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| Ce-Ce Gerlach |
Though the dust has yet to settle on last week's Presidential election, it's pretty clear that Pennsylvania voters delivered a sharp rebuke to both President Donald Trump and Governor Tom Wolf. Trump minimized a serious pandemic that has spiraled out of control, while Wolf's draconian business shutdown was driven by politicos, not epidemiologists. Wolf has a pediatrician at the tiller of Pennsylvania's pandemic, while Trump has tapped a neuroradiologist for the coronavirus crisis. Voters are sick of the extremes within both parties. So voters said No to four more years of chaos with Trump, but also rejected Democrats in two of the three state row offices up for grabs. The House Minority leader went down in flames, and Dems may even lose ground in the state House. It is against this backdrop that political extremists have decided to seek office in Allentown.
Matt Tuerk announced his Mayoral candidacy a month ago, but no one noticed because we were heavily focused on the presidential race. He's promising jobs, just like Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski did when he first ran. Tuerk's campaign manager is Charlie Thiel, whose name was mentioned repeatedly during Fed Ed's trial. I'm sure there will be a job for him ... or a juicy contract.
Next we've got Joshua Siegel, who likes to call himself a visionary and has called himself "a candidate of conviction." His convictions led him in July to provide Mayor Ray O'Connell's personal cell phone number to an already angry mob. Mayor O'Connell was deluged with numerous calls over a period of several days. He was exposed to potential violence. One unidentified person told him, “I know where you live and I like flames. ”
Siegel has a "comprehensive policy platform unlike any in the City's history." Yeah, it's a regressive increase in sales tax as well a county-wide earned income tax to shovel money into the "creative economy," i.e. the foo-foos.
He needs to go back to Jersey, where they love taxes.
But he does have the support of his fellow Northampton County extremist, Tara Zrinski.
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| Justan Parker (Fields) |
Next up is
Ce-Ce Gerlach, who had to delay her announcement because Josh stole her thunder. She has no job and no real familiarity with the Lehigh Valley. She's a DC transplant who voted NO to 11 new police officers (along with Siegel), voted NO to grants for the police (along with Siegel) and earned the wrath of fellow protesters when she Facebook-lived the aftermath of a suicide before the family knew what had happened.
In addition to these goofs, LV BLM Head Activist Justan "not Justin" Parker has announced he's running for City Council. He's the dude who organized all kinds of protests in Allentown, and had people pounding on the doors and windows outside City Council while he pranced around with a bullhorn.
He wants to hold police accountable and defund them, etc. Except he's not so accountable himself.
You see, Justan Parker is actually Justan Fields, and is currently being prosecuted for false reports to police.
As an Allentown resident I am ashamed and disgusted with these freak show candidates for mayor. Combined, they are not qualified enough to serve as garbage truck runners, let alone mayor. God help us if any of these chuckle heads win!
ReplyDeleteI have no problem at all with Wolf's response to the pandemic, that you refer to as "draconian". In Ohio today, after months of resisting calls for a mask mandate, their governor enacted one. Their cases are going through the roof. There is quite a surge in PA across most all of the counties. Trump didn't do a damned thing in response to the pandemic and his dedication to not taking any action at all is like he had a death wish to lose the election.
ReplyDeleteYou may have no problem with Wolf's draconian measures, but the people have spoken and they do. According to the Stickman opinion, he formed two groups from within his own office, a medical and business team. They included no epidemiologists, and there were no consultations with the businesses that would ultimately be impacted by his shutdowns. These were always announced at the last minute and with no forewarning. He was late to impose a mask mandate. While the limitation on large gatherings is effective, he violated that mandate himself. There is no evidence that many businesses could not have continued functioning so long as they followed CDC guidelines. His so-called coronavirus corps never got off the ground. He put millions of Pennsylvanians out of work with no consideration that they would wait months to collect unemployment. He over-reacted. His waiver process was arbitrary. He abused his emergency powers and has kept them far too long. In the meantime, he has failed to pursue rigorous testing and tracing.
ReplyDeleteHe over-reacted while Trump outright lied.
The people rejected both these approaches.
