Allentown's Three Blind Mice

The weekend before May's primary election, long-time Pawlowski operative Rob Hopkins launched an uncharacteristic anonymous robo-call campaign directed at then Democrat Lou Hershman. Lou's Democratic bid for Allentown City Council went down in flames, but he did manage to get on the Republican ballot as a write-in candidate. Who is really behind these robo-calls?

The Official Version

Mike D'Amore, Mike Schlossberg and Ray O'Connell are three Democrat candidates for Allentown city council. The Morning Call has just linked them to the anonymous anti-Hershman robo-call campaign. Although the newspaper did talk to O'Connell and D'Amore while those calls were going out, neither admitted any involvement.

Now, in a joint statement, these three blind mice have circled the wagons and publicly plead ignorance. They they had absolutely no idea that evil Democratic operative Rob Hopkins would use their campaign funds to go after Lou.

They're shocked! Really!

I'm shocked, too. Do they think we're really that stupid?

The Private Version

Privately, there's another story. Insiders tell me the three blind mice are furious at the big rat behind this operation - Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski. He orchestrated the entire operation, but they're taking the fall. They've leaked news of their resentment, and it's found its way to me. They also forced Pawlowski henchman Rob Hopkins to resign from one of his many positions in the local Democratic party.

These independent voices are too "loyal" or, more likely, afraid to blow the whistle on Pawlowski over an anonymous smear campaign. Can they really be trusted to be watch dogs when Pawlowski cooks the books and presents false revenue projections?

I'm disappointed.

The Hopkins Version (It's a long one)

The final version comes from Rob Hopkins himself, who was willing to speak to me on the record. He falls on the sword, taking complete responsibility. His message also reveals his personal disdain for Hershman. He spends a lot of time explaining things, never a good sign in politics.

"As we approached the primary election earlier this spring several members of the Executive Board of the Lehigh County Democratic Committee discussed at a meeting the fact that Lou Hershman was running for Allentown City Council again in the Democratic Primary. We were joined at that meeting by several other candidates for council and Mayor Pawlowski. Several people had expressed, among other concerns, the fact that Mr. Hershman had endorsed Republican candidates in the past, including the current Republican candidate for Allentown Mayor. Some of the guests at the meeting asked if there was anything the County Committee could do to inform Democratic voters of these facts. There was a spirited debate on the matter, but ultimately it came down to the fact that Lehigh County Democratic Committee does not make primary endorsements and there was little we could do to help.

"Having always been frustrated with the County Committee 'hands-off' approach to primaries (even against 'bad' Democrats), I set out to help in a different way.

"Shortly after the aforementioned meetings, I began to discuss quite openly the idea of creating an independent political action committee (PAC). Ultimately, I created the PAC as Voters for a Better Lehigh Valley, with the intention of helping to elect better candidates to office and to help defeat the bad candidates. Many people in Democratic circles were well aware of this move, and many were also aware that Mr. Hershman was a likely target.

"In early May I resigned as Communications Chair for the Lehigh County Democratic Committee, based largely on other time commitments, but also to separate my PAC activities from the party. Nobody requested this separation, but I personally feel it is appropriate. I will retain a seat on the Executive Board and will continue other Democratic activities, but will no longer be involved actively with county party affairs.

"Anyone who knows me knows me also knows that I take politics very seriously, which is the reason that I am no longer doing any paid political consulting. My passion is more about specific issues and having a better representation in our government.

"Regardless of my past affiliation with Mayor Pawlowski’s original campaign for office (I was his campaign manager for the 2005 primary), I am not involved in his reelection campaign. The allegation that Pawlowski was 'pulling the strings' or that he was the 'ring leader' doesn’t hold water in light of my personal involvement in this PAC and my passion in regards to the dangers in reelecting Mr. Hershman.

"While I have no need to defend the calls that were made on behalf of Voters for a Better Lehigh Valley, I would like to convey my thoughts on the matter for the enlightenment of those interested.

"First of all, I know that voice communication is exempt from any disclosure requirements. This fact has been confirmed by many experts in the legal profession. Voice communication is explicitly protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This right to “freedom of speech” has been upheld many times by the U.S. Supreme Court, and is precisely what separates our country from the less free countries of the world.

"Second, I do agree with many others that our commonwealth has a poor requirement for financial disclosure related to campaign expenses. I have long advocated for campaign finance reform on the state and federal level, and I will continue to advocate for such reform. Our state’s requirements for timely disclosure are greatly lacking, but in a competitive political world it is unrealistic to expect any candidate or committee to go beyond the legal requirements set forth by our governing bodies. The committee I represent has complied completely with the relevant Pennsylvania campaign finance laws; to go beyond those requirements would place the committee at competitive disadvantage compared to other political efforts.

"Third, nobody has challenged the accuracy of the statements made in the telephone calls made by the committee I represent. When I spoke to a Morning Call reporter the day after the calls were delivered to acknowledge that Voters for a Better Lehigh Valley was responsible for the calls, the reporter affirmed that in all of the communication he had made related to the story (including an interview with Mr. Hershman), nobody had voiced any disagreement with the statements made in the calls. I wholeheartedly stand behind the statements made by a voter in the call. A transcript of the 30-second calls made on behalf of Voters for a Better Lehigh Valley is provided below for your reference.

'Hello. As a voter, I feel there is one candidate who we cannot allow back on City Council. Lou Hershman has done many things to hurt our city. Lou Hershman’s votes are exactly why Allentown is in financial trouble. Lou Hershman voted to give away your money and allow young police officers to retire early. I urge you to keep Lou Hershman out of City Council so he doesn’t hurt Allentown anymore. We can vote to make Allentown a better place to live, by voting against Lou Hershman on Tuesday.'

