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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Monday, December 29, 2014

NIZ Cheerleading Backfires on Schlossberg

Mike Schlossberg is a member of the country's second highest paying legislature, after California. He ran unopposed last year, primarily because democracy is dead in Allentown, He's nominally a Democrat, but in truth, he's following Jennifer Mann's footsteps as a servant of the urban growth regime. He's a Moneycrat, like King Edwin Pawlowski, Pat Browne and others. Instead of representing the people, his boss is J.B Reilly. Over the Christmas weekend, he made the mistake of praising Allentown's controversial NIZ on his personal Facebook page. This is a government sanctioned tax gimmick that allows Reilly and fellow developer Joe Topper to use state tax money sorely needed in Allentown's schools to transform themselves from millionaires to billionaires.  As you might have guessed, Schlossberg had his head handed to him by people who can see through the bullshit.

Schlossberg is one of my first readers. I remember meeting him when he was the Manager of Hellertown's Main Street program. At that time, he had ethics and cared about people. He came from a middle class background in Jersey, so I doubt he knew or understood much of anything about people in Allentown who are literally hungry, but I thought his heart was in the right place.

Something happened. Once elected to Allentown City council, he became one of King Edwin's men, a rubber stamp. He was one of the Yes votes for Pawlowski's slap across the face of anyone who cares about a healthy environment. He actually voted in favor of a goofy plan to convert New Jersey shit into energy, which sounds a hell of a lot more offensive than spreading it on farmland.

Because this plan was being promoted by major Democratic fundraiser Marcel Grown, I guess it looked liberal enough, though it obviously was just the greedy action of a few oligarchs out to pillage and rape a City.

Schlossberg is getting a raise as legislator while most of his constituents are below the povery level. But that's not enough for him. He also ranks #36 for expenses. Those include $9,782.00 in per diems and $8,027.43 for mileage. That $18,000, which is on top of his salary, is about $1,000 more than the per capita income of an Allentown resident.

It does not stop there. Schlossberg also holds himself out as a social media consultant. He has whored himself out to privatized tax farmers like the Portnoff law offices for his so-called expert advice. Of course they will use him and contribute to his campaign, and in return, he will support legislation that makes it easier for leeches like Portnoff to soak residents with municipal liens and Sheriff Sales. He's hardly the first pol to use his government position to put a few extra coins in his pocket, but it's still disappointing to me because  remember when he used to have ethics.

Over the weekend, for shits and giggles, he published the results of a study predicting job growth in the Allentown area. "[Y]ou can bet that's largely because of the NIZ," he says. "Let's keep up the great work!" . He goes on to predict that the NIZ will cure all disease, end hunger and bring us world peace.  Amazingly, he made these bold statements on his personal Facebook page, where people would prefer to see pet pics and watch fart videos.

The best thing a pol can use Facebook for is to humanize himself. Let people know he's one of them, even if he's not. If he wants to make a political statement, he can do that on his legislative page or somehere else. Another social media expert thinks you lose friends and clients by using your personal page to get into thse kinds of subjects. It's the wrong platform for discussing politics unless it is in a group with a closed membership.

Schlossberg slipped. His initial remarks, and subsequent defenses, indicate he is not one of the people, but part of an urban growth regime. Several astute readers, including Michael Molovinsky, saw through the bullshit and really let Schlossberg have it. Pawlowski did his best to post links to news releases. Ed Disgrace [he's a troll who used this blog to slime a Hispanic leader] rushed in and called all NIZ critics naysayers. But the damage was done. The urban growth regime and Schloss looked pathetic yesterday.  Here are some of the comments.

Michael Phoenix Mike Schlossberg a majority of the jobs created are low paying. Not helping the residents. If you would walk the streets, you would find out there is still very low confidence. A majority of people tell me the city is trying to get rid of the lower income people. A majority of center city still has a serious drug and gang problem that people worry will take over the Hamilton st. Area. I thought you were aware of the real city and not just promoting the rich and high income. That was not the reason I voted for you. I voted for someone who would walk the streets off Hamilton and try to raise the standard of living for everyone.