People in Pa dislike extremism and made that clear in their votes.
That is why Gerlach, Siegel and Parker (Fields) will be rejected.
If white conservative gay black man Dean Browning would move to Allentown and run, it would cover everyone and the city would be happy. His story was featured on TMZ, he is an international celebrity.
ReplyDeleteWow. So much for your new policy, Bernie.
ReplyDeleteAnd maybe your reader missed Browning's explanation?
There is nothing in that comment that violates my comments policy. Dean Browning's explanation has been posted in nearly every story I've read, including my own. I have problems with it after seeing that his supposed gay black man's account was suspended by Twitter and especially after seeing his numerous other tweets.
ReplyDeleteReality is, no government action is going to eliminate the VIRUS. Lockdowns will create more chaos and likely a depression. But many really don't care, after all, the government workers will all continue to get paid and enjoy there cushy benefits. The ones mostly hurt will be small business and self employed, these are mostly Trump supporters who are openly being targeted.
ReplyDeleteAs far as candidates for mayor of Allentown. Why would any successful, responsible, and capable individual risk his future for Allentown. It is likely too far gone and it will get to choose from the best a brightest it has to offer. Allentown is a hopeless case.
Hope Justin would get his first and last names corrected before moving on to higher office.
ReplyDeleteHe seems a bit confused as over the years weed and non-prescription pharmaceutical use will do that. Gotta admit though the boy do have his fun!
Who you calling "boy" honkey? CBD, THC and psilocybin have lots of healthful benefits might help wake u up from the dreadful state of ignorance that is your native state.
DeleteSeems like you need to get his first name correct first if you're going speak on him. Its Justan! And both last names are his families, last name. He has nothing to hide and already addressed his arrest back in August. Now you should be a shame of yourself to lie and say he has a drug problem. The man doesn't even take pain killers for a headache! So you really tried it and you're making it up for what? As your comments is anonymous lol smh. Instead of trying to lie on the man and look for false accusations. You little keyboard thug.
DeleteWhy don't you just Google him! You'll see all the good trouble he did for this community before and AFTER his arrest! Shame on you!
Someone in the comments clearly said, Justan has a drug problem which he doesn't nor does he do drugs. His name on fb has always been justan parker, it wasn't just change to hide who he is. Justan has come out with all of this already but I find it "disgusting" how you were suspended in 1986 because of your drinking problem...hmm seems like you need to focus on your own BS instead of tearing people down with theirs. How about you talk about the good he has done. There's way more of that then bad.
DeleteFact is, even after peeling off the one of these woke-a-dope clowns is going to be the next mayor of Allentown. Allentown so richly deserves this.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of extremist AND draconian...
ReplyDeletehttps://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/11/biden-covid-advisor-says-us-lockdown-of-4-to-6-weeks-could-control-pandemic-and-revive-economy.html
How's that going to work? Simple, print money.
The Lehigh County Democrat Committee needs to get involved here and try to find suitable candidates for office in Allentown. Allentown is poised for a positive future with if the radicals don't ruin everything. There are so many positive issues that responsible moderate Democrats can run on in Allentown, like regionalization of public schools and low income housing just for starters. I really am optimistic about Allentown's future and this article just brought me down for the day.
ReplyDeleteThe present candidates do represent the culture and mentality of Allentown. Allentown deserves this choice.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Tuerk deserves to be lumped in with these two. Agreed Charlie Thiel is not a great choice but at least let's hear what the guy has to say first. The other two are certifiably batshit crazy.
ReplyDeleteWhile this blog post did not come as a surprise, this was information I already made public in August �� Yes, I drove with a suspended license to pick up my son for our first weekend visit, post covid, in months. Yes, I provided another name to the officer who pulled me over (you guessed it, because I was afraid) I wouldn't expect you to understand or relate to that last part �� While this situation happened in May, SINCE then, I have shown up for my city and its residents on a daily, consistent basis. I dont expect a civil or educated dialogue as a response to what I'm saying, however I still felt the need to provide you with that information. Go be great #BLM ✊��
ReplyDeleteYour explanation is no surprise. It's the police's fault that you are a liar. And you refer to yourself as Parker when your legal name is Field. That's a lie, too. That's the name on your campaign webpage. That's your name on Facebook. Better think up an excuse for being dishonest with the people. They should be afraid of people like you.