"Fourth, the political action committee I represent operated independent from any other campaign or political committee. I approached several people in regards to the future of Allentown and my concerns related to Mr. Hershman. I expressed my intent to raise funds sufficient to send a direct-mail piece to Allentown voters addressing the divisive and detrimental activities that Mr. Hershman has been party to while serving on City Council in the past. I received some contributions for the political action committee from a few interested parties, but the fund did not raise sufficient funds to produce and mail the document I had envisioned. With days left until the primary election, I made the unilateral decision to spend PAC funds on telephone calls to Allentown voters. While I would have preferred to send a direct mail piece, I felt that the telephone call might suffice to remind voters of Mr. Hershman’s record. I was unwilling and unable to consult with the PAC’s donors about the vehicle or message of this campaign, since they were candidates in this election. Voters for a Better Lehigh Valley operated as an autonomous campaign, without consultation with any candidate or candidates committee; consultation about the campaign’s message or mode of the campaign with the candidates involved would have been inconsistent with my responsibility to keep this PAC independent.

"Finally, while Mr. Hershman may like to practice revisionist history, I stand firmly by the accuracy of this campaign and the right to of this committee to voice our concerns in any method we so chose. Mr. Hershman, as a city council member and council representative on the city pension board was complacent in failing to recognize the problems of the pension contacts. He continues to promote ideas that I feel are harmful to the city.

"While I enthusiastically recognize some of the positive contributions Mr. Hershman has made to the city, I would be remiss to not weigh these contributions against the harm he has done. Mr. Hershman has been involved in politics for over thirty years and is no stranger to the rough and tumble world it is; over the years he has thrown many political punches at his opponents. Not only in his municipal races in Allentown, but also during his 1986 campaign for the State House, Mr. Hershman has exercised his right to free speech with great vigor. I stand behind his right to express his opinions, even if I do disagree with them.

"I have and will continue to oppose Mr. Hershman’s political agenda. From his promoting of discriminatory legislation to his efforts to stall progress, Mr. Hershman stands contrary to what I feel is right for the Allentown and Lehigh Valley. Mr. Hershman has demonstrated to me his disregard for the public by circulating petitions in 2002 related to a proposed city referendum. Enough signatures were later deemed to be fraudulently obtained that the referendum failed to reach voters. Overall, during the course of his political career, Mr. Hershman has on many occasions voiced potentially deceptive messages to voters and left me wondering about his motives."

No matter which of these versions is accurate, it is clear these three blind mice contributed to a PAC designed for the sole purpose of trashing Lou Hershman. By his own admission, Hopkins was very clear about his intentions. It is equally clear that Mayor Pawlowski knew exactly what was happening, but was smart enough to be able to maintain deniability.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Lou Hershman

D.O.B.: 1936
EDUCATION: Lehigh Community College, Accounting
OCCUPATION: Business Owner, Hershmans & Associates, Prepare Income Taxes
QUALIFICATIONS: Businessman, Councilman, City Controller, Special Investigator, PA. Dept of Revenue, S-2 US Army.
Web Page: None
Party: Republican.

LV Ramblings Posts:

Was Hershman Political Ad Censored in Allentown?

Allentown City Council Muzzles Citizen Participation

Allentown's Incumbent Protection Rule

Tony Phillips & Marc Grammes: Let Lou Speak!

Allentown: We're Broke, So Let's Borrow Money!

Allentown City Council Votes To Let Lou Speak, 6 to 1

Allentown City Council Contender Lou Hershman: Ban Convicted Drug Dealers From City

Lou Hershman Being Victimized By Anonymous Robocalls

Rob Hopkins, James Spang Behind Anonymous Hershman Slur

Lou Hershman Still in Allentown City Council Race as Republican Write-In

Allentown's Three Blind Mice

Lou Hershman Now Batting Righty

Hershman Demands Debate With Hopkins & Pawlowski

Lou Hershman Will Refuse Allentown City Council Salary

Other Sources

Queen City Daily: Meet Lou Hershman

Hershman Demands Debate With Hopkins & Pawlowski

Yesterday, I gave you three explanations about who was really behind the anonymous, last-minute smear campaign against Allentown City Council candidate Lou Hershman.

In their "official" explanation, contenders Mike D'Amore, Mike Schlossberg and Ray O'Connell admit funding these unidentified anti-Hershman robo-calls. But they had no idea former Pawlowski campaign manager Rob Hopkins would be so sneaky. Privately, the whole fiasco is blamed on Pawlowski, who may have even picked up the checks for Hopkins. Pawlowski was supposed to help fund the robo-calls, too, but backed out at the last minute so he could deny everything. In his story, Rob Hopkins falls on the sword. In a lengthy statement, he claims no one knew his specific intentions.

Hershman has his own impassioned statement, which appears in Jarrett Renshaw's Queen City Daily. "I have to ask these gentlemen, what are you afraid of? Why does a 73-year old senior citizen named Lou Hershman scare you?"

Ray O'Connell, to his credit, feels pretty bad about the whole thing. He told me, "If I could see Lou in public, I would reach my hand out and say, 'Lou, I'm sorry about what I did and it will never happen again." That was a noble gesture from O'Connell, and Hershman just as quickly accepted the apology. "I know Ray and when I read his name, I couldn't believe it. He's not like that at all. I accept his apology."

One person who has offered no apology is Rob Hopkins, the Pawlowski sycophant who actually prepared the anonymous attack. He piously claims no one has dared disagree with his assertion that Hershman allowed young police officers to retire early, costing the city a gazillion dollars.

Well, I disagree. Of all people, Hopkins should know the truth. Hershman had actually sued to stop these police pensions. But in 2005, a desperate Pawlowski begged Hershman to drop it. At the time, Hopkins was Pawlowski's campaign manager, and they were trying to wrangle an FOP endorsement. In a meeting arranged by Julio Guridy, Pawlowski promised Hershman that only between 9 and 12 officers would retire, and this would actually save Peanutville $240 thousand. Hershman took Pawlowski at his word, only to learn later that he had been misled. Fifty-three cops would retire.

Quelle surprise.

As you all know, even the filthiest criminal is entitled to face his accusers. But not Lou Hershman. Hopkins and Pawlowski made sure of that. That's pretty amazing from someone who relies on the Constitution to justify anonymous sleaze.

Yesterday afternoon, Hershman exercised some constitutional rights of his own. He is demanding an opportunity to face his accusers. "I want to debate Hopkins and Pawlowski to refresh their memories."

When I reached Hopkins yesterday, he seemed stunned. "Well, I'll have to ... I'll have to ... um ... think about it." He said he'd be happy to meet Hershman face to face, but I told him public accusations warrant a public setting for response. Hopkins is very quick to make anonymous accusations, but seems much slower in defending them.