Michael Molovinsky shameful post considering that most of the jobs of any substance were poached from elsewhere in the valley. furthermore, the state coffers are down $33 million paying for these privately owned buildings. lastly, even the cigarette tax previously going to CHIP is being diverted.

Michael Molovinsky michael phoenix, you also voted for him because you had no choice, mr. schlossberg had no opponent.

Ed DisGrace (to King Edwin) Hey Ed, you can count me among the cheerleaders. Allentown has come a long way and you've had your hands and your heart in her rebirth since ABC, DEDC- Allentown, etc. My beef is with ASD and we have a long way to go in the areas of education, income disparity and minority engagement toward building the new but, I'm sure you're aware of these continuing battles. Maybe some of the naysayers should consider running for Mayor, against you and your record. Statistics show that even a generic, recalcitrant, yelping opponent could muster 35%. Good job Ed. Still much to do but, keep building the new.

Michael Molovinsky ed degrace, i thought i was done with this dialogue because ed pawlowski only wants to keep linking to articles which are nothing more than press releases for reilly and city center (vs. center city). you however are far worse. nothing has been done to raise the stakes of the hispanic minority majority in this city, yet you have the gall to mock those who would "dare" to challenge the status quo.

Michael Molovinsky my problem with schlossberg and pawlowski is the lack of candor. yes ed, the morning call has been acting like a press agent for the NIZ, even writing multiple articles and promotions for an out of town cheesesteak. how cheesy, considering that zandy's has been paying for advertisements for 40 years. no mike, the other communities will not be able to have an NIZ, because the state cannot afford any more of such tax give-aways, that's why it now doling out CRIZ's instead.

Gina Blevins I think the very valid point is that it's entirely premature to claim victory or celebrate success regarding job creation when those jobs don't even pay enough to live in what you Ed refer to as the poorest of neighborhoods. Creating poverty level jobs isn't really something you should want to be known for. But maybe you do. The reality is this study proves nothing. I will end simply with the number one rule of data. CORRELATION DOES NOT EQUAL CAUSATION. Just because the NIZ exists does not mean that it is the reason for these results that is a non fact based assumption.

Michael Molovinsky gina, "naysayer" was first employed locally by pawlowski to discount anybody critical of any of his plans. if he had his way we would be burning a mixture of sewage and new jersey trash, and he would be moving into the governor's mansion. degrace, don't confuse the voting public with democracy. if you weren't so self-serving you would concern yourself with the very meager hispanic voter turnout, instead of spending your energy licking those you hope can further yourself.

When the NIZ is pronounced a failure, and that will eventually happen, J.B. Reilly will have already made his money, King Edwin will be long gone, and Schlossberg will be trying to get elected to Congress or the State Senate. ... And taking in more consulting fees.

61 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ironically Schlossberg's district no longer contains the NIZ district ... His rookie companion Pete Schweyer now has the NIZ district and the waterfront in his fiefdom.. And that includes the Overlook Terraces on the East Side ... Yes the East Side of Allentown is still divided in redistricting. And yes. for two terms Schlossberg has run opposed.

The fact is, as it turned out , for about 4 years the East Side of Allentown had three lame-duck legislators here ....

In 2006 I ran for state representative and won the 2 East Side precincts I had over three other opponents but not anyplace else... Should I run in 2012 or 2014 could I have given Schlossberg the same competition I gave to Brennan, Rosado and Ryback in the 2 precincts with the added advantage that I might carry three other East Side precincts I would have to solicit votes. Now this base would be a larger one then I had previously and just maybe I could be competitive. But I must stop because I don't want to appear going off the deep end.

Dennis Pearson .

Dennis

Anonymous said...

Finally, someone see's & prints words about the imbecile that he is.

He's shallow, fake and goofy, does that make sense?

Anonymous said...

How much is the base salary for a state representative?

Bernie O'Hare said...

