tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post5178735124603798482..comments2024-03-29T07:55:45.977-04:00Comments on Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Bethlehem's Mayor Focuses on Governing, Not FundraisingBernie O'Harehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-69102726506110233282008-03-03T10:20:00.000-05:002008-03-03T10:20:00.000-05:00Bernie, the post about being a "paid political ope...Bernie, the post about being a "paid political operative" was just brought to my attention via a phone call.<BR/><BR/>(1) Neither I nor Armstrong are paid political operatives for the GOP. For full disclosure, Scott was one for several years. But he gave that up well over a year ago. I have had several leadership positions in the party but never have recieved one penny from the GOP. In fact, I paid for many things out of my own pocket. I resigned my leadership positions in the GOP BECAUSE my activities have made many prominent Republicans uncomfortable. Like your Dem friends, they too seem to prefer a 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' approach to the very serious and real problems of Allentown.<BR/><BR/>(2) I NEVER post anonymously. If I won't state something publicly, or put my name to it, it isn't worth saying. Too bad some of the local Democrats feel the need to hide who they are. I cannot speak for Scott, but I would be very surprised if he posted anonymously. Members of both parties have never accused him of being shy about speaking out about his opinions.<BR/><BR/>(3) Don't know who these other paid political operatives are. Perhaps that is why some use "anonymous" to post.<BR/><BR/>(4 & 5) Are irrelevant to me.<BR/><BR/>(6) EXACTLY. This is only about good government. I have been telling people for over a year that until we get scrutiny from OUTSIDE the Lehigh Valley, nothing will change. Your effort has helped a lot Bernie. But, I have been working for several months to get influential people outside the Lehigh Valley to start looking at some of this stuff. They seem quite interested and very concerned. (Once they stopped asking, "You're kidding, right? This stuff isn't really going on, right?")<BR/><BR/>Just wanted to clarify. Not that I don't think that someone earning a check can't speak about what they believe with conviction. But there is no doubt the Pawlowski machine is growing concerned. You are involved. Previous supporters are beginning to ask real questions. Others are poking around. The truth will get out....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-92010741055717141382008-03-02T23:18:00.000-05:002008-03-02T23:18:00.000-05:00I'd hope he'd be working for both. -shrug-That's i...<EM>I'd hope he'd be working for both. -shrug-</EM><BR/><BR/>That's interesting because many of these businesses and contractors are from out of A-town. If he's working for them, then he's not fulfilling his fiduciary duty to Allentown citizens.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-62073594687027331592008-03-02T23:01:00.000-05:002008-03-02T23:01:00.000-05:00Who is Ed working for, the citizens of Allentown o...<I>Who is Ed working for, the citizens of Allentown or the contractors/businessmen who contribute to him? I think that's the point of the whole story (stories) here on Bernie's blog.</I> <BR/><BR/>I'd hope he'd be working for both. -shrug-Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-12041479349473715082008-03-02T12:45:00.000-05:002008-03-02T12:45:00.000-05:00Are Republicans Allentown’s real problem Does the...Are Republicans Allentown’s real problem<BR/><BR/> Does the mere fact that Republicans dare to criticize or work against plans, proposals, budgets…put forth by this administration or the last one make them guilty of anything?<BR/>Is it anyone’s contention that unless Allentown’s Republicans remain silent about their city’s government they are guilty of something? If so please state so plainly.<BR/><BR/> Scott ArmstrongAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-79781478107732359602008-03-02T12:11:00.000-05:002008-03-02T12:11:00.000-05:00Neither Joe Hilliard nor I are on the “Republican ...Neither Joe Hilliard nor I are on the “Republican Party payroll”. I am not even a committee person. I do plead guilty to being a registered Republican.<BR/><BR/>Scott ArmstrongAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-37551889970516340082008-03-01T10:42:00.000-05:002008-03-01T10:42:00.000-05:00I don't know about the hyman thing but Weiss was a...I don't know about the hyman thing but Weiss was a lame duck entrenched drone who needed to go a long time ago.<BR/><BR/>Code enforcement went way downhill during his tenure in Allentown.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-43926172345856144182008-03-01T09:47:00.000-05:002008-03-01T09:47:00.000-05:00Posted by Anon 7:02:Actually, the mayor didn't wan...Posted by Anon 7:02:<BR/><BR/>Actually, the mayor didn't want to hire a managing director. Key business leaders in the valley made him to it order to gain their support with various other initiatives in Allentown and for Allentown via Harrisburg.<BR/>=============================<BR/><BR/>You're kidding, right?<BR/><BR/>Pawlowski pushed hard for the new position. He even kept supporting his original nominee, Scott Hoh, until the story broke in the Call about Hoh puffing up his resume. Pawlowski similarly pushed hard for Fran Dougherty, who apparently now has had enough of Pawlowski and is leaving.