This week/more added

Not much going on in the city lately. Everyone waiting to see how much taxes are going up. 

I mean there is the fact there is more motor scooter deaths.  Homicides may be down, but I would think vehicular deaths are way up this year.  Where are the speed bumps that were supposed to be placed? APD Traffic enforcement I see has to band with Salisbury PD on the southside to make it look like they are doing something.  Salisbury gets it done just fine on their own.  

The 1st discrimination trial against the city started today. Probably will be more. I am sure it is revealing alot of what goes on in city hall. How bad is it really? My friends who work in City Hall tell me it is awful. Maybe some city workers will comment on this.  

Did anyone see the 911 tribute at city hall? There was like 15 people their besides the firefighters and police. Just sad. 

Leave it up to the Mayor to throw a half ass tribute. But then again the flags are always flown at the same height including the Pride flag, so me thinking he is patriotic is just asinine. 

Oh I cant wait for the council meeting.  Will someone actually explain why 6.5 million is being moved from the general fund to the risk fund for "medical expenses" this late in the year? Who fucked up the accounting?  Who mismanaged that much money?  They should be fired.  Lets see if there is a good explanation for this transfer. Im sure it will be some cover up bullshit reason.  No accountability at all. Maybe Frank, will bullshit his way through it.

Oh I almost forgot.  I believe the court rules this week on whether to release the Curtis Files or not.  You know the investigation council and the Mayor wanted, but then once the Mayor found out how bad it was, he didnt want it released. 

I Hope Mr. "I want a 3rd term" is going to finally get exposed for the piece of shit he is.

Added 5pm

A jury ruled that Karen Ocasio a former city employee was retaliated against.  Also that there was just cause to fire her. Im not sure how that makes sense.

Imagine that, an employee retaliated against by the Mayor?  Ocasio isn't the only one. 

The big question is what door does this open up for other employees who have been retaliated against?

And the biggest question is will this cost the tax payers anything? Besides all the lawyers fees. So far it seems like it wont. But I feel the jury didnt do something right.  The verdict doesnt make sense.  Guilty of retaliation, but not held liable?

I hope the financial study coming back takes this lawsuit and pending suits into consideration. 

I do not know the facts of Ocasio's case, but reading other sites it seems the mayor had it out for her.

Per WMFZ:

"The city's defense team said during closing arguments that the Mayor has no animosity and never had an agenda against the former employee."

That statement right there is an omission of guilt if you ask me.  Its not relevant to say that if you truly didn't have anything against her.  

Lets see what Ocasio gets awarded. This doesn't appear to be the end of this case.

Afterwards per WFMZ

In a statement, Mayor Tuerk said:

"We remain committed to making sure the City is a welcoming and respectful place to work and where every employee feels respected and supported."

Is he serious?  Respected? Supported?  Looks like it. There is no government workplace where every employee feels respected and supported.  But Allentown of course.

Well that Dropped fast

 

I rarely give credit to council after a meeting but here goes.

 Good job.

You guys looked out for the financial well-being of the city. And it appears you all took a stand collectively.   Thats a first. 

Mr. Napoli, I am glad you stood up when the Police president was trying to bully you.   The guy was so unprofessional and unprepared what did he think the outcome would be?

The city will be fine and I highly doubt 30 officers leave this year.  And if they do,  so what!  They will be replaced. 

The police have milked the city enough over the years.  And they are getting a new 50 million dollar station. The Greed is insane.

Next few weeks will be good

  

It seriously looks like the data centers are coming to Allentown no matter what and wherever they want.  Despite all the opposition by the public, just watch the center on W. Emaus Ave get approved. Im sorry guys but you really don't matter to the people who have the final say. These data centers will keep pushing until they are approved and Kane, the Mayor, and most of council will support them.

According to Frank Kane, the developer for the data center on W. Emaus Ave has changed a bunch of shit to try and make the center more appealing. Not the location, just things to mask how bad its going to suck for the people who live near it.

Tues at 12:15 you know, the time when everyone is at work there is a meeting about these revisions in the city council chambers.

Bottomline, there is alot of money behind these data centers.  Follow the money.

