Martin Tower RTK an Exercise In Participatory Journalism

On Tuesday night's public hearing on zoning changes at Martin Tower, I was sitting inside the gym at East Stroudsburg High School South, watching my grandson play basketball. I refuse to miss his games this year. But I'm told that my name and the RTK were mentioned frequently. I feel it is important to make some clarifications about the RTK.

First, it was not my RTK, but an exercise in participatory journalism. - While I love to hear nice things about myself, I need to point out that the RTK was effective only because several people reviewed it and made their own observations. Frank Barran, Bruce Haines and Jeff Fegley are three names that come to mind. That is why I posted the material online. Had I been the only one reviewing it, I'd still be trying to figure it out. .

Second, the RTK refutes improper pay-to-play. - There is no question that many elected officials have received political contributions from CRIZ beneficiaries. I admit I was suspicious. I asked for all emails, even from personal email accounts. I find it interesting that, among the hundreds of pages supplied, there is no mention at all of these campaign contributions. Whatever role these contributions have played, they are subtle, not overt.

Third, Bethlehem gave me everything, even information that made it look bad. - I immediately jumped on the text exchange between Lew Ronca and Alicia Karner. That was red meat. But that period of just three days is the sole text exchange between the two. There is also a much more limited exchange between Alicia Karner and Ronca lackey Duane Wagner, but it is unrelated to Martin Tower. I did not like to see Mayor Donchez signing off on a letter typed in advance by Ronca, but the City was forthright and disclosed it.  The City was trying to be as open as possible. I need to make that clear as someone who files frequent RTKs and knows how many jurisdictions drag their feet and deny everything. i was quite impressed at the honesty.

Fourth, Ronca penchant for secrecy is what really hurt the City's credibility. - The only time Ronca tipped his hand was when he discussed the possibility of a high end gas station. Other than that, no one has a clue what he plans to do. His unwillingness come up with a specific plan and defend it in public has hurt the City's credibility. The City should have done a better job of explaining that this may be its own ordinance, but that it was meeting extensively with Ronca. The City should also have realized the firestorm it was creating when it was allowing virtually unlimited and publicly subsidized retail, with no concrete plan. I think it knows that now.

Fifth, the RTK reveals no evidence of any criminal behavior. -  I'm told that the FBI was mentioned several times. They're a little busy right now, and that's just with all the reports concerning terrorism. I see nothing on the RTK that would warrant an FBI or any kind of criminal investigation. I think those concerns are a bit over the top. If you disagree, please tell me what evidence of criminality is unveiled by the RTK.

What now? - Eric Evans was right when he suggested this zoning ordinance should be tabled until Ronca produces a clear plan detailing what he intends to do. There are simply too many uncertainties without a clear vision. While the Martin Tower tract needs to be developed, that's no excuse for allowing the very opposite of smart growth.This is the only workable solution.