<BR/><BR/>Even if you want to believe what you wrote, what are you saying? That Ed will do something that he doesn't believe in (at taxpayer expense) to satisfy a behind-the-scenes group of businessmen who are pulling his strings? <BR/><BR/>Who is Ed working for, the citizens of Allentown or the contractors/businessmen who contribute to him? I think that's the point of the whole story (stories) here on Bernie's blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-15810488505579838112008-03-01T09:38:00.000-05:002008-03-01T09:38:00.000-05:00Micky Mike -Wake up! It was the citing of Hyman, ...Micky Mike -<BR/><BR/>Wake up! <BR/><BR/>It was the citing of Hyman, along with another (unrelated to Hyman) Pawlowski contributor, that cost Code Director Eric Weiss his job. Weiss wouldn't back down from the pressure being put on him by Pawlowski to make the code deficiencies "go away".<BR/><BR/>Also, once the Hyman story hit the paper (with Hyman's comments) Pawlowski couldn't drop it.<BR/><BR/>Go ahead and revise some more history.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-12661985845094835812008-02-29T15:21:00.000-05:002008-02-29T15:21:00.000-05:00As a matter of fact Bernie, it doesn't prove your ...As a matter of fact Bernie, it doesn't prove your point.<BR/><BR/>Hyman publicly stated the mayor should not go after him because he contributed to his campaign. Not the smartest thing to say but it shows who's intentions were where.<BR/><BR/>In reality, the Mayor supports good projects and doesn't support those who anyone who openly brings harm to our city.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-780713410617810402008-02-29T14:19:00.000-05:002008-02-29T14:19:00.000-05:00Bernie O'Hare said... "But a truthful one. I don't...Bernie O'Hare said... <BR/>"But a truthful one. I don't perceive the problem in A-town as R v. D. I perceive two problems. The first is crime, and the weak response to that. The second is classicism, which is being perpetuated by our party. " Thats great Bernie, Now what is your solution to this instead of complaining about everything? You lead the bandwagon when it comes to crying the blues.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-4665855723600652902008-02-29T13:59:00.000-05:002008-02-29T13:59:00.000-05:00Micky Mike,Go to the Pawlowski post and scroll thr...Micky Mike,<BR/><BR/>Go to the Pawlowski post and scroll through his '06 and '07 contributions. They stopped. Did Hyman stop contributing when Pawlowski began enforcing? Or did Pawlowski start enforcing when Hyman stopped giving? Which came first, the chicken or the egg?<BR/><BR/>This is a very bad example. it actually proves my point.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-60787871743782265572008-02-29T13:36:00.000-05:002008-02-29T13:36:00.000-05:00If there is such a "pay to play" culture in practi...If there is such a "pay to play" culture in practice with Allentown government how does one explain the legal action the city took against campaign contributor Matt Hyman and his problem properties?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-86515908862988906162008-02-29T10:57:00.000-05:002008-02-29T10:57:00.000-05:00Bernie O'Hare said... I'm not insinuating anything...Bernie O'Hare said... <BR/>I'm not insinuating anything. I think I made it quite clear yesterday that Allentown is a "Pay to play" culture, and that's thanks largely to the incumbent. It's legal bribery. That's why campaign finance reform is so necessary."<BR/><BR/>Just because someone donates to something doesn't mean they are crooks. Thats what I feel you are insinuating. You do, in my own honest opinion, have a pure hate for the Allentown Mayor and his cabinet. There are a lot of hard working Allentown employees who were there long before Polowski was there. What do you have to say to them besides all this bribery talk that seems to be filling your brain at the moment?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-68676127383470283992008-02-29T10:25:00.001-05:002008-02-29T10:25:00.001-05:00Bernie O'Hare said... OK. I'll call you crazy. Not...Bernie O'Hare said... <BR/>OK. I'll call you crazy. Nothing about that deal makes sense. <BR/><BR/>1) Verizon workers, some of them handicapped, will be forced to look for parking elsewhewre in a dangerous part of the city.<BR/><BR/>2) The lots are declared an "excess" on 1/14, and by 2/27, there is not only a buyer, but he has detailed architechtural drawings. <BR/><BR/>3) Under the way the deal is currently structured, Zawarski will be paying under $10k for each townhouse parcel. Each of which will have water and sewer. The lot has been vastly undervalued. There are no independent appraisals of the project. <BR/><BR/>4) The idea of incorporating storefronts is just another step along the way to sweeping existing merchants off Hamilton Street. <BR/><BR/>Zawarski will get a sweetheart deal and it just so happens that his outfit has dropped $11.7k on Mayor Ed in the last 2 years. It is a done deal or there would be no architectural drawings.<BR/><BR/>And instead of going off the assessment records of a county that has done no reassessment in ten years, how about an independent appriasal?<BR/><BR/>3:04 PM<BR/><BR/>I hear a violin playingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-42015262262814248172008-02-29T10:25:00.000-05:002008-02-29T10:25:00.000-05:001) I don't know whether Hilliard or Armstrong are ...1) I don't know whether Hilliard or Armstrong are paid operatives.