Below you will find a very interesting email exchange that highlights the culture of curruption brought about by Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski's "pay to play" campaign fundraising.Item 1 - an email from Chris Nagle. Who's he? Some hotshot with hedge fund-of-funds manager Mezzacappa Management LLC, New York. He was having a devil of a time getting all the approvals needed for an inground pool at his Allentown home. Poor Chris.
So where did he go for help? Instead of approaching Pawlowski, he went to a real power broker - Tim Holt - the VP of Air Products. "Anyway, anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know if you need anything from me - papers, etc. - to forward."
Item 2 - an email from Tim Holt to Allentown's managing director, Francis X. Dougherty, dated 9/21/07. Holt and Dougherty had apparently spoken earlier that day, and Holt was following up.
From: Holt,Timothy J.[SMTP:*****@AIRPRODUCTS.COM]
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2007 2:57:44 PM
To: Dougherty, Francis
Subject: FW: Pool
Auto forwarded by a Rule
"Fran as discussed today. If you can look into this, I know Chris would really appreciate it. I am sure everyone in the city is very busy with multiple demands on their time. Thanks. Hope you have a great weekend. Chris's address is XXX Spring**** Court Allentown Pa 18104. If you need to reach Chris please contact him at 610 398 **** at his home. Tim"
Item 3 - is the kicker, an email from Dougherty to one of his underlings, demanding action because it means money from Air Products down the road.
-----Original Message-----
From: ***@sprint.blackberry.net [mailto:***@sprint.blackberry.net]
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2007 3:02 PM
To: *****
Subject: Fw: Pool
"This is a favor for tim holt. Our action on tim's behalf means money from air products later. Have jennie investigate with rich asap and see what you or I can do. Thanks"
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
Right around this time, Air Products pledged $50,000 to Allentown for a police department study. But that gives Air Products no right to expect the special treatment shown.
Do I think Dougherty needs to explain this city favor to me? Nah, he should explain it to a DA as part of his exit interview from city employment. Allentown should bend no rules for anyone, even the president of Air Products. But Pawlowski has set a "pay to play" atmosphere, which will only hurt that city's government.
