SWEEP Tickets Part 2

 

Back on July 27 of this year I wrote about how un-usefull and unproductive issuing SWEEP tickets actually are.  Here's the proof right from the Council Agenda for tomorrow under the Controllers Report.

First lets point out how productive Chief Roca's officers and the SWEEP officers really are.  Especially, since him and the Mayor brag about all the issued SWEEP tickets and if you do this or that you will get a SWEEP ticket. 

If you look at the Controllers report above from 2022-2024, 9411 tickets were not paid or about 4705 tickets for each year. From the beginning of this year until 31-May only 1558 tickets were not paid. So did people just start paying these things OR are officers not writing as many? In order to beat the previous two years SWEEP officers  and APD will have to write an additional 3147 tickets and they would all have to be not paid. Highly likely.

Now to the effectiveness of the SWEEP tickets.  Pretend your going down a Rollercoaster. 28882 tickets from the beginning of the SWEEP program until 31-May-25 are UNPAID totalling $3,608,944.!!! I polled 1000 people that got tickets (obviously I didn't) and they said they aren't paying because there is no penalty not too.  Sure Glazier shows that there is a progressive increase in the fine the longer you wait to pay.  As time lapses the report says people are less likely to pay the increased fine. The report recommends getting rid of the progressive fine. Obviously from the data, 3.6mil in outstanding fines, shows us that people aren't paying no matter what.

So I ask when Chief Roca and Mayor Tuerk brag about these SWEEP tickets being as effective as Ms. PATEL knowing the budget; do they work, the answer is No! 

The response that the Finance Director offers to the Controller report regarding SWEEP is that they “are not staffed” to track the outstanding balances? Strange that the department was authorized an additional Analyst to monitor the accounts receivables by Council just two years ago. Did that person quit or get promoted? If yes, Why hasn’t the person been replaced? Or is this just another example of the Finance Director just not knowing again? Placing bets on Finance Director not knowing now.

How scary is it that the Finance Director/Finance Administration doesn’t feel providing oversight or tracking and collecting over $3.6million in SWEEP fines is necessary? Please tell me why she is making financial decisions when something like this is a basic tenet of the job?

What is the SWEEP Manager doing? Clearly not paying attention to the outstanding tickets. Maybe the SWEEP Manager doesn’t know it is their job…I mean, “SWEEP” is in their title.

Government inefficiency at its best!

The leadership is all smoke and Mirrors.  Quit buying into the rhetoric everything is good.  The quality of life issues suck because the officers when they do enforce the city laws, people do not pay because there is no penalty.  Oh and I might add, all the out- of- staters swimming and ruining the parks, do you think they pay???  

Lets ask the Joker

Desperate or worried to Win?

Once again, our elected by default PA House Representative, Josh Siegel, has inserted the same type of dirty politics that he claims he is against. In a recent post that I will link below for all to see, he took a swipe at his opponent by attacking the company he allegedly keeps. We can debate later about the morals and integrity of Mr. Roger MacLean, but this latest social media is a new low for someone like Josh who already lurks in the swamps and gutters of PA politics.

Siegel’s latest remarks might be brushed off as typical political rhetoric, but the democratic party often lacks transparency on policies and key issues for its constituents. If you pay close attention to the words spoken from the left, you will quickly realize that they are the real bigots and liars in politics. My hope is that the voting public realizes this in the Lehigh Valley sooner rather than later. We should not risk this community's future by continuing to elect these zealots to lead our community. For far too long Democrats like Palowski, Tuerk, Siegel, and Gerlach have had a stronghold on Allentown and its politics and the only forward momentum we have seen is the rapid decline in Allentown’s quality of life.