ReplyDeleteI do not equate Tuerk with the lunatics. I mention him bc he's an announced candidate.
ReplyDelete"The present candidates do represent the culture and mentality of Allentown. Allentown deserves this choice."
ReplyDeleteYou are wrong, these candidates do not represent the culture and mentality of Allentown's residents, we do deserve better and there are plenty of better candidates in the City. You are writing Allentown off too soon and casting negative aspersions on thousands of good citizens who take pride in living in the City. Allentown is a large municipality with wide ranging demographics. You come across as a negative, racist person when you make comments like that.
"I wouldn't expect you to understand or relate to that last part "
ReplyDeleteThat statement is a reflection of Justan Fields' own prejudice. You have no idea what I understand or how I relate, but I understand you very well.
Justan Parker Field/Whatever -
ReplyDeleteI consider myself very open-minded, but also can be brutally honest. You, Justan/Justin/Whatever are not making a very good impression of yourself to those of us who only read about your exploits. Doesn’t matter much, though. I’m one of thousands who saw where Allentown was headed years ago and sold my properties there. Happier now.
8.33 so the positive proposed policies of Allentown democrats are regionalization, an attempt to extort money from those who have escaped the policies of Allentown, and low income housing, who is going to supply the funding for this housing?
ReplyDeleteNo proposals for the city to stimulate economic growth to make it a more self supporting city, just proposals for outside money to bail the city out. Typical failed policies that you continue to espouse.
9:58, Do not make generalizations about "Allentown Democrats" based on its fringe.
ReplyDeleteNo we can make generalizations about Allentown Dems considering they let Fed Ed win the primary in 17 and he won the general all while being indicted on felony counts of fraud and bribery. Nat Hyman was a 100% viable candidate and because he had an R next to his name was rejected. Allentown reaps what is sowed. Allentown consistently proves party over politics.
ReplyDelete"so the positive proposed policies of Allentown democrats are regionalization" I cited regionalization as ONE of many possible positive policy initiatives by responsible Democrats in Allentown. Why should Allentown have to contain nearly all the low income housing in Lehigh County? Why should children in Allentown have to attend Lehigh County's only dysfunctional/underperforming/unsafe public schools? I'd like Democratic candidates for office to set the bar higher and strive for city residents to have the same quality of life enjoyed by those who have "escaped" Allentown; outstanding, clean, safe public schools and high quality, safe and livable residential communities.
ReplyDeletewhat do you propose we do about the pandemic? i'm a physician and feel like i'm watching a potential disaster...if it isn't already one...with nobody stepping forward about what we're doing about it. people have tuned out the masking/social distancing message and frankly i don't think that would be good enough right now anyway. i agree the governor was inconsistent in his enforcement with policies like letting sprint car races go off in central pa all summer and fall. good luck putting the genie back in the bottle after a summer of doing whatever we wanted.
ReplyDeletethere still is no leadership at any level. trump's chief of staff said straight up we can't control it and it seems everyone else agrees with him. we're no better off today than we were in march. that's probably the worst tragedy of all.
"Seems like you need to get his first name correct first if you're going speak on him. Its Justan! And both last names are his families, last name. He has nothing to hide and already addressed his arrest back in August. Now you should be a shame of yourself to lie and say he has a drug problem. The man doesn't even take pain killers for a headache! So you really tried it and you're making it up for what? As your comments is anonymous lol smh. Instead of trying to lie on the man and look for false accusations. You little keyboard thug.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you just Google him! You'll see all the good trouble he did for this community before and AFTER his arrest! Shame on you!"
I at no time referred to him incorrectly, nor have I at any time accused him of drug activity. Is there something we should know?
He has done no "good trouble" for his community. He prances around with a bullhorn to stir up a mob, and bangs on the windows and doors of city council chambers while lying to police and, by his own admission, driving with a suspended license.
