Earlier this month, Morning Call reporter Jarrett Renshaw told you that "one out of every three dollars spent under three downtown grants programs created by Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski has gone to businesses that have closed their doors, some within a few months of receiving the check."
Today, he posted the numerous documents generated by this $289,320 disaster at Valley610. They confirm that grants were awarded by email, and that hand-written invoices were just peachy.
Today's one-liner: "The shortest way to the distinguishing excellence of any writer is through his hostile critics." Richard LeGallienne
Local Government TV
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Thursday, May 27, 2010
11 comments:
You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.
Greetings:
ReplyDeleteI found the 150 plus pages fascinating reading. I will say, however, that earlier processes "seemed" to be scrapped. Some people I trust are working on better grant systems. Peter Schweyer and I are now members of a review committee while new procedures are hammered out that should also include a Council member.
I also must say that loan applications and review were performed professionally. I have been part of the discussions. It was the grants that were the problem.
Mr. Hoffman and I have are undertaking steps to bolster the Internal Auditing process. I cannot speak for him, but I do know that he is committed to improving city wide auditing processes.
I appreciate the reporter (I'll be generic) taking the time to dig into city issues. I am hoping that within the next 6 months, a very structured and aggressive auditing process exists that can find the needles in a haystack of problems that exist in the city.
Best regards,
Michael
Bernie,
ReplyDeleteWhile I too appreciate the good work of the press here one might think those charged with looking after the public good in Allentown would have been on top of this from the start. Amongst others where was the city controller on this?
One has every right to be appalled. The “we are taking steps to make sure this doesn’t happen again” is political speak for cover my ass.
Scott Armstrong
Here's a professional debate.
ReplyDeleteRenshaw has appeared at time to be a "voice" for Allentown's taxpayers, but last Saturday's councilman wedding blog entry oozed of bias.
Scott:
ReplyDeleteI know you do not think much of me. However, it is very easy to say that when something comes to light, "oh,you should have seen that."
Not necessarily. And, besides, the losses that occurred with the grant program, were primarily associated with Bernie's favorite restaurant, Manana's.
And we all have been on that mess from the start.
Best regards,
Michael
"last Saturday's councilman wedding blog entry oozed of bias."
ReplyDeleteI read that claim elsewhere and don't get it. I thought it was a light-hearted piece.
Ironically, i was at Sewards that day and drivig down Hamilton Street. I almost ran Michael Schlossberg and his bride over while they were making their way from PPL plaza to ABW.
According to reports, a Main Street Manager has been hired
ReplyDeleteby LVCC to implement a long-term strategy for rejuvenating the Hamilton Street Central Business District. This should be interesting.
Bernie,
ReplyDeleteYou really are everywhere. Where did Michael and his bride get married?
The PPL Plaza? What does she do for a living? Did you attend the reception?
Does anyone know this new Allentown main street manager's salary?
ReplyDeleteAnon 10:19,
ReplyDeleteI was not invioted nor was I at the wedding. I was at a baseball game that was rained out, so I went to Sewards for the best cheesesteak in the LV. On my way back, I decided to drive down Hamilton Street, and that's when I saw Mike and his new bride in their formal wear.
I hope the two of them have a long and happy life together.
bank on less than 40k.
ReplyDeleteMichael,
ReplyDeleteIt matters little what I think of you; the real concern is whether you, council person, the council and the controller are providing adequate oversight of the city’s business, the mayor and his office. I think the clear answer to that question is no.
Scott Armstrong