Has anyone gone to the fair?  I haven't and won't be. Maybe if Tuerk was in a piranha filled dunk tank. I could see Kane there at the ring toss  "Step right up folks, 5 will get you 10" all while chewing 20 pieces of gum like he does at council meetings. 

I wonder how the crowds are?  From some of the photos I saw, seemed a little scarce, but I dunno what time of day they were taken.  

Upcoming:

Council has alot of spending decisions coming up.   I'd advise watching their upcoming meetings.  Since the county proposed a 17% tax increase, ASD will probably add to that, and if the city council approves a bunch of future debt we are all screwed.  Could you imagine the 17% and say idk 9% from ASD and then the city throws another 12%?   People will have to move out of the county. Bottomline, the people in the city aren't being heard. The city employees who I bet 70% of them do not live in the city are destroying the residents with promotions, constant raises, and ridiculous benefits and contracts. The city cant keep taking on debt.  Save us council. 

Also, I believe the decision on the Curtis Files happens mid month.  This month could be very exciting.

Here's some old memes

Desparate I guess

 

WMFZ did an article on Bombero Bob Brooks.  Did you know Bob is starting to care about Latinos in Allentown but according to him he always was.  Now he will use a spanish word meaning firefighter in his name to get Latino votes, and Mayor Twerp is going to help promote this false hispanic facade. Its such a horrible tactic to use the Latino population to get votes.  

This guy wants to be a congressman so bad he will call up the La Mega radio to get publicity.  He's a bald white former firefighter who is trying to connect with the center city Latino population and he doesnt even live within the city limits. Come on dude its pathetic. Making promises you and I know you will never keep.

Its basically the same as Tuerk learning spanish then claiming he is Latino just to get votes.  Tuerk doesnt show up and neither will Brooks. 

Bob Brooks will claim he will help until he wins and thats an if. If he doesn't he will vanish. Just slimy tactics and I encourage Latinos to see through this bullshit.  I really hate when politicians use people for votes.  Yes they all do it to a degree. Please note I am not saying I support Ryan Mackenzie but I dont think he would ever pull a stunt like this.  Just saying.

Other news

How about the Allentown Art Museum getting put in the NIZ.  What a fucking joke.  The people with initials as their first name must reilly have pushed for this.

Its gonna cost 50-60 million to build this new Museum.  Who even goes to the art museum anymore?  I went to the Allentown museum like 50 some years ago when I was in grade school.  

This building will be a flop.  Just like the hotel next to it. I dont know why people think Allentown is so artsy. Well maybe the Mayor is the only one who seems to think it is. 

Sure the art work on the buildings is pretty cool.  Im not talking about the graffiti either. But unless you think seeing packs of losers on scooters messing up the traffic is art, I would not go.

I would never take my grandkids to the art museum, atleast not the one in Allentown.  Kids these days do not want to go to the art museum.  They want to be on Instagram and SnapChat. Its a shame but its the truth.

However, once again when using NIZ money you really cant fail.  

Does everyone really love a Clown?

I wrote on the protected budget for 2027 a few weeks ago. WFMZ just did a story if you didnt read it. 

Ms. Affa stated she is worried about a double digit tax increase.  No shit. Keep spending on things the city doesnt have the money for and that is what will happen.

She stated she was concerned with the not needed police station at a cost of 37 million.  Try more like 40-50 atleast until it is done. 

Also the new firestation and health bureau will cost atleast 65 million. Again something which isnt needed since Central fire just got a brand new roof put on it for 500k.

The police station is atleast a 2.5 to 4million dollar a year loan.  Thats roughly and 8 percent tax increase.  Every 4% tax increase generates approx 1.5 million. Keep that stat in mind.

Then there is the concern of the storm water fee.  Yea 6.75 million dollar concern.  No where to get that money from. The city better hope they dont have to pay that back. Eeeek.  Taxes will be insane.

Bozo the clown Frank Kane comes up with this.

"We don't think that it's fair to give nonprofits a free pass and to balance that on the backs of the taxpayers," said Kane.

Maybe if he stayed awake or not on his cell phone at a council meeting he would see all the money the city gives away to non-profits.  Of course the tax payers shouldnt have to pay their share. 

Candy Kane proceeds to say its to early to tell if there will be a tax increase next year.  Frank the city is looking at atleast a 12-17% tax increase right now. You know it and I know it. 