<BR/><BR/>2) I don't know whether the anonymous posts in question come from either of those guys. They seem to sign their names to what they write. <BR/><BR/>3) Paid political operatives can and do post comments here and on many other blogs. <BR/><BR/>4) Paid political operatives can even start their own puff blogs. <BR/><BR/>5) At late night, when I can track things, I've seen comments like yours, that trash and marginalize people who speak out against their government. They sometimes come from the City of Allentown. Pretty pathetic, dude. <BR/><BR/>6) This has nothing to do with political party, but good government. I advovate good government, hate "pay to play" and am a Dem. Some Rs share that view as well.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-85238399801621851812008-02-29T10:13:00.000-05:002008-02-29T10:13:00.000-05:00So you are refusing to look into the fact that pai...So you are refusing to look into the fact that paid Republican operatives are commenting openly on your blog but are not being asked to disclose their personal interests to your readers. Please confirm or deny Bernie?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-90299860178618952252008-02-29T09:50:00.000-05:002008-02-29T09:50:00.000-05:00But a truthful one. I don't perceive the problem i...But a truthful one. I don't perceive the problem in A-town as R v. D. I perceive two problems. The first is crime, and the weak response to that. The second is classicism, which is being perpetuated by our party. <BR/><BR/>And last I heard, there is no R party in A-town. So how the hell can they have a payroll?Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-10798587141921136782008-02-29T09:44:00.000-05:002008-02-29T09:44:00.000-05:00That was a weak response. (9:19)That was a weak response. (9:19)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-58447339295953787172008-02-29T09:19:00.000-05:002008-02-29T09:19:00.000-05:00Dent brought back $22 MM and a lot of that dough b...Dent brought back $22 MM and a lot of that dough benefits A-town directly. Pawlowski sweeps the poor under the rug. <BR/><BR/>I don't perceive those anonymous comments about A-town as negative. I view them as reality. You're not going to suppress dissent here. There are at least three puff bkogs to tell you all is well. This one will tell you the truth, both positive and negative.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-45010702858001676962008-02-29T08:52:00.000-05:002008-02-29T08:52:00.000-05:00"There is a lot of poverty in A-town, and I'm very..."There is a lot of poverty in A-town, and I'm very disheartened at the lack of responsiveness."<BR/><BR/>And why are you so critical of the mayor for this fact. Isn't it as much of an issue for your buddy Dent as it is for Mayor P? The poor people in Allentown are his constituents as well.<BR/><BR/>Another thing, I find it very interesting that as much as you claim to be a steward of openness and disclosure you never require people who post negative comments about Allentown on your blog to disclose their interests.<BR/><BR/>Is it not relevant that Scott Armstrong and Joe Hilliard are on the Lehigh County Republican Party payroll?<BR/><BR/>It is very disappointing to see how you have allowed yourself to become such a tool Bernie.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-14991100044209774872008-02-29T06:36:00.000-05:002008-02-29T06:36:00.000-05:00"So Nic Z doesn't get his way and invests his mone..."So Nic Z doesn't get his way and invests his money in some other town. I suppose that's a better plan? Please. Allentown needs all the investment it can get. Waah, they changed the setback."<BR/><BR/>Lets agree to disagree civilly. The point; the ZHB could not be bought or influenced so the administration made this deal happen through other ways. It's definately called "pay to play".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-70018801874680140902008-02-29T00:40:00.000-05:002008-02-29T00:40:00.000-05:00He is a mighty pretty mayor. He and Pawlowski sho...He is a mighty pretty mayor. He and Pawlowski should work for a plastic surgeon as before and after models.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-55714581254967483462008-02-28T23:25:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:25:00.000-05:00Yes, I'll call you crazy. Condo units for low and ...<I>Yes, I'll call you crazy. Condo units for low and moderate income families are liabilities. The City may get some extra revenues, but everyone who pays scholl tax to ASD will be the big losers here.</I><BR/><BR/>These townhouses cost $220,000. These are not low income houses. Also, is the site currently generating tax for ASD? <BR/><BR/>Development doesn't just magically happen in a blighted city like Allentown. The developer stands to make money but he's also the one taking the risk.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-24014618906138343982008-02-28T23:12:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:12:00.000-05:00So Nic Z doesn't get his way and invests his money...So Nic Z doesn't get his way and invests his money in some other town. I suppose that's a better plan? Please. Allentown needs all the investment it can get. Waah, they changed the setback.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-82346225736114808072008-02-28T23:02:00.000-05:002008-02-28T23:02:00.000-05:00"Call me crazy but some condo development is more ..."Call me crazy but some condo development is more valuable to the city overall than a parking lot."<BR/><BR/>Yes, I'll call you crazy. Condo units for low and moderate income families are liabilities. The City may get some extra revenues, but everyone who pays scholl tax to ASD will be the big losers here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com