Siegel is part of a nasty group of progressives whose sole aim is to only take down Trump and his perceived associates. I would count Gerlach and Tuerk in that club as well. Siegel is infamous for his “fuck the police/defund the police” march that he claims he never said such words. Who can forget Tuerk’s wittle temper tantrum when Trump came to town? He really showed how small of a man he really at that event. I am sure he wears the badge on his scout uniform proudly. Are these really the type of people we want representing our great community? Are these the type of people that we want to make decisions for our and our children’s future? The type of people that run disgusting smear campaigns and secretly lurk in the shadows to eliminate an opponent.

I should say that I would expect more from Seigel. The likelihood that he will be elected to the County seat is very high. His tactics to get there are pure evil and distasteful. In the end, he will be elected and will work closely with Tuerk to run the County and the City further down the drain. Funny. They work so hard to attack Trump and MAGA Republicans, but their actions mirror exactly what the left claims the other side to be doing. Are the evil mob members here those hard left shameless liars like Siegel and Tuerk?

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YEcNhodva/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Three Allentown council members call for Gerlach and Siegel to be censured for joining Black Lives Matter protests – The Morning Call

Nice jab at Mr. Aviles too

Employee Appreciation Day!!

 

Today I went to city hall around 1pm and to my surprise it was shutdown for what I later found out was employee appreciation day. While I am absolutely supportive of any opportunity for employees to get away from their horrible managers I have to feel bad for them at the same time because they are forced to eat and play games with people like the mayor, Finance Director, CED Director, Police and Fire chiefs, PW Director, etc. The cost comes to mind as well —we are facing difficult financial times ahead for the taxpayers and the city is throwing a party for themselves?

This romper room event was organized by the mayor’s staff and includes games and prizes like  "Movies and Lounging by AFD" "Guess the Parking Lot APD is sitting in"  and the Bina Patel-sponsored “Plinko” where employees try to land their token on the 2026 tax increase since Bina has no clue.

I wonder if Ms. Boyer up in H.R had any involvement in the event? …wait, no! My sources tell me that she is never at work and is known for collecting a check while offering nothing to the city and just thinking she is better than everyone else. Why would we expect any higher standard from mayor PeeWee?  

This is just another example of how the priorities of this administration are misaligned. I am sure the employees would have preferred to just have an early day like most companies and municipalities do the day before the long Labor Day weekend. Not Allentown, they force the employees to attend a party honoring the mayor.

Some photos from the event

Free Narcon and Stuff

 

Narcon dispensary?? This appears to be like a Pez Dispenser.  So let me get this straight.  Anyone can walk up to this free vending machine and get Narcan. Narcan for anyone that doesnt know, is a nasal spray that temporarily reverses the effects of a drug.  

Are we promoting the usage of  drugs now? Meaning someone can buy drugs in the street, hope for the best high, but if the drugs are bad and they overdose their buddy just needs to run to the dispensary and get Narcan.  

I really dont understand how Narcan is a good thing unless someone accidentally takes something.  This drug was designed to allow people to get high without worrying about dying if they overdose.  Its sort of like the police shooting someone then rendering aid.  Why shoot them in the first place.  Like here kid try this and if you dont like it, I'll shoot this spray up your nose and save you.  

You can also get hygiene products from this machine. Basically, this is a free CVS. First aid products, probably condoms, toothpaste, etc. 

The city claims using this machine is confidential.  Explain that? You have to physically walk to this thing, which is in plain view.  Anyone can see you. 

It appears that someone could whipe this machine clean of everything if they wanted. I mean its free so it seems like a take one basket on Halloween.   We all know how that works out.  Why can't people just walk inside the church to get these things from someone.

Besides who is paying for this machine? The tax payers? I can only imagine the cost of this.  Non stop stupid spending.

2030 Vision or Dream? Ill take Dream for $500

 

How safe are the roads in Allentown?  Today Mayor Tuerk, and Chief "Naked Gun" Roca urged Allentown residents to drive safe.  Vs. Driving recklessly????

County Coroner Daniel Buglio said "Lehigh County has already seen 37 roadway deaths in 2025, about a 20% increase from 2024."