The base salary this year is an obscene $84,000, with legislators free to supplement their incomes as "consultants", attorneys, landlords or whatever.

Anonymous said...

Mike represents the future of the Lehigh Valley. he is one of the new forward thinking leaders of today. You want the stale relics of the past.

Anonymous said...

Actually, he is a carpetbagger. All these guys can be seen at the new arena in the box suites as guests of the folks who are making a ton. Word is from Schloosberg to Fleck, they are all pampered freebie guests at the arena.

Everyone else pays.

Anonymous said...

4:57 That is the new amercian way. Take care of number 1 leave the rest with crumbs. Spead BS so they are happy with the crumbs.

Morris Metz said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Obscenity is in the eye of the beholder. Your hypocritical attack blog spews forth ethical pronouncements from the disbarred one who is not content to only damage former clients.

michael molovinsky said...

blog mentor @6:08. how ironic that you use the term "antagonistic", which pretty much sums up your existence. my 'campaigns" for office were a mission for responsible government, not an attempt for a career. although i didn't get elected, i did fulfill my mission of offering an alternative to the status quo. likewise, i'm very proud of my work to preserve our traditional park systems. if i succeed or not in saving a WPA icon, the effort is well worth it. you on the other hand spend your days slandering and libeling people, obsessed by your hatred for anybody who recognizes your rants for what they are, malicious misrepresentations and distortions.

Morris Metz said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Unsure how I have disappeared when most know I am srill serving the homekess, giving to Allentown youth, and doing my yeayly community events. Still on the scene for the people just not looking to goverment platforms to help them. Keep up, buttercup. -Alfonso Todd

Anonymous said...

Accomplishments are measured by deeds and works not buildings and structure. Bringing awareness and thought are are accomplishments are great accomplishments also. Sorry fot misspellings in previous note.. Early mornings and phone typing don't mix. Lol! -Alfonso Todd

Anonymous said...

But seriously, we are not failed wanna bes. Everything we do or say seems to be political and our very presence in the LV antagonizes someone. We have learned that our name doesnt have yo be on the door in Coty Hall or or Jarrisburg to make an effective change in our communities. And whether it is a change in thought process, awareness, well being etc of a resident then we are doing our duty. And we haveny stopped. Being critical doesnt make us naysayers or anti-Allentown, it just gives checks and balances. We care more than most will ever imagine, because we ARE doing this. -Alfonso Todd

Morris Metz said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Donovan has NOT disappeared. He is a professor and teacher who cultivates young minds. I actually have used him as a sounding board for many of my community projects and endeavors. Just because you dont see us does not mean we aren't there. - Alfonso Todd

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
michael molovinsky said...

morris @7:44, what a coincidence that you attack the same people, with the same false accusations, as the 'blog mentor." how fitting that you're reduced to denying your own anonymous comments. how pathetic that you spend your day sending anonymous insults and threats to my blog

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

It is ironic that this guy points out others who make political mistakes using social media on his blog. I guess he does not have to look to far to find his next blog post. Political Fail=Michael Schlossberg.

michael molovinsky said...

blog mentor, morris, anonymous or whatever name you use for your next comment, the source is apparent to everyone. you may think that your misrepresentations are libel proof, or that your threats are veiled enough to escape prosecution, but you have established yourself as a predator.

Gina said...

Bernie - thanks for the quote. With respect to the topic at hand which is the use of this particular survey: http://twocents.lifehacker.com/the-best-cities-states-and-countries-for-new-jobs-next-1670565026/all being reason to celebrate the success of the NIZ I just want to clarify. My points on Mike's original post on his personal facebook page were related to the survey itself not being reason to celebrate. You can read everything I wrote by seeing the thread on his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MikeSchlossberg?fref=ts and read the thread for yourself.