He, along with convicted felon Hashaan Batts, are the ringleaders of a mob who convicted an Allentown Police Officer of policy brutality despite a complete absence of evidence. And driving his son with a suspended license is disgusting. He is just what Allentown does not need. And his legal name is Fields, not Parker.
"what do you propose we do about the pandemic? i'm a physician and feel like i'm watching a potential disaster...if it isn't already one...with nobody stepping forward about what we're doing about it. people have tuned out the masking/social distancing message and frankly i don't think that would be good enough right now anyway. i agree the governor was inconsistent in his enforcement with policies like letting sprint car races go off in central pa all summer and fall. good luck putting the genie back in the bottle after a summer of doing whatever we wanted.
ReplyDeletethere still is no leadership at any level. trump's chief of staff said straight up we can't control it and it seems everyone else agrees with him. we're no better off today than we were in march. that's probably the worst tragedy of all."
Agreed that we are worse off. Disagree about leadership. There has been local leadership.
Since you ask, here's what I'd do: (1) test everyone. (2) conduct periodic tests among first responders, the military, people whose jobs put them on the front lines with the public, medical professionals, teachers, prison workers and inmates. (3) strictly enforce social distancing and masks in all businesses. (4) contact tracers should be hired and put to work. there are far too few in this area. (5) anyone ordered to isolate as a result of a positive covid test, and who violates that order, should be arrested and charged with reckless endangerment. (6) anyone who is quarantined as a result of being a close contact should be permitted to return to his family and job if tested and negative five days after exposure. Violators should be charged criminally. (7) If the government isolates or quarantines someone, it must pay to house and feed that person and provide the income lost.
I oppose a national or state lockdown. But in communities where the virus is widespread, after consultation with local leaders and the business community, I'd persuade businesses to alter hours and perhaps limit the hours during which retail outlets are open. Schools should be considered on an individual basis.
I'd seek input from epidemiologists, not neuroradiologists or pediatricians. I'd consult business leaders to see what steps they can take to discourage spread.
The night terrors for a week seeing that picture again. Please please Bernie stop putting monsters pictures one your blog or I will have to stop reading it.
ReplyDeleteJustan drove with a suspended license and was afraid. So why the license suspended is what makes me afraid. If he caused an accident then what? Why does he feel entitled to drive a car? Piss off loser, should have thought about your child before you lost the license.
ReplyDeleteHey 10.54, you have a large city with a young population, put policies in place to make it an attractive place to live. Don't blame the suburbs for the results of your policies. You could make Allentown into a prosperous place, but as long you want to be a victim and march around blaming everyone else, it will continue to decline.
ReplyDeleteBernie, ideas are easy, putting them into place is another matter, and now the virus has been so politicized, no one is going to cooperate. I was out yesterday, everything was jammed, young, old. It will not be easy to reimpose restrictions.
ReplyDelete"Someone in the comments clearly said, Justan has a drug problem which he doesn't nor does he do drugs. His name on fb has always been justan parker, it wasn't just change to hide who he is. Justan has come out with all of this already but I find it "disgusting" how you were suspended in 1986 because of your drinking problem...hmm seems like you need to focus on your own BS instead of tearing people down with theirs. How about you talk about the good he has done. There's way more of that then bad."
ReplyDeleteUm, no one said that. You are making up shit so you can play victim. As for you references to my drinking, (1) I did not drive my kids around when drinking; (2) I did not seek political office, but if I did, I would expect to be held fully accountable. (3) My drinking is decades old, while Justan Fields just recently lied to a cop and was criminally charged.
The reality is that Fields is using a different surname than he should, which is what we call an alias. You don't get elected to office by using a fake name. Also, anyone who drives his children with a suspended license is terribly irresponsible. If, God forbid, Justan Fields was in an accident and hurt another driver or his own children, the insurance company would deny coverage. This is also very recent, not something that happened decades ago. He is way too irresponsible to be entrusted with decisions about the city.
"Bernie, ideas are easy, putting them into place is another matter, and now the virus has been so politicized, no one is going to cooperate."
ReplyDeleteI was asked what I'd do, and I answered.