Officials spoke at 7th St./ Tilghman St. citing the intersection as the worst in the city.  So stay away from there. 

Tuerk spoke on behalf of his grand plan of Vision Zero- a citywide plan to achieve zero roadway deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Speed bumps,  line painting, churros/ bike lanes and maybe some roundabouts will all make this happen. Maybe on Mars.

So are their robots driving the electric cars in 2030? No deaths or serious injuries? What kind of plan is this, and why hasnt Trump used this genius idea to roll out over the country? What's the plan for zero crime called? Vision New Chief?

Chief Naked Gun spoke about driving safety stating "Ladies and gentlemen, this is about personal responsibility.” Roca also claimed the Allentown Police department will be out in full force at Wawa and Dunkin Donuts, so dont drive drunk and get hungry.  You could be in for a problem.

Buglio expressed concerns about motorcyclists crashing. I could only imagine roundabouts and speed bumps making it easier for motorcyclists to maneuver around the city.

This is a dumb press release, look at me photo op.  We all know how dangerous streets are.  Quit blowing smoke that your vision is going to stop vehicle deaths.  I mean this is not worse than borrowing $134 million.  

Added 11:43am

Per WFMZ

A pedestrian was hit by a car near 15th st this morning.   Does this count towards Vision Zero?

The Great Allentown Fair is in town!!

 

I bashed the city and the fair grounds committee for not utilizing the fairgrounds space as much as possible to generate money. Concerts, car shows, festivals, etc could be held their bringing people into the city.  But be that as it may, the Fair is starting so go get your 6 days worth of entertainment for the year.

So Heart, Alabama, Kane Brown, Ace Frehly, Quiet Riot and Great White, The Fat Fluffy comedian Gabriel Iglesias and dont forget The demolition derby will be the big shows. 

Kane Brown-is a country singer and will probably be the biggest draw.

The rock singers tho eek.  Heart, eh, Alabama- they still alive?? Ace Frehly-Great White-and Quiet Riot-   there is a reason they are all together.  Because no one would go if just one of them played. 

Gabriel  Iglesias- I mean if I see a comedy show, Id rather be inside with some drinks.  Not at a fair.  But whatever, I am sure he will be funny.

The traditional demolition derby which probably draws the most will rap up the fair. Why not do a derby like 2-3x over the summer instead?  I would attend that.  

I know the city used to give its employees free tickets.  I wonder how many actually go?  I bet many try and sell them. Hahahah

Just a side note that most people may not know or have experienced.  If you go across the street to the hospital on the 4th or 5th floor is the hospice until.  It directly oversees the fair and all the rides and lights. I always wondered if any of that helped the people who were there or made it worse.  This is the view

Back to the fair.

I have some money maker ideas for anyone on the Fair committee:

A dunk tank filled with Truth Serum.  $5 for 3 balls to throw and try to dunk Tuerk, Patel, Roca, Kistler, Rosenthal, city council,  and many more in management.  I could see the line being a half mile long.  Filled with city workers wanting to take a shot.  After the fair is over someone can ask Patel how much money was made and she can respond " I dont have that answer right now."  

They definitely need one of those people who guess your weight, but instead its Ms. PATEL and the game is called "guess the budget." This is also a big money maker since no one will be able to guess right, since no one knows the right amount not even the finance director. 

Enjoy the fair if you go.

 

"Breaking News" Eddie and the Homeless

 

This morning Eddy and a group of homeless setup a makeshift camp outside City Hall.  This should have been no surprise to anyone since be promised the Mayor that he was going to do just the same.

Eddy is a man of his word and a champion for the homeless and underserved communities.  His tactics sometimes are aggressive but it shows his passion.  I am not going to comment or accept comments on his character or who he may/may not be affiliated with — that is not the point of this post.  What I do see in Eddy is a person who is passionate about stopping corruption and intimidation in the City.    Mayor Tuerk and his APD promptly arrested Eddy because he “had an outstanding warrant” and it can be heard on Facebook.  The police officers protected his privacy and did not indicate what the warrant was for or why.  

