I know developer Abe Atiyeh is attempting a takeover. The two candidates running against Weiss are his puppets. Abe may very well control four of the Township's five seats in November.
One of my more enlightened readers, who aptly calls himself Lighthouse, provides an excellent analysis.
Laswell's definition of politics goes something like: who has the power/influence to decide who gets what, when, and how. For those who observe local politics it is simple to see (or presume) what Abe is doing, and it is foremost about his bottom line not because "he cares".... he certainly has shown by his actions that he doesn't care about neighbor concerns when the development is his, "big heart" or not (and I have heard non-political people actually speak positively of his generosity).
That said, Abe's proxies are benefiting from timing. At the end of the day, it comes down to the voters who could have easily rebuffed Abe's guys. They didn't. The reason why Commissioner Weiss lost to both Breslin and Russin was not pro-Abe per se, but a frustrated vote for change. While that whole area has been publicly slated for MAJOR development for almost a decade (including the old Forest City Lifestyle Center w/ residential component; as well as what is now called Madison Farms) people in Wagner Farms and Vineyards in particular (who's own housing developments brought groans of too much traffic) have awakened to Madison Farms as if it were something new. I have heard folks from those neighborhoods express genuine concern about it. This is the primary reason Weiss lost, especially without him agressively campaigning and allowing Breslin and Russin to define the election. It is easy to cynically dismiss it as NIMBYism, but the blunt reality is the perception a voter has in the privacy of voting. And if someone can successfully tap into to fear/concern you have a winner.
Secondarily, even though I understand the Twp was the one to pursue prosecution of the MEM shyters, again Weiss' overconfidence in not campaigning seriously allowed Breslin to define that issue. I have the letter he sent to voters claiming to have knocked on 800 homes, and emphasising "that is your money that they lost."
I don't know how much the Church connections you imply played into it. I know that Calvary is the same church that some particularly active Republicans attend. Personally, I don't think this really mattered as most of those concerned about the above two issues could care less. Russin's write in verifies this.
Speaking of Russin's write-in campaign. That should have been assumed the day he was taken off the ballot on a technicality. Only naivete or over-confidence would not have seen that writing on the wall.
Will Weiss wage a real write-in campaign? I hope so. Honestly, I think a vigorous vetting of issues, candidates, and patrons might be healthy for the Township. We'll see if it happens. In the end, the voters may not care in the short run what Abe is blatantly doing. What is the expression? The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Abe, who relishes competing with neighbors about his own developments, now has "nice-guy" frontmen and is the short-term champion against development. Besides, I suspect it gives Abe too much credit, and is insulting to Breslin and Russin (and might as well throw in Thompson), to assume they are not their own men despite their patron.
Regardless of who you vote for Bethlehem Township, you'll get the government you deserve by your votes or your apathy.
I was talking to a friend a few weeks back and told me how someone he knew who was out of work for a while, found part-time employment working for the Pat Breslin campaign. I follow politics closely, so I was suprised having not heard of him. Guy said he's running for office in Northampton County. Who would of expected paid campaign workers in a Township Commissioners race?
ReplyDeleteI will look for this in the post primary finance report.
ReplyDeleteIn 2010, the year of the Tea Party insurgency, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski lost in the GOP primary. She successfully waged a write-in campaign for the General election. To point out the obvious, that meant her name was not on the ballot and voters statewide had to write in her name. A small municipal ward election like this can still be wide open if Weiss were to wage an aggressive write-in campaign.
ReplyDeleteThere are two views elected representatives typically have: “I am a ‘delegate’ sent by the voters to represent their views in government,” or, “I am a ‘trustee’ who has to do what I think is best, because the people don’t always understand the complexities and what’s best for them.” I think the longer an incumbent is in office there is a natural gravitation borne of experience to the “trustee” attitude at the risk of forgetting they still must be viewed as “delegates” by the voters. The mark of a successful leader is being able to bridge these approaches, and get the people to want to continue following you. If you can’t, the insurgent “delegate” can win if he/she taps into the fears/concerns of the voters. Between Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners, Mr. Weiss has a lot of experience and certainly understands the nuances and history of the issues before the Twp. But Abe has shown a willingness to throw thousands of dollars at whatever he wants, and Weiss has to overcome the election issues having already been defined by Breslin and Russin, and I can just imagine the frequent mailers similar to those of Mr. Zawarski and Mrs. Atiyeh in recent campaigns. The primary was not close, and this will be a challenge. A divide and conquer strategy will not work.
This could be a pivotal election for Bethlehem Township if Mr. Weiss is able and willing to tackle this big challenge in a way that connects with, rather than alienates, the voters.
The second ward (Hudak/Thompson) contest will have some different, yet overlapping, variables...
Lighthouse,
ReplyDeleteLove this! "I think the longer an incumbent is in office there is a natural gravitation borne of experience to the “trustee” attitude at the risk of forgetting they still must be viewed as “delegates” by the voters. The mark of a successful leader is being able to bridge these approaches, and get the people to want to continue following you. If you can’t, the insurgent “delegate” can win if he/she taps into the fears/concerns of the voters"
The "bridge" is the mark of a truly expert representative in government. It should be the goal of anyone who runs for office
its a shame that the lighthouse is lighting up south whitehall now
ReplyDelete7:15 is guessing that Lighthouse is Jon Hammer, who was Manager in BT before S Whitehall stole him. That's an excellent guess. Jon is very sharp. My money says Jerry Batcha. It could be Tim Brady, too. It is an excellent analysis.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is its Jim Gregory. Lol
ReplyDeletestole him?? You can't really believe that...
ReplyDeleteYes, I can. Hammer is one of the best. There is a corps of very good Township Managers. People like Hammer, Finnigan, Kutzler, Fosselman, Cahalan, Christman, They are dedicated professionals, and are NOT political. They know who they are. You obviously don't.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget Christ is Lynn Township
ReplyDeleteHammer was Bill Heydts finance director, and grew up in downtown Allentown. I went to HS with him at Allen, and played basketball with him at Valania in the 'hood. He's an Allen boy and proud of his city roots.....shame there is no room for R's in Allentown anymore.
ReplyDeleteI am with Bernie's thought on who Lighthouse is.
ReplyDeletekutzler seems just 'run of the mill' to me. he does seem to not be political, but what else puts him up on a pedestal?
ReplyDeleteHe has devoted his entire life to municipal gov't, and knows more about planning than most lawyers.
ReplyDeleteHoward is a planning genius. But both he and Jon seemed a bit lazy with the actual Management end of it. Thus, the good ole boy network still going on with Public Works and Grube. And even a bit yet with the Police. Then again, Howard is still filling both roles of Manager and Planning Director, right?
ReplyDeleteBruce Fosselman is cream of the crop and Lower Mac was fortunate to steal him away from Emmaus.
ReplyDeleteGRUBE AND PANCOAST ARE THE ONLY TWO NOT TO SCREW UP THE SUMMIT DEAL. THEY SHOULD BE THE ONLY ONES LEFT. WHERE WAS ZOID ON THAT??
ReplyDeleteHoward is Manager, Planner, crossing guard, pool cleaner and also gives voice lessons.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lot of insiders and disgruntled employees of that Township posting on this blog!
ReplyDeleteThose who live in Glass Houses should not throw stones... that white elephant Community Center has a lot of glass.
ReplyDeleteNo question that given the "pontification and self-satisfaction tone of his writing. Lighthouse is Jim Gregory's more sane alter ego.
ReplyDelete