I'll be happy to arrange a venue.

Allentown City Council Candidates: Hershman Best of a Good Field

Pennylvania's third largest city, Allentown, is plagued by budget woes, a public safety problem and Chicago-style party politics. Tuesday's primary election, in which Mayoral and city council candidates will be elected, is critical to the Queen City's future.

I've been caught up in the Northampton County judicial, executive and council races. That has left me with little time for anything else. Fortunately, Jarrett Renshaw at Queen City Daily has provided outstanding coverage of the council and mayoral races.

Three of four openings on city council are already held by Julio Guridy, David Howells and Council Prez Mike D'Amore. Veteran Lou Hershman and newcomers Louisa Torres, Mike Schlossberg and Ray O'Connell may be battling over what really amounts to one seat.

In addition to the information provided by the LWV, Renshaw has published interviews with retired educator Ray O'Connell, HIV prevention specialist Louisa Torres, Chamber of Commerce employee Mike Schlossberg, accountant Lou Hershman, community college teacher Mike D'Amore, toll bridge commission employee Julio Guridy and retired top cop David Howells.

Are all these candidates rubber stamps? According to a Renshaw analysis of 576 votes starting in 2006, only 5% of any bills have been rejected. 76% of all votes have been unanimous. So Mayor Pawlowski has pretty much had his way with the current council.

All candidates at least seem to think Pawlowski has done a generally good job in his first four years as mayor. Even Lou Hershman refers to Hizzoner somewhat diplomatically. "I have worked with Mayors Daddona, Fischl, Heydt, Afflerbach and Pawlowski. He is not the best, he is not the worst."

In a city inundated with political contributions from vendors and city workers, only Howells and Torres see no need for campaign finance reform. Torres, for example, would oppose any attempt to ban city contracts with people who are campaign donors. Howells claims there already is a mechanism to deal with illegal activity. The rest agree that the topic should at least be examined, and the most strident voice is Lou Hershman. "[Pay-to-play] must stop. The city contractor list should not become a campaign donor list."

Unanimously, they all oppose an emergency tax increase, yet unanimously, they all endorse giving tax breaks to developers. Candidates O'Connell and Torres also oppose layoffs.

You get to pick four from this field of articulate candidates. I'll pick just one - the much maligned Lou Hershman. He knew the city was in dire financial straights, and long before the city was willing to admit it publicly. He is very aware that Allentown is a public safety nightmare, and has already suggested some quality of life ordinances that will cost the city nothing. I witnessed him go toe to toe with Council over the public's right to speak. He is experienced and can hit the ground running. Most importantly, he is no rubber stamp.

Perhaps this is why he is the victim of an anonymous smear campaign over the weekend. I'll tell you about that below.

Rob Hopkins, James Spang Behind Anonymous Hershman Slur

Good reporters like The Morning Call's Jarrett Renshaw are worth their weight in gold. It takes him just minutes to learn what I might not discover for days, if ever. He just proved that with those sleaze anonymous robocalls aimed at Allentown City Council candidate Lou Hershman. I was able to learn that the automated calls were made from a number for Dems like Governor Rendell, the Dem State Committee and Allegheny County Exec Dan Onorato. But I really had no idea who was responsible.

While I was flailing around, Renshaw has reported that the culprits are Rob Hopkins, a political consultant, and James Spang, who does security at the Allentown Fairgrounds. Both just happen to be state Democratic Committee members.

Hopkins (pictured on the right)is a long-time Pawlowski operative who originally helped set up Hizzoner's web page. Using campaign funds, Pawlowski helped defray Hopkins' costs to the Democratic convention last summer and also paid or reimbursed him $920 for a fundraiser.

Hopkins was also the Executive Editor at the now inactive Keystone Politics. When he said good-bye there, he promised to "continue my political activities and I suspect you will see me resurface to inflict some harsh commentary upon Pennsylvanians."

And so he did with his anonymous attack at Lou Hershman. Hopkins tells Renshaw he wants "to save the Lehigh Valley" from old farts like Hershman, and claims "voice communications" need no disclaimers. But the Department of State has a different view, claiming that the person or group who paid for the call must be identified.

Who are you going to believe, a political operative caught red-handed, or the Department of State? I've lost a lot of respect for Rob Hopkins. But in the process of smearing Hershman, Hopkins may have actually elected him.

Just where do you think Hopkins and Spang got the money to trash Hershman? I'll give you three guesses.

1:00 A.M. Update: A somewhat chastened Rob Hopkins just called to tell me that, in hindsight, his failure to identify himself is an error. He also told me he'd be happy to answer any questions. So I asked where he got the money to trash Hershman.

"Not from Hizzoner."

"Well, who paid for this?"

"Different people came forward."

When I asked Rob to identify them, he declined, stating he has no obligation to do so until the appropriate report is due. He also told me his negative and anonymous robocall will have little impact on this race, which begs the question why he felt it was so damn necessary in the first place. I thanked him for helping elect Lou Hershman and we both said nighty night.

Morning Call's Renshaw: Only Hershman Has a Clue

Morning Call reporter Jarrett Renshaw could really use a little help. He's been awful busy. Renshaw first exposed Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski's "pay to play" campaign finances, chronicling a culture of corruption in which contributors are rewarded with cushy jobs and city contracts. He followed that up with the revelation that, by the end of this year, Allentown's deficit may exceed $10 million. This, of course, is completely contrary to Mayor Pawlowski's insistence that he had restored the Queen City's fiscal stability. Most recently, Renshaw has cast a spot light on sick time abuse in the fire department, which has cost $1.54 million in overtime costs since January 2007.

Now Renshaw is a journalist, not a member of Allentown city council. What have they been doing? How has that seven-member city council reacted to these reports of abuse? Investigations? Audits?

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Last week's regular meeting, scheduled to consider twelve different ordinances, had to be canceled because of lack of interest. Council was unable to establish a quorum. No effort has been made to reschedule that meeting this week despite a Home Rule Charter provision clearly mandating that it shall meet twice every month.

I've emailed Council Prez Michael D'Amore to ask when this meeting will be rescheduled. No reply.