What troubles me is that it seems that the Mayor and Police Chief are targeting Eddy because he is outspoken against the morally corrupt administration and they are silencing him.  Why wasn’t Eddy arrested last Wednesday at Council if he had a warrant?  They claim the homeless violated an ordinance.  

Clearly, the Mayor is loosely enforcing the ordinance when it suits him.  Is it the loitering ordinance?  That states you cannot obstruct access to a public space or building?  Has anyone paid attention to the front of City Hall?  There is plenty of space to house the homeless.    

This is further proof that this administration is a bunch of bullies that are hellbent on silencing anyone that does not fall in line with their bullshit.

Please watch the videos on Facebook 

Eddie Real Page Aviles

Ce-Ce its a No-No

 

I'm sorry CeCe if you win this race, it won't be good. I have watched her views and decisions on policies. I have seen how she votes. She has never supported the hiring of new police officers. She protested and asked to defund the police. She endangered a child in her custody. if her opponent keys in on these things she will have a hard time winning. 

She is even more the extreme liberal than Rep Siegel. I envision tents everywhere in the city and surrounding areas. Homeless being able to do whatever they want. Lots of spending.

This is a bad move for the Lehigh Valley. At Council the other day she voted to pass the $134,000,000 bond but clearly with the intent to set aside some funding for her initiatives. She stated "I would like to see money advocated for the homeless in the bond." Yeah great idea. Lets float a bond for the homeless. 

I mean I guess its better than her running for mayor. However, lets play this out and puke altogether. Gerlach wins state rep. Mota Mayor. Tuerk wins Congress. I will move to Afghanistan if that happens. Is this the best candidates we have around here?

Are you ready for some football?

 

High school football is back.  Dieruff and Allen both started this past week.  Dieruff put up 27 in a loss to Pocono Mountain East who scored 42. Allen won due to a forfeit by the Dobbins Mustangs of Philadelphia.   

I am so glad to see Dieruff has turned around their program somewhat.  They are winning some games each year.  I wont cut Allen short either, they have been getting a couple wins a year. Not last year tho.  Yes I know Dieruff and Allen play in a weaker division per se than in years past but who cares.  I would love to see one of these teams get into districts.

Here's my plan

Before you judge on my next comment hear me out.   Have you ever seen the size of some of these students at either school?  Monsters.  Or watch them chase each other around.  Like Gazelles.  So how do you get them to play?  Heres where your comments may start.  

Why not make the kids who get in trouble or get arrested be forced to play football as their punishment?  Dont show up to practice, get locked up,  cause problems at practice, get locked up.  Force structure. Force teamwork.  Make the kids have to show up to practice.  Wear them down at practice so when they go home they are too tired to go out and get into trouble.

The football programs have been plaqued by losing seasons for years.  But what if they started winning?  Maybe they could draw 70 kids on the sidelines. Im not talking adding the JV and freshman players either.  Allen is one of the biggest schools in the state.  They should be dominating most sports.  In the past, like way past, 60s, 70s, and some of the 80s Allen and Dieruff were a little more competitive in football.  

Now the basketball programs and baseball teams can hold their own most years but lets stick with football. 

I would love to see Allen spank Parkland.  Is it possible, yes. I think they have beat them 12 times over their matchups. Too beat them now tho might take a couple years of rebuilding.  Allen and Dieruff can typically hold their own for the 1st quarter then due to not having enough players, the starters have to play both sides of the ball and tire out quickly.  It goes down quickly after that.

I just think, well, I know, alot of inner city kids do not have steady father figures in their lives.  This translates to crime, staying out late, gangs etc. You know what I am talking about.  A good solid coach can change a child's life.