"Hey 10.54, you have a large city with a young population, put policies in place to make it an attractive place to live. Don't blame the suburbs for the results of your policies. You could make Allentown into a prosperous place, but as long you want to be a victim and march around blaming everyone else, it will continue to decline."
ReplyDeleteNo victim, not blaming suburbs and not marching around blaming everyone else. a couple policies to make Allentown better: Desegregate public schools in Lehigh County and make other municipalities also provide low income housing. Not acting like a victim, not blaming suburbs and not marching around blaming everyone else, just identifying a different perspective. With improved public education and a smaller percentage of dependent population, Allentown could be poised to be the best place in Lehigh County to live in the next 25-50 years.
The insurance company would still cover the claim if there was an accident thank you very much. Now there would be alot of claims paperwork because there was a driver involved in the accident with a suspended license but who evers vehicle it was he was driving their insurance would cover it, if there were an accident. which there wasn't.
ReplyDeleteLike I said he's been doing great things for his community before any of yous knew who he was, it just so happen that once people knew his name they ran it as justan parker because that's what he went by on fb and he has addressed where the parker comes from many of times. Him driving without a license was the only bad thing you could find so you ran with it. Lucky you.
And I don't care how old your drinking problem was. An alcoholic will always be an alcoholic. You let your drinking get so bad you got suspended because that drink was more important. I don't care how long ago it was. Live your truth before making others live theirs.
I'm sure there is a good reason his partner who has a license wasn't driving that night, or whoevers car it was he was driving.
Justan has done more good for this community then you ever done.
You getting on your blog bashing everything wrong these people have done instead of the good! Is just as wrong as justan driving without a license in my book. At least he tries to uplift people instead of tearing them down like you.
Your horrible!
Can the physician speak to flattening the curve? How are we doing with the curve? We didn't get 2.4 million deaths yet. But how's that pesky curve nobody mentions anymore?
ReplyDeletethe flattening the curve messaging seemed effective at the outset of this. now it's forgotten.
ReplyDeleteagree with all of bernie's plan. the issue is who will step up to make it happen...and how can we package the messaging so people buy in. the freedom people will call enforcement of quarantine draconian too. that's where good leadership comes in. i don't see it anywhere.
"The insurance company would still cover the claim if there was an accident thank you very much. Now there would be alot of claims paperwork because there was a driver involved in the accident with a suspended license but who evers vehicle it was he was driving their insurance would cover it, if there were an accident. which there wasn't."
ReplyDeleteIncorrect, if you fail to report the suspension and it is your car, that alone is a basis for denial. Noe if this is someone else's car, that's even more irresponsible.
"Justan has done more good for this community then you ever done."
He's only done any good in his own mind. He's been divisive and has done nothing except to glorify himself.
I don't pretend to be someone who's done any good and am not running for anything, so you can say whatever you want.
"You getting on your blog bashing everything wrong these people have done instead of the good! "
Exactly. I love to take on people who hold themselves out as paragons of virtue, and expose tyhem for the hypocrites they are. Some even consider that a public service. You just bray on a bullhorn on an issue you're wrong about, and then consider that an accomplishment.
Next time you want to see your children, take a bus.
Dr. Nate, I'd rather see a very draconian enforcement of quarantining and isolation than an across-the-board lockdown. My grandson was quarantined as a result of exposure to someone, and is taking it very seriously, even though he has tested negative twice. But he has taken the whole pandemic very seriously, unlike most young people. This is bc he was born very ill and spent the first six months of his life in a hospital. After that, there were bouts of epilepsy until he was about 10. The pandemic has scared the shit out of him.
ReplyDeleteI agree we need persuaders who can tell people they do a public service by quarantining themselves. I understand the reluctance.
Thank you for your participation. (Sorry, I neglected to call you Dr, in my first reply.)
Excuse me Mr. O'Hare but elected county superstar Tara Zrinski has endorsed Mr.Segal on Facebook. She supports him and his progressive agenda for the city. Who are you?
ReplyDeleteThis is why so called community leaders and politicians love uninformed , zero liability voters. More takers than makers
ReplyDelete