The City is in obvious crisis, but the body created to provide oversight can't be bothered to meet, let alone provide direction. Is it any wonder City Council candidate Lou Hershman calls this litter a collection of Pawlowski lap dogs?

In Sunday's Morning Call, Jarrett Renshaw makes very clear that of all six candidates, only Hershman has responded to the report of a Peanutville blue ribbon panel, calling for dramatic changes.

"Republican candidate Lou Hershman, 73, has laid out a plan that seems closest to the committee's spirit of reform.

Allentown should consider dissolving the parking authority, Hershman said, and use any surplus revenue from violations to help pay the city's operating expenses."

Hershman also wants to audit landlords so all tenants pay earned income and business privilege taxes.

He has specific ideas. He is also the only candidate running who will decline to accept a salary.

Perhaps you'd prefer pious platitudes. Julio "I speak two languages" Guridy proposes looking at "all expenses, line-by-line." Silly me, but aren't they supposed to be doing that already? What the hell has Guridy been doing the last eight years? Energetic Mike Schlossberg proposes buying supplies like paper clips in bulk. Last time I checked, the city already makes most of its purchases through the state at a discounted rate.

D'Amore and Guridy take the cake for most ridiculous idea. The want to restructure the debt that they've already just restructured. In other words, they want to shackle the city with thirty years of debt to pay for their mismanagement.

During this campaign, Hershman has already been disparaged with anonymous sleaze robcalls engineered by Pawlowski. Candidates Sclossberg, D'Amore and O'Connell - the three blind mice - paid for that smear job. But they've all been too timid to lay the blame at the mayor's door mat publicly, where it properly belongs. Is this independence? Of the three, only Ray O'Connell has been decent enough to acknowledge an error and apologize like a man.

After sliming Lou, Council Prez D'Amore and VP Michael Donovan tried muzzling him, preventing him from speaking out at city council meetings during public comment segments, a clear violation of both Allentown's Home Rule Charter as well as the The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. Michael "I'm still learning" Donovan was unwilling to listen to someone who has long served Allentown, as both Council member (8 years) and Controller (24 years). D'Amore and Donovan, in trying to silence Hershman, undermined public confidence in the democratic process and sent a chilling message to anyone interested in getting involved.

It's an insiders' club.

Lou stood up to the insiders, and thanks to the eloquence of Council members like Jeannette Eichenwald, Council eventually backed down.

Amazingly, Hershman is still fighting for the city he loves, even if it is an uphill battle against money and partisan politics. A good man, he sticks to issues, and never slams people personally, not even in retaliation. If you are an Allentown voter, don't you think you deserve at least one more watchdog on city council?

Jeanette Eichenwald is beginning to ask hard questions, but she needs help. So does Jarrett Renshaw.

So does Allentown.

Is it Time For a Republican on Allentown City Council?

Six candidates - Joe Brudnak, Mike D'Amore, Julio Guridy, Lou Hershman, Ray O'Connell and Mike Schlossberg - are duking it out for four open seats on Allentown City Council. On my left sidebar, you will see links to information about each of these candidates, which I have updated throughout the course of this campaign. They include a revealing series of interviews with The Morning Call's Jarrett Renshaw at Valley 610.

The prevailing view is that all four Democrats will sweep, as they did four years ago. But I think Hershman just might knock Guridy off. He's running as a Republican, yet has lots of Democratic friends on Allentown's east side. Even Morning Call columnist Bill White, certainly no Hershman fan, acknowledges Hershman is a better choice than Guridy.

"I will say this for him. All things considered, I would prefer someone like Hershman, who at least has saved the city some money over the years with his dogged, micromanaging attention to detail -- except with the police contract -- to many of the sleepwalkers who have filled council seats over the years, including Guridy."

Pam Varkony, who served on City Council with Lou, knows him better than most. "I will tell you he drove us all insane with his endless complaining and flood of memos. But underneath the mumbling and frenetic stream of consciousness, I believe Lou is honorable and honest, and that he cares deeply for the city. Looking over the field of Council candidates, he is the only hope for a voice in the wilderness to cry out against the abuses of what has become the Pawlowski machine."

In contrast to Hershman, Guridy is described by Bill White as one "of the rubber-stampers who had helped Mayor Roy Afflerbach lead the city to the point of fiscal disaster." He adds that Guridy spent his second term "the same way he had spent the previous four years, providing no check and balance at all."

Guridy, incidentally, is the sole council candidate who amazingly objected to being filmed during a candidates' debate. White has an opinion about that, too. "[I]f I had his record as a toothless watchdog of the executive branch, I might be camera-shy, too."

My second choice is Ray O'Connell. I got to know him during the candidates' nights, where he delighted in teasing me. He exemplifies everything that is right about the Queen City. Like most Allentown people, he's friendly and down-to-earth. He plays down his advanced education, and laughed off my early criticism that he thought he was running for the school board. He is also the only city council candidate who was willing to admit publicly that the anonymous robo call campaign against Lou Hershman was wrong. That took moral courage, something badly needed on Allentown City Council.

I also like Mike Schlossberg. He's been kicked around quite a bit by the old farts, but is smart and energetic. Coming from the nonprofit sector, he already speaks two languages - English and Bureaucrat. He can actually understand what they're saying! I'd give him one term to see whether he is willing to provide independent oversight or whether he views city council as a stepping stone to something else.

It's hard to be enthusiastic about Mike D'Amore. He runs a good meeting and has challenged Pawlowski from time to time, especially if it involves a union issue. But as Council Prez, he has actively tried to supress public comment, both with respect to controversial Cedar Creek park improvements as well as a botched attempt to muzzle Hershman during courtesy of the floor. To make matters worse, he canceled a meeting last month without re-scheduling a second meeting as required by the city's Home Rule Charter. I was ready to suggest he be given a second term, but he has presided over a council that has allowed city finances to deteriorate without any meaningful oversight.

Joe Brudnak has been a breath of fresh air, but definitely needs more seasoning. he told The Morning Call's Jarrett Renshaw ''I am new at running, and I don't know all about the city's finances.'' With Allentown in fiscal crisis, I expect all candidates to have concrete suggestions.

