Allentown: A City of Two Tales

Last week, I reported a rumor concerning Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski. A letter read on Ron Angle's WGPA 1100 AM talk show complains that Pawlowski plans to fire Code Enforcement Officer Eric Weiss, a thirty-year city worker and executive committee member of Pennsylvania Building Officials. I've left a message for Mr. Weiss at his city office, but he has not returned my call. The Mayor's office did confirm that Pawlowski is trying to dump Weiss, but can't disclose why.

Whenever a thirty-year city or county employee is shoved aside by the top dog, it's important to know what is going on. Over the past week, I've heard two versions.

Version #1: Hizzoner gave Weiss two lists. The first included those to be prosecuted for code violations, like Americus owner Mark Mendelson. The second list, a leave alone list, is supposed to include owners who are really trying. They also just happen to be Pawlowski campaign contributors. Weiss refused to play nice.

Version #2: Evidence is mounting that Weiss accepts "favors" from some of the property owners he's supposed to be regulating.

What's really going on? When running for Mayor, the "Pawlowski plan" included a promise of "better communication" between residents and city hall. Now would be a good time for that. The Mayor must remain silent about personnel matters. I understand that. But he has an obligation to disclose whether a campaign donor or anyone else, for that matter, is getting special treatment.

This matter has also been discussed at Keystone Politics, LVCurmudgeon and LV Political Blog. It's time we hear the Mayor tell us it isn't so. I'm sending this blog to his office.

Something Stinks in Allentown

On his WGPA 1100 AM radio talk show, Ron Angle today read portions of a letter he received concerning long-time Allentown code enforcement officer Eric Weiss. Mayor Ed Pawlowski intends to fire him.

According to the letter, Weiss recently found code violations at a dilapidated apartment building near the river. But the building is owned by a big-time Pawlowski campaign contributor. When Weiss refused to play ball, he was given his thirty day notice, and the violations were reversed.

I called the code enforcement office, and confirmed that the mayor has, in fact, asked Weiss to step down. But I can't establish the reason. The mayor's office was unable to answer my question, citing the confidentiality that pertains to personnel matters.

So is this a crock? Why would a thirty year veteran be asked to step down?