Maybe Allentown needs to work with the judges, probation department and school officials and implement a program like I am talking about.  The punishments need to be extreme.  You play a sport or you get locked up.  Simple.  I dont want to hear anyone cry about their baby being locked up either.  You give the kid a choice.  All these tough guy kids out there.  Lets see how tough you really are the field. Lets change some lives here.  LET'S GO!!!

Why be a Mayor?

 

Here is your weekend thought

Why would you want to ever be a Mayor? 

When I was younger If I was asked would I want to be a mayor  I would probably have said, sign me up. The prestige, the power, the power, the power, the resume booster, the ability to control people, the final say.  All those wonderful perks. 

Actually, how about the ability to make somewhere better. To give employees somewhere to be proud of.  To make positive change. To make the lives in your town or city easier for people to live.  Being remembered for being a good person. Maybe have a building named after you when you die. Or a bronze statue would be cool. 

Where would you fall? Paragraph  one or two?  

I am number two.  To quote the spiderman movie " with great power comes great responsibility."  With that being said, if you changed living conditions for the better, kept taxes low, made employees proud to work for you, and treated people fairly, would it really be necessary to rule by fear, not follow the rules, and do whatever you want because you can?

I always thought how great would it be to be a mayor and walk down the street and people say hi and want to talk to you. Not say I saw that asshole mayor today.   Maybe business owners would invite me into their businesses and not charge me for a meal.  Yea I know that is frowned upon. I am not talking about giving me a meal so I help you out but rather you didnt make me pay because you respected me and were proud to have me eat in your establishment.  Maybe that is all a thing of the past.  I dont think mayors are respected like they once were.

Now corruption, bribes, and bullying seems to plaque these positions.  Its everywhere.  

Please note I am not referring to any mayor specifically in this post.   

Just rather showing the difference between two possible types of mayors.  And yes their is probably a hybrid mayor that combines the two types I mentioned. 

Im sure your comments will create your own version of a good mayor Or bad mayor.  

I do realize you cant please everyone in political positions but you can make commonsense rational decisions. If they are properly presented, even unfavorable decisions can still be somewhat accepted by those that oppose.  But presentation is key.

I hate seeing people in positions of power using the little people as (they think of us) to advance their personal gain.  I know its the way of the world, it is just sad. 

Its just amazes me how or should I say why a person would want to walk into a room knowing people hate them.  How you can smile at people and shake their hand knowing you dont give a damn about them. 

Then give speeches with numbers that no one can contest because they arent real.  Lie about everything just so you look good.  Take credit for all accomplishments tho you barely helped. Its disgusting.  

I wonder if when you lie in bed at night you feel good about yourself or secretly cry about how pathetic your life has become just so you can be the top dog.  Do you think about all the people you affect on a daily basis? Are your dreams rather nightmares and you wake up sweating because your conscious eats you alive?  I mean I sleep like a baby 👶. But Im Honest Abe!!!!

True leaders don't lie.  True leaders are transparent. True leaders value the people.  True leaders think about the future and the actions they make today and how they will reflect the future.  True leaders dont favor others.  True leaders are just that...true leaders.  

So I ask you again why would anyone want to be a Mayor?

I have never seen a dumber decision in my life.

 

Well the six sheep kissed the mayors ass again. 

Al Bundy, Borat, Rosie O'Donnell, Beyonce, AOC and Oprah all supported the 134 million dollar bond that in my opinion will put the city in the worst financial position it has ever been in. Well to be fair Eddie Hoffa voted yes but gave a good fight against all of the mayors puppets. 

The city already has an 11-15 million dollar deficit going into budget time but Ms. Patel conviently couldnt provide that number. Nor could she answer Zucal's question about will taxes go up because of this bond.  Of Course they will!!! Lets add 9-14 million more a year for the next 30 years.  Also, Zucal stated we owe for all the people hired under the ARPA money since that runs out, along with the 12 fireman hired under a grant that runs out.  How brilliant is Ms. Patel or is she so scared of Tuerk possibly firing her that she will say this is a good idea knowing it isnt?