Allentown City Council Votes To Let Lou Speak, 6 to 1

Two weeks ago, Queen City Daily's relentless blogger, Jarret Renshaw, reported that a citizen had actually been prevented from speaking during Courtesy of the Floor at an Allentown City Council meeting. Lou Hersman, who happens to be a city council candidate, was gagged simply because he happens to be a city council candidate. Because this is such a blatant violation of both Allentown's Home Rule Charter and The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, I went NuTz. OK. More NuTz.

Michael "Muzzles" Donovan, the sole Allentown City Council member within easy reach, took the brunt of my diatribes. But if truth be told, I was pretty rough on all of them, calling them a "group of bobbleheads who tells King Edwin what he wants to hear while denying citizens the basic right to speak."

I was wrong.

Last night, Allentown City Council reversed itself and let Lou speak. More importantly, I noticed they pretty much encourage public comment. They even patiently listened as some looney tune talked about the city owing him money and a collection of dead bodies near his house, after which he ran out of the meeting room.

I arrived a good half hour early, and the place was filling up, Thirty-one people were already in the meeting room, and that number doubled by meeting time. I was pleasantly surprised by the friendly atmosphere before the meeting. I was able to exchange pleasantries with Joe Hilliard, Dennis Pearson, Lou, Julian Stolz, Kim Beitler. Dick Nepon was there, too, all duded up in a very snazzy suit. It was a nice crowd.

I was also somewhat overwhelmed by the cordiality shown by city council members. In addition to calling them "a bunch of bobbleheads," I included my own unflattering depiction of each of them. They were pretty good about it. Tony Phillips came out into the crowd, talking to me and others. Julio Guridy actually introduced himself to me, and we were actually able to banter in French for a few minutes. He asked only that I spell his name right. Jeanette Eichenwald and her husband were very gracious, as always. I even had a brief opportunity to talk to Council Prez Mike D'Amore, who was kind enough to tell me in advance that he would allow me to speak.

Once the meeting got underway, Lou Hershman got up to speak. D'Amore, as he had done two weeks before, shut Lou down very firmly, telling him no one was going to use a city council meeting to wage a campaign. As promised, I objected, citing a specific provision in the Sunshine Act that allows anyone, even nonresidents, to note a violation. I also supplied council members with the pertinent provisions in the Home Rule Charter and Sunshine Act that clearly trump their gag rule.

Amazingly, they listened to me.

Guridy started things off by saying that "Mr. Hershman should have the right to speak, not to make a campaign speech, but if he has something legitimate to say." Then Jeanette Eichenwald simply blew me away. In a single sentence, she said what I've been trying to say for the past week. "Whenever there is a question, we should err on the side of upholding everyone's right to speak to this body." Tony Phillips sided with Guridy and Eichenald, noting "it is important we don't restrict people's right to speech, especially on old issues."

D'Amore and Donovan refused to budge. Schweyer listened.

Members of the public also advocated letting Lou speak. Kim Beitler: "Allow Mr. Hershman to speak." Dennis Pearson: "I believe in open government. As long as somebody behaves, he should be allowed to speak."

Finally, Jeanette Eichenwald proposed a new resolution that allows candidates to speak so long as they stick to old issues, as noted in council minutes, and refrain from campaigning. Dave Howells seconded her motion and frankly admitted "this issue has never come up."

Now Jeanette's motion is still a violation of both Home Rule Charter and Sunshine Act, neither of which allows these restrictions on speech. But her motive was obviously to couch a resolution in language that would assure enactment and allow ALL candidates, including Lou, to speak. When the smoke had cleared, her resolution passed 6 to 1, with Mike D'Amore the sole dissenter. Even Donovan, via speaker phone from Chicago, supported Jeanette.

"Mr. Hershman, you have three minutes," announced D'Amore. "It will take you three minutes to get up here," joked Howells.

When Lou finally got his three minutes at the podium, I'm pretty sure he was campaigning. But it was a victory for open government.

Incidentally, I don't know where the hell the Mayor was last night, but he belonged at that council meeting.

(Blogger's Note: I had to leave at 9:15 PM to write this report, but will have an update about the golf course restaurant later today or tomorrow.)

Update: So What Did Lou Say? Actually, he spoke about transparency in government. First, he mentioned that the 17 member committee investigating the city's financial woes should meet publicly, noting secret meetings are "unfair to taxpayers." Second, he complained about Donovan's supposed campaign contributions committee, which is being formed solely in reaction to a Morning Call news account that cast a public spotlight on Pawlowski's pay to play practicves. Hershman noted that Donovan and Controller Hoffman, both of whom will chair that committee, are "tainted" because they thmeselves are beneficiaries of King Edwin's largesse. He suggesterd that Jeanette Eichenwald belongs on that committee because, unlike the others, she relied on no Pawlowski contributions. It took Lou three minutes. He made his points and democracy was served. That's the way it's supposed to work.

Hershman to Donovan: Allentown Needs Watchdogs, Not Lapdogs

Allentown city council candidate Lou Hershman is unwilling to sit on his hands and do nothing in response to The Morning Call's disturbing report about firefighters' sick-time abuse, which has inflated overtime and pensions. He refuses to shrug his shoulders and say, "We have no power," as most city council members do when confronted with the Pawlowski regime's abuse of the week.

Yesterday, Hershman noted the need to start an investigation now. "We definitely should not wait until budget time, as Council VP Michael Donovan mentions on his blog." Since Lou does have 32 years of experience providing oversight to the Queen City, I would listen to him. But not Donovan.

In a blog post entitled Comments on another blog, Donovan takes these jabs: "[H]e does not understand how the policy system actually works." ... " City Council and the Controller have no control over those contracts. They are negotiated and managed by the administration. We are not at all a part of that process." ... "Mr. Hershman asks many questions and claims that he has all the answers. Wrong. For all the times he has spoken, I have rarely, if ever, found that his issues have substance. He has this grand idea that if he yells enough, something will happen. No, we are constrained immensely by the Charter." ... "My observation of prior councils where Mr. Hershman sat was that committee effort was a rubber-stamp, quick and dirty affair."

