tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post3105209801987268685..comments2024-03-28T14:57:44.187-04:00Comments on Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Nix the NIZ BoardBernie O'Harehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-20727547518327332222012-01-31T11:08:45.602-05:002012-01-31T11:08:45.602-05:00Alan is right. He deserves all the praise he so h...Alan is right. He deserves all the praise he so humbly gives himself. Three cheers for Alan, "King of the Poor".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-3842788916649391252012-01-31T10:57:54.282-05:002012-01-31T10:57:54.282-05:00I rarely respond to blogs because so many who do a...I rarely respond to blogs because so many who do are fire-breathing weirdos whose visceral reaction to everything makes anything a sane person says a waste of time.<br /><br />But I'm trying to understand how some of you think I'm a sell-out. That's a new one. <br /><br />Let's see, as chair of the PUC Consumer Advisory Council I fought retail competition, putting me at direct odds with the utilities that fund our weatherization program.<br /><br />I bitterly fought predatory lending, challenging the lending industry along with the whole real estate establishment (appraisers, brokers, you name it) even though some companies in those industries fund us. <br /><br />I push banks to commit to a variety of community reinvestment initiatives when mergers occur, even though they fund us.<br /><br />I fought the insurance industry when their underwriting practices redlined poor neighborhoods, even though some fund us.<br /><br />There is a fine line between challenging the system and getting things done and challenging the system and getting ignored.<br /><br />You're criticizing me for getting that balance right, resulting in a wide range of community benefits, legislative and regulatory changes, and direct, positive impact on real people and their neighborhoods?Alan Jenningshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05310521934892746833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-90936118936839136012012-01-31T03:41:09.489-05:002012-01-31T03:41:09.489-05:00Good points on both Callahan and Jennings. Callah...Good points on both Callahan and Jennings. Callahan is a great example of someone who forgot where they came from. He is truly a guy who believes he is entitled to anything he wants.<br /><br />I don't think Jennings is quite that bad but he likes the praise.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-23148009612669268802012-01-30T19:08:46.047-05:002012-01-30T19:08:46.047-05:00Problem is with Jennings, is his feeling of entitl...Problem is with Jennings, is his feeling of entitlement. He loves the club seats and other perks he gets from the "rich" in his quest to help the "poor".<br /><br />He is a narcissist who love praise.<br /><br />He is smart and knows he is used as a token neo-liberal on these boards of "partnerships" by the Valley elite. He doesn't care. They throw him some chump change and compliments along with those sweet iron pig tickets and he is good to go.<br /><br />Shame, the poor could use some real fighters. Agree he was a decent guy, then the fame went to his head and he forgot where he came from. Happens to a lot of people. Thee was a time John Callahan was a nice guy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-22680689304140767432012-01-30T17:50:34.753-05:002012-01-30T17:50:34.753-05:00"So what would be an example of something tha..."So what would be an example of something that a person on the "ACIDA board could do to enrich themselves that would not also be good for Allentown? "<br /><br />Incredible! Geeting now argues that it is OK to use public power for personal enrichment so long as it also enriches the "urban core." Hate to break it to you, Jonathan, but that kind of defense would never fly in Court."<br /><br />I was thinking the same thing. This project is ripe for abuse, and the greater the secrecy, the more likely, at the end of the day, the public will get screwed...Billhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15294395112603289513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-56381903653477127892012-01-30T17:19:39.079-05:002012-01-30T17:19:39.079-05:00Red shirts are nice for bringing out ones veins an...Red shirts are nice for bringing out ones veins and blotches. I think it's working for him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-60967453151000600462012-01-30T15:56:06.269-05:002012-01-30T15:56:06.269-05:00Not sure what's worse....this lousy board or t...Not sure what's worse....this lousy board or that red tie on red shirt ensemble.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-15639073246477700812012-01-30T14:43:31.430-05:002012-01-30T14:43:31.430-05:00Retired ASD teacher here.
I think what we're ...Retired ASD teacher here.<br /><br />I think what we're seeing here is civic officials doing whatever they want, BECAUSE THEY CAN!<br /><br />Allentown's citizenry, for the most part, is NOT involved. They pay less than traditional property taxes. They live for the moment. Whatever happens. . . happens!<br /><br />This whole project is VERY difficult to justify from a risk/reward standpoint. So many other expenditures would make Allentown a more attractive place to live. But, no matter.<br /><br />The lure of "other people's money" is hard to resist for the players at the top of the card.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-15014793594637753972012-01-30T13:30:25.338-05:002012-01-30T13:30:25.338-05:00usurpt <-- hahahausurpt <-- hahahaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-46754702876776276272012-01-30T13:03:48.175-05:002012-01-30T13:03:48.175-05:00Actually this proposed ordinance might usurpt the ...Actually this proposed ordinance might usurpt the role of ACEDA .... To be voted the same night ...<br /><br /> Bill 101 Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone....<br /><br />An Ordinance signifying the desire and intention of the City of Allentown to organize an industrial and commercial development authority under the Economic Development Financing Law, of 1967, P.L. 251, as amended, for the purpose of acquiring, holding, constructing, improving, maintaining, owning, financing and leasing, either in the capacity of lessor or lessee, industrial, special or commercial development projects and serving as successor contracting authority to the Allentown Commercial and Industrial Development Authority for purposes of administering, providing financing for and undertaking all other activities related to the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone established pursuant to the law governing Neighborhood Improvement Zones, Article XVI-B of the Pennsylvania Fiscal Code, 72 P.S. Section 1, et seq; also to be referred to as Article 178 of Title Eleven, Authorities, Boards and Commissions, of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Allentown.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-38221303246721089162012-01-30T12:45:26.060-05:002012-01-30T12:45:26.060-05:00I think some could use a business ethics course.
