said...

Boys and girls, can you say CHRISTIAN RECONSTRUCTIONISM?
If you not a "Christian" , and that don't include Roman Cathloics, Eastern Orthodox, and others, you ain't gonna make it under this political outlook.
I'm not "Christian" by these people's definition and I find this bunch very, very scary.
Color ME freaked out by these people. Including this guy Izzy. No hate, just real concerned.

Anonymous said...

Look, these people who are into this shit are scary dude. The American Christian Taliban. All that aside.
This guy Izzy is less than competent. They got his number in Bethlehem. In Allentown he is considered the mayors court jester. Ask anyone, I mean anyone. I dont care how scary his goofy religious trip is, the guy is out to lunch.
Now hizzhonnors religious belief is another matter.
Best kept Secret in Pennsylvania politics,King Ed is NOT A PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATE.

Anonymous said...

Bernie,
Very interesting conversation. I know this approach to American politics as the KINGDOM NOW Movement. Long story short--- yeah, theocracy plain and simple.
Got to go, maybe I can add more after work.
Good discussion.
( " It couldn't happen here!" )

Later.

Anonymous said...

Those who attempt to be "Christ-like" don't use the Eminent Domain to ethnically cleanse an area of its minority population in order to benefit wealthy businessmen who'll have more trouble getting into the Kingdom of God than passing through eyes of needles.

Edwin and his ilk give true "Christ-like" Christians a very bad name. We were warned there would be false prophets. And yes, the Pharisees appeared very religious.

Anonymous said...

Well Ed, his church and his wife's church would beg to differ. They are freakin certain God is on their side.
God Himself has told them so.
I know it sounds like I'm just yanking your chain but I'm serious.
The Mayor has the big fella on his side.
So does Izzy.

Anonymous said...

What is this.....every Mayor picks a candidate to run?

Anonymous said...

Ed wants a guy, his guy, in NorCo.
Plane and simple,
This guy is his boy, 100%. Wholly owned, It would be as good as Ed or Fleck themselves sitting in the seat.
Interesting how these guys who have a direct line to Jesus use the godless Flectster as an instrument of the Lord. Izzy will serve his Church and his King.
Nothin' finer.

Anonymous said...

Who is Sal going to run in Lehigh County?

Anonymous said...

Izzy couldn't run the concession stand at the Tee Ball game. The dude don't got it.
"Nice guy"? Yeah, if you trust that shit.
I'd rather have a competent prick who doesn't talk to a Heavenly Father or act as a total yes-man for Powlowsky.

Anonymous said...

Very few things I trust less in life than the classic " nice guy " act.
I see a nice guy I run the other way. Who knows what's under that lame act. Usually an angry or lost personality.
Scheeezeee-- spare me the nice guy types.
Bad news.

Anonymous said...

Nice guys don't support ethnic cleansing. Evil is as evil does. The religiousity is a hideous front. This guy is a witless acolyte, a useful idiot for corporate welfare at the expense of minorities. Very dangerous.

Anonymous said...

He certainly is willing to do his lord and masters bidding. By that I mean the mayor.
He is a totally devoted yes man and quite a dolt besides. A very dull blade.

Anonymous said...

How is it that Mr Nice Guy is the butt boy for Mr Vindictive Power Guy?
Just askin'?

Anonymous said...

Cut me a frickin break already. Anybody who buys that nice guy shtick is a real asshole. The man will lie and cover and dance for his boss all day long .
Nice guy my ass.

Anonymous said...

Ed's just looking for a way to make life hell for Callahan.He hates the man.

Anonymous said...

If there are five candidates running for county council, Izzy has a chance.

Anonymous said...

The guy is a sanctimonious phony.
Should he win a seat he will set a new low for performance.
" The Mayor's Special Assistant". What a waste of tax payer money. An open joke.

Anonymous said...

It says positive things about the Latino electorate,and the community at large in Bethlehem, that he was so completely trashed the last time he ran there.

So much for the next mayor of Bethlehem.

Anonymous said...

" I don't care what religion he practices."

Really Bernie. If someone running was a Scientologist it wouldn't give you pause?

Anonymous said...

"Ed's just looking for a way to make life hell for Callahan.He hates the man."

that's a no shitter. JB hates Callahan too. If we judge someone by their enemies, Callahan stacks up pretty good.

Anonymous said...

I think your wrong about JB and Calahan. After all they were drinkin buddies with Scott, Elliot, and the Don.

Anonymous said...

Izzy is the punch line to an Allentown City Hall joke.

Anonymous said...

Every power bully needs a butt boy. Ed's got Izzy.
It seems to work for them.

Anonymous said...

Every power bully needs a butt boy. Ed's got Izzy.
It seems to work for them.

Anonymous said...

Mr. O'Hare may hate this but Glenn Reibman will be the next Dem County Executive candidate and Ismael will be a Dem nominee for County Council.

Anonymous said...

Izzy will make a laughing stock of the NorCo Dem. party. The man is a Jesus holleren joke of the highest order.