Looks like Lou can forget about getting a Christmas card from Donovan this year. Donovan apparently believes city council should only provide oversight at budget time. Here's how Lou reacts. "I don't have all the answers, but know enough to look for them. That's why we're there. There's no point even being there if they're unwilling to provide oversight. When a newspaper reveals overtime abuse like what we see from the firefighters, I have to question where they've been. We sign on to be watchdogs, not lapdogs. The Morning Call is not a member of city council, but seems to know more about what is going on than our elected officials. Don't the people deserve better representation than that? "

Hershman also points to the city's home rule charter provision that expressly gives council the power to conduct investigations and even subpoena witnesses. "Why is that there if we only provide oversight during budgets?"

Hershman finally questions just how effective council members can be when an administration finances their campaigns. "I think Donovan took $100 from the mayor. It should not be a nickel, no matter who is in office."

On his own blog, Donovan admits he's still learning. That's why Hershman's experience should be viewed as an asset instead of as a hindrance.

Will Dems Make Clean Sweep on Allentown City Council?

Four Democrats and two Republicans will face off this November for four openings on Allentown City Council this November. Will City Council remain an exclusive, Democrats' only, club?

Mike D'Amore and Julio Guridy, Democrats both, are incumbents seeking re-election. They are joined by recently retired school administrator Ray O'Connell and young but energetic Mike Schlossberg, a certified urban revitalization specialist working for the Chamber of Commerce.

Republicans are fielding Lou Hershman, a former Democrat and grizzled veteran of city government. He has spent over thirty years as both Controller and Council member. Lou is joined by Joe Brudnak, about whom I know absolutely nothing. I hope that changes in the next few weeks when I meet him.

In the primary, this is how the candidates finished: D'Amore - 2,464; Schlossberg - 2,447, O'Connell - 2,221; Guridy - 2,056; Hershman - 1,609 (175 Republican write-in votes); and Brudnak - 1,283. As an incumbent city council President with close ties to the unions, D'Amore should come out on top. But Schlossberg's strong, second place, showing is a surprise, especially for a newcomer. He even edged out incumbent Julio Guridy. Is this an indication that Allentown Dems are more progressive now than they were a few years ago? If that were so, Guridy would have done much better. Schlossberg's relentless door-to-door campaign is probably what helped him more than anything.

Of the Democrats, Guridy is the most vulnerable. He actually lambasted members of the public during a recent city council meeting. He had hinted that opposition to a playground at Cedar Creek Parkway might be racially motivated. That resulted in some groans, and an upset Guridy lectured everyone, comparing city council chambers to a courtroom.

Lou Hershman has managed to surprise a few people, too. On primary eve, anonymous robo calls falsely blamed him for a pension deal that was actually brokered by Mayor Ed Pawlowski. Lou's campaign as a Democrat went down in flames, and he was counted out. Hershman believes city council needs to be more an administration watchdog, not a lapdog. Pawlowski knows this, and for that reason privately encouraged the robocalls, even going so far as to pick up the checks that funded them. Amazingly, candidates are too afraid to say this publicly. But Lou is still in the race. An experienced politician, he had an ace hiding up his sleeve and managed to capture the Republican nod as a write-in.

On my left sidebar, I have links to for each candidates. I have also spotlighted the five candidates I know in separate posts below. Throughout the campaign, I plan to add more and more information so that you can make an informed choice. You can also help with links to stories or by adding your own insights. I like Hershman. He brings fiscal experience that may prevent Pawlowski from falsely presenting budget figures. I also like Schlossberg's youthful exuberance and intelligence.

Remember the Robocall

Remember the Lusitania!

Remember the Alamo!

These are, of course, are time-honored battle cries. I've got a new one.

Remember the robocalls!

Just a few months ago, on primary weekend, Allentown phones were ringing with anonymous sleaze robocalls, directed at City Council candidate Lou Hershman. He was blamed him for everything, from the city's fiscal woes to swine flu. After the election, we learned that three other City Council wannabes - Michael D'Amore, Michael Schlossberg and Ray O'Connell - paid for this hit. In the background, pulling the strings, even going so far as to pick up some of the money used to finance this smear, was none other than Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski.

Of course, no one will admit that publicly. Kinda' makes you wonder how these three blind mice - D'Amore, Schlossberg & O'Connell - can claim independence or provide any meaningful oversight. Too timid to confront King Edwin over that vicious piece, do you really expect them to confront him over budget deficits or public safety? Of the three, only Ray O'Connell apologized. He told me, "If I could see Lou in public, I would reach my hand out and say, 'Lou, I'm sorry about what I did and it will never happen again."

Although willing to smear Hershman behind a veil of anonymity, King Edwin has run from Hershman's request to debate him. Hershman, the Allentown watchdog, has these questions. "I have to ask these gentlemen, what are you afraid of? Why does a 73-year old senior citizen named Lou Hershman scare you?"

They fear an independent voice.

Allentown City Council Race Now Includes Two Write-in Candidates

Lou Hershman with his grandson Cole

In response to an ongoing FBI investigation into pay-to-play at City Hall, two well known community activists, Rich Fegley (D), and Shane Fillman (R) have decided run their own write-in campaigns for City Council. Both are part of a bipartisan slate of candidates known as “Reform Allentown Now.” They include City Controller candidate Steven Ramos (R) and City Council candidate Lou Hershman (R). Their platform? Transparency and accountability in our local government.

Both candidates also pledge to work on a resign to run ordinance as well as term limit legislation to ensure that our elected public servants can devote adequate time to their official duties and that they can remain close to the people they represent. Fegley and Hershman, both known for their frequent insights at City Council meetings, will be watchdogs instead of the current crop of lapdogs.

Fegley is a founder and co-owner of Fegley's Brew Works, which has successful businesses in Allentown and Bethlehem. Hershman is a former city controller and Council member and founded the successful Hershman and Associates accounting firm. Fillman, known as the “Mayor of Old Allentown,” has served with the Old Allentown Preservation Association and Historic Architectural Review Board.

Lou Hershman Now Batting Righty

Last Fall, many Republicans switched parties to vote for Obama. Even U.S. Senator Arlen Specter and Easton City Controller Tony Bassil are now both Democrats. But here in the Lehigh Valley, some prominent leaders have become Republicans.