...I think some could use a business ethics course.<br /><br />Let's not forget this is Taxpayers money that is being funneled to ACIDA.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-79010516016552177042012-01-30T12:42:07.729-05:002012-01-30T12:42:07.729-05:00I assumed that residency was a requirement on this...I assumed that residency was a requirement on this Board. What about representation from adjacent communities that are also affected by this NIZ.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-11575717100099083502012-01-30T12:25:09.192-05:002012-01-30T12:25:09.192-05:00Are you talking about Heather Rusoli who filed an ...Are you talking about Heather Rusoli who filed an ethics report against Kent Herman in regard to his involvement with the CACLV plan to build half-way houses on Osweuo& Gordon Street for former Allentown Ste Hosital patients released to the community. Rusoli got her self in a bit of trouble for talking about it to the press... She was joined in taing center stage with the protest by Emma Tropiana ... In the end she lost .. divorced her husband..Got a job with Pat Browne ... Married him and the rest is historyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-66570388793091124472012-01-30T11:33:38.395-05:002012-01-30T11:33:38.395-05:00She is an attractive woman.She is an attractive woman.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-30655232004054596332012-01-30T11:23:50.330-05:002012-01-30T11:23:50.330-05:00I didn't read the story but I did look at the ...I didn't read the story but I did look at the picture. She is pretty good looking!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-33671873043163537172012-01-30T10:22:25.749-05:002012-01-30T10:22:25.749-05:00Retired ASD teacher here.
The vote for "all ...Retired ASD teacher here.<br /><br />The vote for "all or nothing" concept is arrogant and troubling. It suggests each of the individuals is incapable of providing an independent decision.<br /><br />While these folks will make a chummy group in one of the VIP boxes, it comes off as an establishment of a new ruling elite that further weakens an already weak city council.<br /><br />I would prefer a new board that was selected by city council, each candidate drawn from outside an anointed, pre-mixed group like this.<br /><br />Most likely, Allentown's city council will go along without a fight. After all, their own chummy VIP box is also waiting.<br /><br />On with the party!<br /><br /><br /><br />IAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-1281914264886402672012-01-30T09:50:48.382-05:002012-01-30T09:50:48.382-05:00"So what would be an example of something tha..."So what would be an example of something that a person on the ACIDA board could do to enrich themselves that would not also be good for Allentown? "<br /><br />It has to be that way Bernie. Progressives are such a small minority in the country and their ideas are so insane that they can't win in the open. It's the smoke-filled back rooms where they do their damage.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-37418818793349353062012-01-30T08:11:23.507-05:002012-01-30T08:11:23.507-05:00I like Alan and believe he does so much good for s...I like Alan and believe he does so much good for so many people, but his stance on the Rite Aid was a sell out.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-57603000990458812402012-01-30T08:08:59.022-05:002012-01-30T08:08:59.022-05:00"So what would be an example of something tha...<em>"So what would be an example of something that a person on the ACIDA board could do to enrich themselves that would not also be good for Allentown? "</em><br /><br />Incredible! Geeting now argues that it is OK to use public power for personal enrichment so long as it also enriches the "urban core." Hate to break it to you, Jonathan, but that kind of defense would never fly in Court.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-36074932354655967492012-01-30T07:48:00.480-05:002012-01-30T07:48:00.480-05:00As an Allentown resident, I was sickened by the ch...As an Allentown resident, I was sickened by the choices made for this NIZ Board. What a bunch of cronies and bootlickers! As a former supporter of Pat Browne, he has lost all credibility by his involvement in this whole sordid affair. First they stack the ACIDA with rubberstamping Pawlowski pals and now this!! I've never been so disappointed in elected "leaders" as I have been with Roy Afflerbach, Ed Pawlowski and Pat Browne.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-43630313808479543532012-01-30T07:40:47.817-05:002012-01-30T07:40:47.817-05:00anon 7:23
Perhaps the people who are "attack...anon 7:23<br /><br />Perhaps the people who are "attacking" do know the man and his work. Seems he has many strange bedfellows. Perhaps the ends justifies the means......Issac Touronoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-74542310188561856412012-01-30T07:38:08.635-05:002012-01-30T07:38:08.635-05:00So what would be an example of something that a pe...So what would be an example of something that a person on the ACIDA board could do to enrich themselves that would not also be good for Allentown? Any new building that gets built downtown is going to be a net plus for the city, unless it's shorter than the existing ones. Seriously, what do people expect to happen?Jon Geetinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18016281689989655259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-22117105585023715132012-01-30T07:23:11.822-05:002012-01-30T07:23:11.822-05:00you people who are attacking jenning's charact...you people who are attacking jenning's character don't know the man, or the work he does.<br /><br />i've been both his enemy, and his ally, depending upon the situation. he can often be a royal pain in the ass, but his integrity is not in question.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-37533806065353423712012-01-30T07:09:54.384-05:002012-01-30T07:09:54.384-05:00Not sure it's a cheap shot. Hasn't Jenning...Not sure it's a cheap shot. Hasn't Jennings been with CACLV since the 80s? Isn't that 30 years?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-10044424336401674022012-01-30T07:08:34.826-05:002012-01-30T07:08:34.826-05:00Surprised Jennings would sign on as the entire epi...Surprised Jennings would sign on as the entire episode stinks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com