I am a fan of Mike Schlossberg much to many of my friends disdain. I think he has a good heart, and good intentions. I don't agree with everything he says and does (clearly based on my mention and quote here) however I am not a naysayer... Simply put, as a process improvement professional I have valid questions as to the validity of the data being used to celebrate. My credentials to name a few are: Green Belt in Six Sigma with more than 7 years experience managing Process Improvement and Design specialist in an operations environment. What that means is that I ran a team of people responsible for the compilation of large amounts of data, proper sourcing and reading of that data. Most qualifying in my opinion; is the ability to use that data to make actionable business decisions that impact whether I continue to get a paycheck. I suppose to this audience my most qualifying credential might actually be that I had a life, a job, successful career in this industry BEFORE I met my partner... his influence has zero impact on my ability to identify badly sourced data and succinctly call bullshit.

That all being said, my issue is wholly with the source of the results. Its a completely unscientific survey by a slanted source to begin with (Manpower). As I said in the thread: " Understand that we all aren't naive enough to believe the propaganda an "outlook" is A. a prediction that may not come to fruition and B. based on a survey of employers themselves who most likely inflated the numbers to look good for stockholders and prospects. There is nothing scientific about this study and the best summation of the data that is accurate would be "Some companies are going to be hiring in the upcoming quarter". Any statistician (or anyone who knows anything about statistics or data analysis) would laugh at the conclusions being made locally or about this "study" (term used very loosely) being based in fact and asserting anything other than "people might hire"."

Again Bernie - thanks for the quote. I am accessible on Facebook and through my email gina@epicenterus.com if anyone would like to speak to me directly about my concerns (or if you need some data crunched) :)

Morris Metz said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

I agree with Anonymous 12:42. I would only add that in addition to those things he's a shameless carpetbagger. We have enough political losers here in PA without importing them from Jersey.

Anonymous said...

Voters in Schlossberg's district would vote for an avocado if it was Democrat.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Comments from the Blog Mentor, disguising himself as "Morris Metz," hace been and will be deleted. I am sure Schlossberg is just thrilled to have the support of a troll like you.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Gin, I get that you support Schlossberg and the NIZ, and just quarrel with his data. I don the NIZ, which I consider a colossal attempt to engineer economic development doomed to fail from the start. Schlossberg used to have ethics and a good heart and now he's for dsale, just like his predecessor, Jennifer Mann.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"It is ironic that this guy points out others who make political mistakes using social media on his blog. I guess he does not have to look to far to find his next blog post. Political Fail=Michael Schlossberg."

I find it astonishing that a person who has the problems in his district that Schlossberg has would devote lesss than every second to that job. I find it obscene that he takes $1,000 more in expenses than his constituents earn per year. He's a pig.

Morris Metz said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Bernie O'Hare said...

"Morris Metz" send me an email confirming that you are the real Morris Metz and not the Blog Mentor impersonating him, and i will restore your comments. You and I both know that is not going to happen. This is just another of your many lies. Your comments are also OT.

Anonymous said...

On Sept 9th Rep Schlossberg announced a $430,991 state grant for upgrades to a compressed natural gas fueling station in Allentown.The project’s total cost is $1.08 million and Clean Energy Inc. will provide $646,487 in matching funds.

According to DCED, other notable alternative energy awards were for ALLENTOWN LCNG ($400,257)and ALLENTOWN LNG PUBLIC ACCESS FUELING STATION ($502,297).

Are these different projects? Did the CNG fueling station exist before it needed to be upgraded?

Anonymous said...

I'm surprised that Schloss has not responded?

Probably hiring a spin media consulting firm (at taxpayer expense) attempting to save face!

Anonymous said...

The Sept 9 announcement was for Allentown Lehigh Gas.

Michael Donovan said...

Since my name has been mentioned. I have not gone away, but illness caused me to decide to focus on a few different things that were very important in my life. I have still met occasionally and privately with activists, and we have discussed strategy.

Sadly, as I have said elsewhere, the cheerleaders focus on the dropping of a puck and expensive steaks. Certainly, buildings are nice, and expensive restaurants please a particular clientele, but supporters seemed to have forgotten this is tax money and there are 118,000 people in Allentown. Much could have been done at the beginning that would have made this multi-dimensional, and was not done. I have always said that the project(s) was/were good. Indeed, it took me explaining how it all worked to convince some die-hard opponents.

