Behind the Curtain, Allentown Burying Eichenwald Reform Measure

Robert Glazier, below the egg timer

Jeanette Eichenwald, who I like to call Allentown's very own Iron Lady, has opted against seeking a third term on City Council. But even in her last moments on Council, she is fighting hard for good government. She recently joined hands with Lehigh County Republican Vic Mazziotti to push a reform aimed at curbing pay-to-play. Prior to that, she proposed legislation that will give Council more oversight over how contracts are awarded. Though Julio Guridy has seconded the measure, Council members are trying to kill it in committee.

After its formal introduction last week, Eichenwald's reform was forwarded to Jeff Glazier's Budget and Finance Committee. But he refuses to conduct a hearing. This is completely contrary to what happens after a bill is introduced and seconded. Here's the run down, as it appears in an email chain that is public record.

Eichenwald to Clerk Mike Hanlon: "Did you forget to include in the Budget and Finance Agenda a discussion of the legislation to amend the manner in which service contracts are awarded introduced by Jeanette Eichenwald and Julio Guridy?"

Hanlon to Eichenwald: "Jeff did not want it on this agenda."

Allentown's Iron Lady

Eichenwald To President Ray O'Connell and Council: "Ray, The fact that Jeff Glazier has unilaterally decided that the contract bill is not on the Budget and Finance Committee agenda is absolutely disgusting and a disservice to the citizens of Allentown. It is customary procedure that once a legislation is seconded and assigned to committee, that legislation is placed on the committee agenda for the next meeting which in this case is August 26th. Jeff certainly has the right to vote against this legislation, but he does not have the right to stifle discussion on it. If Jeff does not want this legislation to be on the agenda of his committee, then Ray, as the president of the city council, has the right to assign it to a different committee.

Ray, as president of city council I expect you to enforce the customary procedure and avoid the need of my going to the public.

O'Connell to Eichenwald: "Jeff is the chairperson of Budget and Finance and has asked that it be not on this agenda due to the fact that he wants to form an ad hoc committee made up of council members and community members to do research on the topic and look at how other places handle this topic. With that being stated I support his decision and it will get on the council agenda in the VERY near future. I would respectfully ask that you support this endeavor.This is very important legislation going forth. Thank you.

Eichenwald to O'Connell and Council: "Here we go again. The plan that you and Jeff put forward is a delay tactic. The motion will be delayed again and again with the excuse that the Budget and Finance Committee is too busy reviewing next year's budget. Nothing that you have proposed obviates the fact that the legislation should be included in this month's agenda. You either want city council to have greater input in the awarding of contracts or you wish to continue the procedure that has led to an FBI investigation placing a dark cloud over the city. I and the citizens of Allentown will not be silenced by this disgusting ploy. There is absolutely no reason not to begin the discussion on this important issue NOW!! You can vote against the motion; you can create myriad ad hoc committees to discuss and research the motion; you can even hire consultants to study the motion, but it must be introduced NOW!!

Updated 1:10 pm: O'Connell denies desire to let bill die. His exact words: "There is no way shape or form that I want to kill this bill. This bill is certainly needed in Allentown.Jeff Glazier is the chair of Budget and Finance and asked me and others on the committee that he wants to form an ad hoc committee made up of council members and community members to get more insight and input concerning the bill. He would be looking at other cities,municipalities to gain the best practices available.

"I support that decision. I will not let this drag on for a long time. I would surely like to see something introduced and
voted on no later than the end of September. This is too important of legislation to rush it.

"Thank you for listening.'