Permitgate: A-town GOP Chair Calls For Ethics Investigation

I've told you before that Dr. Bob Romancheck is a stud muffin. He's also Allentown's GOP chair, and in a news conference yesterday morning, called on Allentown's Ethics Board to investigate Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski over Permitgate. Here's what he said:

"As a result of information first noted on Lisa Pawlowski's Facebook page, it became clear that as long ago as last December, Mayor Edwin Pawlowski was undertaking major renovations to his home. She even posted photographs of some of the work in progress. Earlier this summer, she again began to discuss a 'mancave' and new basement for her husband. This was another major project, as she noted, required at least three trips by contractors.

"Mayor Pawlowski failed to obtain permits for any of this work. Moreover, the work in question was done by a local construction firm that benefits from city contracts and contributes significant amounts of money to Pawlowski's campaign fund.

"When one of these renovations was reported in local blog, 'Lehigh Valley Ramblings', Mayor Pawlowski immediately secured a permit that very day. A few days later, Lehigh Valley Ramblings reported more work being done by Pawlowski, who then secured a permit that same day.

"Today, I am asking Allentown's Ethics Board to conduct an investigation into Mayor Edwin Pawlowski's failure to obtain permits for work he's had done at his home and for which permits are required. Also, because the permits that were obtained are based on questionable low estimates (such as $500) I am asking the Ethics Board to inquire into the actual cost of these renovations and what was actually paid.

"This information was made known to Allentown City Council. Unfortunately, they have refused to take any steps to look into this matter. They should investigate further, if for no other reason than to have Mayor Pawlowski clear the air.

"These questions have instead lingered, seemingly as an unfortunate by-product of one-party rule in Allentown. While the Mayor seems to think otherwise, he should be held to the same standard as the people he serves. The Mayor is not above the law."

King Edwin told The Morning Call's Jarrett Renshaw that Romancheck's complaint is "political nonsense." There goes Dr. Bob's invitation to the "mancave."

Here's the Permitgate trail, with Lisa Pawlowski starring (inadverdently) as Deep Throat:

7/23: Pawlowski Builds "Mancave" With No Permit

7/26: Embarrassed Pawlowski Gets Permit For Mancave

7/30: Pawlowski & Permits: It's Good to Be King

8/2: Allentown Stonewalls Request to See Pawlowski Permits

8/4: Permitgate: Pawlowski Gets Two More Permits

Updated Sunday 3 PM: Here's a link to the actual news conference.