What also occurred was a clear effort to separate the haves from the have-nots. Until leadership changes to include people who can see both sides of what is needed, and have the power to bring along the originators, we will have lots of suburbanites and some city-dwellers happy (hockey, events, restaurants), and the rest of the city ignored.

Of course, the supporters will disagree, and point to some actions, but from my vantage point, they have been smokescreens. Go behind the scene and listen to the actual remarks. The intent is quite clear.

So, to the commentator who asked where I am, I still live here. I still work here. I still engage with people who care about the entire city.

Happy New Year.

Anonymous said...

Seems that Pawlowsky and Fleck pushed too hard with Wolf. NIZ PAC'ers supported Brown as payback to Callahan. Now Callahan sits on Wolfs transition team for DCED. IMO, public investment in one door, PAC money out the other.

Charlie Sc said...

The revitalization of downtown Allentown is not occurring at the expense of the school district. Most of the tax incentives involve use of state tax dollars. The new development continues to pay the same real estate taxes as any other buildings in the city. This new development will attract new residents willing to live in the surrounding area, which will generate additional tax revenues for the school district. Most city residents are very happy to see the downtown revitalized, and look forward to additional spillover activity.

Charlie Sc said...

Bernie:

I think your anger is mis-placed in this column. Representative Schlossberg has been a very positive force for Allentown and the rest of his district. He also has the ability to bring together many different interests and personalities, which is needed in Lehigh Valley politics. There are certain other legislators who have done much less for their districts.

Charlie Sc said...

I've lived in a Center City Allentown neighborhood for almost 30 years. After years of problems, all of the vacant houses in my neighborhood are now occupied, after undergoing major rehabilitation projects. That interest spurs from the positive changes that everyone can see in the downtown.

Charlie Sc said...

The CNG fueling station has been brought up. This was part of a major initiative by the Corbett Administration to make greater use of natural gas that is produced in Pa., and is not something peculiar to the Lehigh Valley. New CNG and LNG fueling stations are being developed throughout PA with state subsidies. The use of these fuels also have the benefit of lower air pollution.

Private trucking fleets and municipalities have been hesitant to invest in CNG and LNG vehicles because of a lack of fueling stations.

In State College and some other areas of the State, all of the public buses run on CNG or LNG.

monkey momma said...

It's nice to see Schlossberg remain dedicated, even as I type this, to hosting the conversation he is hosting. I would not say it's backfiring - he is just engaging different viewpoints, and I think it's great!

I'm not saying I "agree" or "disagree" with anyone - just that it's really nice to see a public official engage in a conversation with anyone who wants to participate. It takes guts. I appreciate Mike putting himself out there like that.

Anonymous said...

just ANOTHER Big Government slob feeding at the trough, that's all

Anonymous said...

Well Ce-Ce Gerlach got her ass handed to her tonight by the Mayor and Rep. Schlossberg. She finds a new way to embarrass herself each time. Oh and Christina Dominguez.. holy hell she was a mess in a hand basket. Maybe it was nerves being on TV for the first time.. .but damn if you are going up against the big boys I suggest you take something higher than a high school public speaking class.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"The revitalization of downtown Allentown is not occurring at the expense of the school district. Most of the tax incentives involve use of state tax dollars. The new development continues to pay the same real estate taxes as any other buildings in the city. This new development will attract new residents willing to live in the surrounding area, which will generate additional tax revenues for the school district. Most city residents are very happy to see the downtown revitalized, and look forward to additional spillover activity.

Please save your nonsense for the cheerleaders.

