A Letter To the US Pardon Attorney Regarding Fed Ed

Ms. Elizabeth G. Oyer
United States Department of Justice
Office of the Pardon Attorney
145 N St., NE
Room 5E.508
Washington DC 20530

Re: Edwin Pawlowski; Case No. c292926

Dear Ms. Oyer:

I am a life-long resident of the Lehigh Valley, which includes Allentown. Since 2006, I have published a small, local blog entitled Lehigh Valley Ramblings. I focus primarily on local government. Since 2007, I have published numerous stories highly critical of former Mayor Edwin Pawlowski. Many of these focused on his callous subjugation of the best interests of the people of Allentown to his own political interests. I noted that potential city vendors would be told that Pawlowski would consider their business requests at his next fundraiser. He took advantage of his office to garner campaign contributions to promote himself politically. He also benefited personally by refusing to pay for restaurant meals and other services, calling them campaign contributions. He used the auspices of his office to build what his wife called a "mancave" without getting the required permits. His corruption prosecution was entirely necessary to establish the principle that no one is above the law. In his trial, he actually admitted to lying to federal agents. His ultimate conviction went a long way to restoring public confidence in our judicial system, at least on a local level. But the 180-mont sentence imposed, while within the sentencing guidelines, was unduly severe. There is significant disparity between the sentence imposed on Pawlowski, compared to other sentenced bribery Defendants. He apparently has an underlying health condition to be considered. Moreover, there are other equitable factors in his favor. Though I believe that I was his harshest critic, I urge you to consider a reduction in the 15 year sentence. 

According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, the average sentence for a bribery conviction varied from 26 months in FY 2017 to 23 months in FY 2021. The 15-year sentence imposed here is nearly 8 times more than usually imposed. It is three times the 60-month sanction imposed on Mike Fleck, who was Pawlowski's campaign manager and chief co-conspirator. Fleck has already been released and was spotted at a summer music festival where alcohol flows freely. Fleck never testified in Pawlowski's trial, most likely because prosecutors correctly concluded he is unworthy of belief. Thus, the extent of Fleck's cooperation was minimal. 

In a related public corruption case, Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer was sentenced to 8 years after insisting on a jury trial. His case, like that of Pawlowski, involved the illegal solicitation of campaign contributions. That kind of sentence would be more appropriate here. 

Pawlowski suffers several underlying health conditions: hypertensive heart disease; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); dyspnea (shortness of breath); sleep apnea; and has only one lung as a result of a pulmonectomy. Prison undoubtedly exacerbates these misfortunes. Moreover, the public is forced to pay for his treatment. It makes more sense for him to pay for his own medical expenses through gainful employment.  

Though convicted of offenses involving deceit, Pawlowski has a strong commitment to communities of faith and has participated in numerous church-led efforts to help people in need. 

Pawlowski was convicted in Pennsylvania, a state founded by William Penn. The motto on Penn's seal "mercy and justice" is applicable here. Justice has been done. It's time for mercy.