In 2006 and 2007, Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski raised a whopping $108,588, mostly from city workers, developers, contractors, consultants and lawyers who do business with the city. Most of them are obviously looking for something.What amazes me is that, for someone who raised so much money during off election years, Pawlowski has very little to show for it. His latest filed report shows just $1,100 in his campaign account.
Where did all the money go?
A lot of it - over $18,000 - went to Mayor Ed's favorite's charity - himself. He was paid $13,635.54 as loan repayments, reimbursement for postage, etc.
Cha ching!
And Mrs. Ed picked up another $1,043.50 to reimburse her for babysitting expenses. Another $377 went directly to babysitters for this stay-at-home mom.
During last Sunday's Ironpigs exhibition game, Hizz'nHerHonor unfortunately ran that babysitting tab a little higher. They brought none of their little mayors to see Ferrous or any of the ballplayers.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed also spent $3,006.20 for cell phones over the last two years.
Most amazing of all, at least to me, is that $35 fee for a bounced check. When council Veep Tony Phillips bounced a check, Mayor Ed rushed to share publicly this horrible offense. But when his campaign bounces checks, I guess that's no big deal. Neither is that $270 late filing fine, or his illegal attempt to have his campaign pay it instead of doing so out of his own pocket.
Could someone please explain the way in which a babysitter could be paid out of campaign funds? That is a new one to me?
ReplyDeleteI did not, but perhaps should have, included the expenses incurred by Pawlowski to buy funeral flowers for the family members of supporters.
ReplyDeleteThe bulk of his money was spent on items or services that have little or nothing to do with his election. Much of it went to other candidates. This practice, known as transfers, is banned in several states but not in Pa. And of course, some of it went to babysitters.
I think he cuts a hamsome figure. One sexy man.
ReplyDeletePawlowski is despicable. I wish the Morning Call would report on how he uses campaign funds for personal expenses. $3,000 for cells phone bills!!! In other words, these law firms and developers are basically paying Ed extra money under the guise of political donations! Ed should run a power point presentation on how to abuse politcal office for your own benefit.
ReplyDeleteMayor Ed's campaign finances make abundantly clear why we need reforms. His Chicago style of politics has created a culture of corruption in Allentown.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteCould someone please explain the way in which a babysitter could be paid out of campaign funds? That is a new one to me?
11:47 PM
The same way Cunningham bought himself a car. This is Lehigh County.
It might be legal but we need new standards. Obvioosly, that car has nothing to do w/ reelection to LC Exec. It's for the governor's race. What is and is not permissible needs more definition than we have under the curreent vague standards.
ReplyDeleteNote to self. Do not wear short sleeve shirts tucked into khaki shorts.
ReplyDeleteIf I was the CEO of Pepsi, I'd sue Pawlowski!
ReplyDeleteThose sandals are so 2,000 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure his kids would have emjoyed that game. He should leave Lady McBeth behind and bring his kids out a little more. He's actually a nicer guy around them.
ReplyDeleteBurne - at least "Lady MacBeth didn't throw him out so that he has to live over an Army/Navy store, right ?
ReplyDeleteI like my estate atop the Army Navy store.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are jealous of his body.
ReplyDelete