The state tax money being used to fund J.B. Reilly is state tax money NOT going to Allentown's failing schools and NOT going to CHIP.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Well Ce-Ce Gerlach got her ass handed to her tonight by the Mayor and Rep. Schlossberg. She finds a new way to embarrass herself each time. Oh and Christina Dominguez.. holy hell she was a mess in a hand basket. Maybe it was nerves being on TV for the first time.. .but damn if you are going up against the big boys I suggest you take something higher than a high school public speaking class. "

Howe darer these commoners speakl up for themselves. I hope Schl;ossberg put them in their place and let them know they are just lowly peasants.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Monkey Momma, it was far from gutsy. Schlossberg just didn't want honk anyone would have the guts to call him on his bullshit. They are the ones displaying courage and they pay a very real price for standing up to the urban growth regime. Schlossberg can hide behind Ed Disgrace and other trolls. Pawlowski has even bigger weapons

Anonymous said...

Bernie, in all fairness. Iannelli stacked the deck. He is a dedicated corporate ass sucker of the highest degree.

Pawlowski and Schlossberg needed some real competition in that debate. The Iannelli team made sure that didn't happen.

It was a horrible show, primarily because it was not only a blatant NIZ commercial but an ambush. By the way, Iannelii has obviously taken all of Jim Gregory's unused tantastic time slots. The guy looks like an over ripened plump orange.

Jazz man

Anonymous said...

Bernie
Guess who was on TV last night?
Rep. Schlossberg and Mayor Pawlowski and Ce Ce Gerlach who sure stood her ground.

Charlie Sc said...

Bernie:

Think it over for a second. If the state tax incentives had not been available for Downtown Allentown, do you REALLY think Corbett would have sent that state tax money instead to the Allentown School District??

The School District is receiving additional real estate tax money, and has a much better chance of retaining and attracting middle income households because people can see positive changes in Allentown. People need to see dramatic positive changes to feel comfortable investing in a home.

michael molovinsky said...

charlie sch?????, you would increase your credibility by signing with your real name

Bernie O'Hare said...

I've thought it over, and gor more than a second. Allentown's failing and underfunded schools are one of the chief reasons why the NIZ is doomed. It's why Reilly is trying to build a NIZ school for the NIZ kids. We have a fairly large state deficit, and the state never contributed anything close to what is needed in the poorer school districts. Diverting that money into Reilly's pockets prevents the state from finding education. Allentown's real estate tAxes will not make up the difference. This started off as a bad idea, and everything I have seen confirms my initial impression. I hate when the government tries to play the great equalizer in economic development. It just doesn't work.

Bernie O'Hare said...

MM, so long as Charlie makes no personal attacks, he is welcome and free to air his own views.

Anonymous said...

Whatever happened to Johnny Manana's?

michael molovinsky said...

bernie@9:03, of course Charlie Sch is welcome at your site, but since he wants to project expertise on the NIZ and school district, a real name goes a long way increasing credibility

Benjamin Long said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Benjamin Long said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bernie O'Hare said...

Believeme, I've given him plenty of "recognition" and intend to continue doing so.

Anonymous said...

Dennis, you should run again. You need volunteers to hand out flyers in both English and Spanish and host a few town halls to introduce yourself to new East Side residents. Folks don't know who you are.

Charlie Sc said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Bernie O'Hare said...

If you want to be snide, start your own blog and attack people from there.

Anonymous said...

"Well Ce-Ce Gerlach got her ass handed to her tonight by the Mayor and Rep. Schlossberg. She finds a new way to embarrass herself each time. Oh and Christina Dominguez.. holy hell she was a mess in a hand basket. Maybe it was nerves being on TV for the first time.. .but damn if you are going up against the big boys I suggest you take something higher than a high school public speaking class. "

I don't know what show YOU were watching but Ce Ce and Christina did VERY well and they created an awareness regarding the NIZ many did not know. Unsure how it can be said it was a loss when it was the mayor who obviously kept getting flustered and almost losing his cool. He even tried to act like a "father - figure" and talk directly as if he was a champion for the people. Ce Ce and Christina communicated the truth and the video has gone viral. No loss only gain for them.... Right On!

Alfonso Todd

Anonymous said...

I hate when the government tries to play the great equalizer in economic development. It just doesn't work.

GI Bill.

Don't speak in generalities about "government" - it makes you look like a fool.