True Christians and true Democrates are going to be mortified by this bozo.

Mark my words.mayor Ed's very own fool in Easton.

Anonymous said...

The R's are still trying to get Bernie's Township buddy to run.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I doubt that any Township Manager will be running for anything. The ones I know like their jobs, are paid better than the Exec and have no interest in political office. Try again. It won't matter.

Bernie O'Hare said...

". If someone running was a Scientologist it wouldn't give you pause?"

Not really, no. Like i said, someone's religious beliefs are none of our business, unless those beliefs advocate the destruction of themselves or others.

Anonymous said...

I know Izzy and have worked with him in the community in the past. I have always found him to be professional and reasonable, thinking for himself, but also a good team player.

I find it curious all of these people with opinions who don't really know the guy. He is professional with an M.B.A. who had a career at ATT and serves at the state level on the Human Rights Commission.

In my experience with him, I have seen a hard worker, someone who cares about the community and a builder of bridges. I think he will be an asset to Northampton County Council. They should be happy that someone of his caliber wants to run.

Anonymous said...

colosal wast of taxpayers money.
his job is to divert all callers and send them to nowhere.
Talks nice and shines you on.

Anonymous said...

@7;54
I could not agree more.

Anonymous said...

Check into that AT&T " career ".

Anonymous said...

What is all this stuff about Reibman running for County executive..very doubtful..If he said it , he's probably just pulling someone's leg...Seyfried has been talking about it too, forever, and everyone knows he's not serious..Callahan and mcClure are the only Dems running..Why the hell would Pawlowski want Arcelay to run for County Council?? Makes absolutely no sense..He has no base there at all..Doesn't make sense..

Anonymous said...

8:44
Pawlowski wants to spread his influence----wants to fuck with Callahan---wants to advance "good Christian goverment". Back to that "Kingdom Now" movement. These people a very, very, serious about this.

Anonymous said...

......are very serious.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Reibman and Arcelay are both quite serious.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"What is all this stuff about Reibman running for County executive..very doubtful..If he said it , he's probably just pulling someone's leg..."

The he's pulling a lot of legs. If Panto does not run, he does.

Anonymous said...

Glenn Reibman will beat John Callahan. Callahan's support in the county is an illusion. Another Long Dem who will be surprised next May.

His long time mismanagement of the Bethlehem budget will come to light before the end of the year.
Even a $100K, won't buy him the County Executive seat.

Anonymous said...

Izzys church wants this as much as Mayor Ed. These church's want their people in positions of power.
They are into " Christian Goverment".

Izzy may be serious but his leadership skills are marginal at the very best.......... at the very best.

Anonymous said...

If Fleck is pushing Izzy so is the Callahan clan. Jim Hickey works with Fleck and he is a big Callaahn clan worker.

Anonymous said...

@7:14
I know Izzy also. Since well before he got his job for the Mayor.
Izzy is not qualified for service as an elected official.
His performance as a special assistant for the mayor is indicative of his inability to function as a public official.
He should work for his church if they find him qualified. His work for the tax payers of Allentown has been something of an embarrassment .

Anonymous said...

Issy won't be the first goof-ball on Council......or the only goofball.....just the most recent goof-ball, if elected.
But make no mistake about it, he is a good-ball. He would suck on council.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Avtually, fleck works for Pawlowski. I believe if he is working for ArceY, it is with the encouragement of Allentown's Mayor.

Pawlowski is still smarting over Callahan's NIZ reservations, and thuse is pushing Reibman to run for Exec. He will also push Arcelay, who tangled with Acallahan in the past.

As far as Hickey is cncerned, he is firmly embedded in the Callahan camp.

Anonymous said...

If you need some service from the 5th floor of Allentowns City Hall, and you get punted to Izzy, you know damn well that all you are going to get is a smile and a load of happy bullshit. Ask around. Ask Ds. Ask Rs. Ask anyone.
This guy is as lame a public servant as anyone has ever seen.
Ask around.

Anonymous said...

Vote for this guy if you want a laugh.

Anonymous said...

I thought Arcelay was goin to be the next mayor of Bethlehem. There was an Op-Ed in the Morning Call touting his great political appeal saying as much several years ago, right before he came in dead last on the council race.

Anonymous said...

Anything if it gets him off the payroll here.

Anonymous said...

The man is hapless, clueless, useless as a public official........ and yes, I know the man.
A total waste of taxpayer dollars.
Total.

Anonymous said...

Just like Allentown - http://allentownblight.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

DUDE IS A HUGE WAS OF CITY FUNDS. WORTHLESS!

Anonymous said...

WASTE --- WASTE -- WASTE OF FUNDS. The guys is worthless.
I dont blame him------- blame his boss.

Anonymous said...

Izzy is a nice guy-but as clueless as they come! He plays the race card when he thinks it will get him some press coverage,and yet he himself is the "white bread" of the Spanish community. He really is quite "dull"