Claiming that "[t]he Democratic party in Allentown is so far to the left that I feel like a Republican," Allentown City Council member Tony Phillips switched teams last summer. Then it was Judge Leonard Zito, who became a switch hitter to guarantee his confirmation by the state senate.

The latest defector is Allentown City Council candidate Lou Hershman. Victim of an uncharacteristic anonymous, last-minute, smear campaign by Pawlowski supporters Rob Hopkins and Jimmy Spang, Hershman has little reason to remain blue.

Rejected by Democrats, Hershman achieved a write-in victory from Republicans. Now that Lou has changed his voter registration, there are seven Republicans in Allentown.

The Allentown Watchdog at Notre Dame Grade School

Warning! This is a Bragging Grandparent post. Please read with extreme caution, or not at all.

Yesterday, when Judge Baratta's Gracedale opinion came down, I was at Notre Dame grade school in Bethlehem. Every year, all the grandparents are invited for lunch, and I really enjoy the visit. I think the kids look forward to it, too.

This year, it was especially enjoyable because Dat and I were seated with none other than the Allentown Watchdog, Lou Hershman, and his two grandsons. For an hour, I ignored all the calls about Baratta's ruling and instead discussed the Superbowl with my grandson Dat, and Lou Hershman grandsons Grant and Cole. We also briefly discussed whether the Green Hornet and Kato could take the Batman and Robin in an even fight. We ate ham, mashed potatoes and corn, and Lou told us we had to leave something on our plate for etiquette.

I left one kernel of corn.

Below, from left to right, you can see Grant Hershman, Dat Lambert, Cole Hershman and Anderson Bento. I told them to look really tough, and this is what I got.

Lou Hershman Still in Allentown City Council Race as Republican Write-In

On Election eve, former Allentown city council member Lou Hershman was the victim of an anonymous last-minute smear campaign, which took the form of robo calls. Pawlowski toadies Rob Hopkins and Jimmy Spang admit they were behind this mean-spirited maneuver. Hopkins denies the Mayor directly funded the effort, but refuses to say who did.

In the meantime, Hershman lost the Democratic primary badly. So that's the end of Lou, right? Wrong.

Hershman will appear on the ballot this Fall as a Republican write-in candidate. He needed 100 signatures and got 178.

Lou Hershman, Allentown's Watchdog, Passes Away at 84

Lou and Colonel Cole

A great man left us today. Lou Hershman, who served as both Controller and City Council member in Allentown, has passed away.

Lou was one of my favorite people, a true watchdog who always was looking out for the little guy. This blog is full of stories about him. He always had his eye on City finances.

He cared. Even when out of office, he attended every City Council meeting and knew exactly what was going on.

"I loved him like a brother," said Mayor Ray O'Connell. "Lou was a good guy. He didn't care about politics, but the people of Allentown."

Lou and General Grant

Lou was one of the voices in the wilderness, complaining about now disgraced Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski. He was smeared on several occasions with robocalls inspired by Fed Ed, but never responded with personal attacks of his own. He was simply too classy.

In all the years I knew him, I never heard a mean word out of him.

As much as he cared about Allentown, he loved his family even more.

His pride and joy were his grandsons Cole and Grant, whom he called Colonel Cole and General Grant. He could be counted on to be at every one of their games, no matter what the sport. He was so proud of them.

I have no details on funeral arrangements, but will update this post when they are available.

Allentown City Council Muzzles Citizen Participation

"All we want from you is silence, and damn little of that!"

That seems to be Allentown City Council's mantra. Increasingly, it is shutting people down. Just a few weeks ago, Council Prez Mike D'Amore stopped a former golf course restaurant operator from criticizing the city's decision to replace him with a Mayor Pawlowski crony. But that's minor in comparison to what happened last week. According to Queen City Daily, Allentown citizen Lou Hershman was barred from speaking at all.

In silencing Hershman, City Council violated Allentown's Home Rule Charter as well as The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. It deprived itself of the opportunity to learn from someone who has long served Allentown, as both Council member (8 years) and Controller (24 years). Worst of all, its muzzle undermines public confidence in the democratic process and sends a chilling message to anyone interested in getting involved. It's an insider's club.

Before last week's meeting ever started, D'Amore anticipated that Hershman might want to speak. So he and the city attorney huddled together until they found something they could use to silence him - an arcane rule passed by some city council sometime that ostensibly prevents candidates from addressing city council during courtesy of the floor. But the rule itself is a nullity.

Let's start with Allentown's Home Rule Charter, obviously drafted to bring government closer to the people. One of its twelve articles is devoted exclusively to "citizens' rights and participation." The rights granted are so broad that any collection of thirty-five citizens can actually place a matter on city council's agenda. Registered voters can even force a special meeting. The City's Constitution also specifically provides for a citizen's right to be heard in very clear language.

"The Council must provide reasonable opportunity for interested citizens and taxpayers to address the Council on matters of general or special concern. Citizens’ right to be heard shall be the first order of business at all public meetings and before a vote on any Council business. The public shall be granted the opportunity to comment at Council meetings without time limitations, except when the Council President, imposes a reasonable time limitation deemed necessary. Council members, by a vote of a majority plus one (1), may override the Council president’s time limitation."

Nothing in that sweeping language permits a city council to muzzle a person simply because he is a candidate for office. Clearly, their reason for creating this ban, out of thin air, is to protect themselves. It's nothing more than an incumbent protection rule. D'Amore, himself a candidate for reelection, is obviously scared to death that Hershman just might say something that resonates with the voters a little better than his own message. If this blog is any indication, people are disgusted by the Pawlowski'D'Amore super-secret committee of campaign contributors studying Allentown's fiscal woes.

Regardless of any incumbent's concern, City Council simply has no authority to silence someone. It has no power to adopt rules that restrict unilaterally the very inclusive language of the Home Rule Charter.

In addition to completely ignoring its own Home Rule Charter, Allentown City Council has also thumbed its nose at The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. That law, which trumps everything, specifically provides that residents and taxpayers must be given a reasonable opportunity "to comment on matters of concern, official action or deliberation which are or may be before the board or council prior to taking official action." Nothing in the Act allows a Council to muzzle someone simply because he is running for office.