Quit giving yourselves raises. Also, if the mayor wouldn't travel every month, their would be some money to appropriately use.

Frank Im sorry but I really dont think you know what your talking about.  

Why do you think you never see the mayor at a council meeting anymore?  Not because he is probably in Cuba on some missionary experiment to help the city.  No, its because he has made Frank the fall guy.  When all this shit goes wrong, Tuerk can point at Frank.  I mean Frank thinks he runs the city.  We are doomed.

Bozo #2 Napoli used ChatGBT for  his lame ass quote on the budget.  

"City Council is committed to continuing to deliver the vital city services our residents expect and count on while collaborating with the financial auditor to identify the best solutions to minimize the financial impact to our residents."  

Blah blah blah Shut up.  You literally help your buddy Matt with whatever agenda he has. You vote to spend money on raises, projects, and whatever else the mayor wants.

Your controller vote was so obvious it was Tuerk’s choice.  

To sum up.  There has to be so much budget cutting from within each department to not have a double digit tax increase. You also have the Police contract coming up.  They want their cut of the pie.

Time will tell but mark my words, there will be a tax increase, unless of course you dont want your streets plowed this winter.  Pardon me, they dont get plowed anyways.  Actually, or you dont want the potholes fixed.  Damnit Abe, you are losing it.  Those dont get fixed either. 

Controller Alert

There's a new Controller in town, and might I say she will look good in that seat.  My question is can or will she be controlled?  By none other than the mayor. 

If you watched the council meeting last night you could see the Mayors pick was Amore.  How do I know this?  Well Napoli and Affa voted for her. You could see Napoli didnt appear to be too happy.  His pocket was probably vibrating from Matt calling him to yell at him.

Amore was reaching way too hard to convince council she was the best candidate.  It appeared fake to me.  Even Palmer would have been a better choice.

But Santiago appears she will take the job seriously and keep the administration accountable.  Hopefully the mayors travel expenses since Frank isn't.  But I liked how she appeared to be genuine and her resume was very strong in my opinion.

Next topic.

I  just saw another lawsuit filed against the City of Allentown.  A former risk manager filed a suit basically stating he was fired because he cooperated with the Scott Curtis Investigation.  That sounds about right.  Mayor trying to keep people quiet. Such an egotistical prick firing all these employees.

But, I think this suit will force the Curtis Report to come out. Then we can all see how bad it really is in the city. My sources say it is really bad and some department heads do not look so favorable.

I mean now Santiago's first priority is going to be how the city can afford all of these lawsuits. Her and Patel have their work cut out.

At what point is it enough though? The tax payers have to keep paying lawyer fees for the Mayors fuck ups.  You cant tell me at this point all these suits are bullshit.  How many is that? Six or seven, basically alleging the same thing.  This last suit doesnt appear to be by a minority, with the last name Ferry either.  So Matt has no boundaries.  If he doesnt get his way he takes his toys and goes home.  I mean not actually home to Colorado, cause that would be great.

What the Flock? Flock this!!

 

This week the City Council will hold a Public Safety Meeting to discuss the Flock Camera System that is deployed throughout the city. It is doubtful that much will come out of the meeting. Council will most likely spend most of the time asking questions about what the system is and will never get into the nitty gritty about how the city uses the system and what controls are in place to not permit misuse and abuse of the system. Abuse like we have seen throughout the United States on various news outlets. The last thing we would want is someone using the system to track down a prostitute or drug dealer’s cash for misaligned needs…. and that has happened in the US. 

To save some time, I have taken the step to educate council and all readers (I know council reads this joke of a blog, “Hey y’all! You’re welcome”)

What is the Flock system?

A Flock camera system is essentially a networked automated license plate reader (ALPR) built by Flock Safety, designed to capture vehicle data and send it to a searchable cloud database. The core idea: every passing vehicle gets photographed, its plate read, and its physical attributes logged, giving police and private clients a powerful investigative tool.

A Flock camera is a solar‑powered, LTE‑connected roadside ALPR that takes still images of vehicles, extracts the plate number and a “vehicle fingerprint,” and stores it in a cloud database searchable by law enforcement, HOAs, and businesses. Flock camera is an automated license plate reader (ALPR) made by Flock Safety. It records vehicle details like license plates, make, model, color, and unique features, storing them in a searchable cloud database used by law enforcement and private communities.

