The Iron Lady Endorses Bell, Velez, Todd and Donovan

She's the Iron Lady of Allentown politics. A Democrat, she looks a bit like argaret Thatcher. Her politics are completely different, but Jeannette Eichenwald has the same steely resolve. She has been the sole voice on Allentown City Council to speak for open government and transparency. She is the sole small "d" Democrat. And at a news conference yesterday, she made it clear that she supports Carmen Bell, Kim Velez and Alfonso Todd in this year's race. She also supports Michael Donovan, who is running for Mayor as an Independent.

Here's why.

"They truly represent the ideals of democratic government. There should be discussion, opportunity for the citizens of Allentown to be part of this very crucial decision. It is their water. It is our water that is presently under consideration for being leased for close to five decades. Every opportunity that we had to allow for real citizen input beyond just merely a discussion at some of the meetings. First, we wanted to create a committee, and that was denied by the other members of City Council. We tried that twice. To have the discussion on the ballot of the water leasing; twice denied by other members of City Council.

"We need a City Council that will have open discussion, free discourse, for only in that way will we best serve the citizens of Allentown."