Despite the clear language in both Home Rule Charter and Sunshine Act, City Council member Michael Donovan lamely tries to justify the muzzle, and ironically does so in a post that demands a return of the "fairness doctrine." There's nothing fair about muzzling candidates. But Donovan argues that if all seven council candidates came and actually spoke at city council meetings, they'd consume twenty-one minutes.

Horrors! That's about as long as it takes me to put on my pants.

This twenty-one minute time period is called democracy. Even candidates have the right to speak. Under Donovan's Orwellian logic, commentary should eventually be limited to only those people who absolutely have no interest in government.

In addition to being anti-Democratic, Donovan's concerns are actually refuted by what I've seen in local government. As a student of Northampton County government, I've watched candidates at many election cycles. A few do use courtesy of the floor to promote their message. Most do not. Candidates have never made government unmanageable. But they've made some incumbents uncomfortable, and that's the real reason for this muzzle.

Hershman tells me he'll be back at the next city council meeting, demanding the right to be heard. I'll tag along. You see, the Sunshine Act allows "any person" to object publicly to any perceived violation. Even boonies from Northampton County.

Amazingly, this muzzle has actually been cheered by one Hershman hater, who chuckles that Lou should start a "toast" party. Isn't that nice? Home Rule Charter and Sunshine Act violations are OK because they get Lou, I guess. But when we chop down every tree in the forest to get at the devil, where do we hide when the devil turns on us?

Lou Hershman, Team Accountant

All teams have trainers, equipment managers and coaches. Some even have psychiatrists and psychics. But the Notre Dame 8th grade basketball team has something even better. Accountant Lou Hershman. His Mensan mind keeps a running tally of points and fouls in each game. And during a close game between Notre Dame and St. Jane's 8th grade teams this afternoon, it was Hershman who pointed out that St. Jane's had committed enough second half fouls to allow one and ones. Refs went back to the scorekeepers table, and it turned out Lou was right.

Dat, the player fouled, sunk two free throws.

Notre Dame ended with a three point lead.

A St. Jane's priest, sitting in the stands, was so upset after the game that he became a Lutheran.

Angry St. Jane's fans were looking for Lou, but he hid behind a crucifix.

Blogger's Note: The player who won the tip off for Notre Dame is Caden G.

Lou Hershman Being Victimized By Anonymous Robocalls

Allentown city council candidate Lou Hershman, if elected, is definitely going to be a thorn in King Edwin's side. It's increasingly likely he will survive the primary, either as a Democratic nominee or Republican write-in. So this past weekend, the smear machine went to work.

Phones began ringing on Friday night and the bells have continued to toll throughout the weekend. In robo calls, Hershman is blamed for all Allentown's woes, from pension fiasco to Billy Joel song. These calls are anonymous, too! Just one day after a local political consultant was charged with election law violations for anonymous mailers directed against a candidate, the same illegal tactic is used against Hershman.

When similar robo calls were directed against Ron Angle and Peg Ferraro less than two years ago, both went on to easy victories. People resent anonymous calls at dinner, especially when the caller is some machine and the message is negative. One Allentonian who resents these anonymous attack robo calls is city council member Michael Donovan.

Becahi Girls' B-Ball Coach: Failure is Part of Success

Megan Dellegrotti

When she was in the 7th Grade, Megan Dellegrotti experienced her first big disappointment when she was passed over for a basketball team on which all her friends were playing. Crushed, she was ready to pack it in. But her father gave her a dose of reality. Unlike her friends, she had been playing for only a year.  "When you're not practicing, someone out there is," he told her. It's a message she took to heart and one that led her to become Berwick High School's all-time leading scorer. It led to where she is today, head girls basketball coach at Becahi. She shared her story at Notre Dame of Bethlehem's 45th Annual CYO Banquet on May 16.

Dellegrotti told the grade school student athletes that she's no natural, either in sports or academics. But though she's only 5'4", she played Division I basketball at the University of Delaware. Team captain for two years, she was selected to the NCAA East Regional Team. But she's most proud of her academic achievements. "My commitment to academics made everything possible," she said, explaining that she learned to prioritize her time. Those days started with 6:30 am workouts to compete with athletes who were faster and taller.

Those days ended with the books. "Being smart is sexy," she insisted.

Before coming to Becahi, Dellegrotti coached at Southern Lehigh for five seasons, leading them to three Colonial League Championships and a 104-28 record.

But instead of claiming that winning is everything, or the only thing, she told sto make udents the most important lesson is learning to fail. "Failure is part of success," she teaches.

Dellegrotti's speech, not the typical fare expected from a coach, was greeted with a standing ovation.

Notre Dame's CYO then went on to make its annual awards. The biggest honor, the 2014 CYO Christian Spirit Award, went to 8th Grader Grant Hershman, a three-sport athlete who has maintained high honors. When it was announced, his grandfather Lou brushed a tear from his eye. He tried to hide it, but is very proud of his grandson, and rightfully so.

Lou Hersham with his grandson, Christian Spirit Award winner Grant Hershman

Lou's other grandson, Cole, was awarded MVP an the Biddy Boys Basketball Team. He is going to be a terror on the court.

Lou Hershman with grandson Cole

Lou calls his grandsons General Grant and Colonel Cole.

On the varsity boys basketball team, there were two winners.

Though he's only in seventh grade, Caden Giordano (pictured right), won every tip-off and was deadly under the boards. He took MIP. Single-handedly, he turned a playoff game around. My grandson, Dat Lambert (pictured left), was awarded MVP. He is a very deceptive point guard whose quick moves on the court has actually caused opposing players run into each other. He's also a thief, good for stealing the ball several times a game.

The person who taught him how to steal? A judge, of course. Judge Emil Giordano, who led another CYO basketball team to an undefeated season, coached Dat when he first started playing basketball, and encouraged these felonies.

Caden has a year to go, but Grant and Dat are on their way to Becahi next year. Grant will be playing baseball and hoops. Dat will play football and basketball.

Many of you more regular readers have watched Dat grow up on this blog. Thanks for putting up with my bragging. The person who has been behind him every step of the way is his mother, Tuyet.

Dat has also been supported by numerous other selfless coaches, from Rodney Robinson to Craig Golden to Chuck Rockmore and Duane Schmoyer.