Source: What Is a Flock Camera and How Does It Work? · Finding Flock - https://www.findingflock.com/learn/what-is-a-flock-camera 

What does it do?

As stated, it records YOU. But when does it start to violate your rights. A gentleman on Facebook who I will begin to cite more often cited some important facts.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DMPxH3BNP/   

The city of Allentown uses the flock camera system. But what exactly do they use it for? 

I would think after a shooting they use the system to track vehicles that were in the area at the time. Okay, okay, sounds like a good tool, right? 

Well, the problem of what you may not realize is the police can literally track your whereabouts throughout the city. Times you traveled and how long you were there. In fact, with the use of Flock and all the 150 plus cameras throughout the city, they could literally track your every move. Seems intrusive, doesn't it? It is.

 Its as creepy as the guy on the 5th floor.

How isn’t that violating your privacy rights? What’s to say when an officer wants to spy on his wife, neighbor or friends? They could. I’m sure there is an audit system, but unless it highlights key plates and names how would anyone know? Do you think assistant Chief Gress will look into any abuse?  Lol

I’m all for the police using lt correctly, but the fact you can be tracked whenever you’re in the city limits concerns me. 

Current Evidence of Misuse

1. Stalking romantic partners or exes 

This is the largest and best‑documented category. Officers run plates of ex‑girlfriends, estranged spouses, or people they’re romantically interested in — sometimes hundreds of times.

Sedgwick, Kansas (2024) — Police chief used Flock 228 times to stalk his ex‑girlfriend and her new partner.

Indianapolis, Indiana (2026) — Officer ran searches 3,759 times over 10 months, tracking vehicles used by his wife and two acquaintances.

Multiple states (2021–2025) — At least 24 documented cases of officers using ALPRs to track romantic partners, per Institute for Justice.

2. Personal curiosity or harassment of acquaintances

Officers sometimes run plates of neighbors, coworkers, or people they have disputes with.

Stow, Massachusetts (2026) — Officer accessed Flock data at least five times to get information about someone he knew personally. He faces firing and criminal charges. But that wouldnt happen at APD.  You cant get fired, just watch the news.

Jefferson Parish, Louisiana (2026) — Officer fired for “personal use” of the system.

3. High‑volume, unjustified searches

Some officers run hundreds of searches on a single vehicle with no case number, no report, and no investigative justification.

Sarasota, Florida (2026) — Officer ran 335 searches on one vehicle; arrested for official misconduct and computer crimes.

4. Departments failing to audit or detect misuse

A major theme: misuse is often discovered by victims, journalists, or activists — not by police departments themselves.

Washington Post investigation (2026) — Found at least 69 officers nationwide accused, charged, or convicted of misuse; in 15 cases, outsiders discovered the abuse before the department did.

5. Misreads leading to wrongful stops and violence

Not intentional misuse, but operational misuse: officers rely on Flock hits without verifying them, leading to dangerous encounters.

Innocent people have been stopped at gunpoint, mauled by police dogs, or jailed due to misreads or unverified alerts.  I am sure Chief Roca will say they have a strict policy on misuse and if anyone is caught doing so, they will be disciplined. Yea okay.  Wannabe politician. 

On Wednesday, city council will hear some presentations from the APD and experts on the city’s own Flock Camera system, but I honestly don’t expect much transparency. I am sure that the administration will refer to the Right to Know and other applicable laws that apply to obtain information (useless P.O.S.), only for it to be denied due to “operational security”. Just another opportunity to waste taxpayers’ time with no response and no action. 

I wonder if the Flock Camera video has the audio/video of the homophobic slur that was screamed at Mr. Eddie Aviles by an Allentown Police officer?

Oh wait, thats in the secret APD files along with all the other crimes officers have gotten away with.

** You can join the discussion August 26th @6:15 PM at the following link:

Allentown - Public Safety Committee

https://allentownpa.legistar.com/DepartmentDetail.aspx?ID=30365&GUID=51B62740-AE07-4294-950C-8DDAA98416A5

Remember council isnt smart, so we have to inform them because they won't do it themselves.