Then Ms. PATEL says the city owes 90 million in bonds.  I almost shit my pants.  What is going on here!! This isnt a game.  Its real money. This is totally insane. 

How about Ms. GERLACH can we add to the bond money for the homeless??  Lets float a bond for the homeless!!! I puked.  Are you serious?

Mr. HENDRICK aka Borat says he wont turn his back on public safety yet has complained about the location of the police station being built at 4th St and has voted continuously against the fire department.  But supports this.

Who was the financial guy who claims this wont hurt the city because the loan is less than 10% of the current city budget.   Of course it wont, he wants the commission from selling the bond. Joke. And I think he does the financials for Scranton the city that is pretty much bankrupt.

Then Bundy comes in and tries to rationalize buying a house and living under a roof with your family to buying a new firehouse. What a great analogy.  He has no clue about finances.  Stick to selling womans clothes. 

Mr. SHODDA who has no reason to speak claims the city did study's on traffic and the roads.  Oh really,  so build a firestation next to Central Catholic high school.  Ever see traffic on 4TH ST when school lets out?  Good luck getting a fire truck thru.

A fireman says what happens if a hurricane comes and knocks down the wall into Hall St.  Lmao.  First flash floods whipe out the homeless now a hurricane destroys the firestation.  Hey you forgot the tsunami coming and the earthquake that could split open 7th st and kill hundreds.  Nice mustache too.  That style went out in the 1940s.  The guy also claims when they go to the "firetruck store," is that next to the Matchbox store, to buy a firetruck then have to buy a smaller one to fit inside the garage doors.  Are you serious?  Hi, we need a firetruck 20 inches smaller than normal. 

Its odd tho that the firestation is so bad, but yet the firefighters still work there?  Remember how the 10th St. Police station was so bad and Ms. Dr. Online degree Mota said the walls were coming down yet the police are still there.  

Council members create fake panics to get people to support their decisions.  They fool the public non stop and people buy into their shit. 

I have never seen so many bought power hungry city workers in my life Sucking at the teets of the mayor.  It goes to show how people really dont care about anyone but themselves. 

I may have supported this Bill if the following conditions/benefits would occur from it. 

1. The money used from the Bill would help generate money to the city.  The fire station, police station and health bureau will not generate any money for the city.  How can you ask for so much money, yet none of it will be used to make money??? I mean $4,750,000 for a bridge in canal park. Why so out of staters can enjoy it and wreck it.  Or lets put a $400,000 roof on Central Fire Station only to build a new station.  Genius. 

2. The interest rate wasn't so high? 7.15% rate!!! Almost 220 million in INTEREST! 

I wonder if the mayor owes Chief Roca, Freddy Agosto, and Vicki Kistler a favor?  They are all getting new buildings. 

I can see Act 47 happening in the near future.  For those that do not know what Act 47 is-google it. Basically means the city is bankrupt and the state takes over.  Then pensions are screwed up and all sorts of trouble.  

TAXES ARE GOING UP and Im putting my house up for sale.

Its fun to stay at the YMCA!!

 

Allentown YMCA warming station

Ironically, Mr. Tuerk decided to extend the homeless camp eviction to Sept 29 after being baraided by angry homeless supporters and looking like a dictator.  

Mayor is quoted

"This extension allows us to coordinate the transition so that individuals who would normally rely on the YMCA have a safe place to go the day they leave the encampment,” Mayor Tuerk said. “It balances compassion with our responsibility to protect people from foreseeable harm.” - WFMZ site

What is this foressable harm? When is the last time a rouge wave, flash flood or tsunami hit Allentown?  Sure we have seen flooding.  But there was plenty of notice.  Also the amount of rain it would take to flood over the banks where those people are located would be insane. 

I feel Tuerk insults the homeless acting like they wouldnt be smart enough to leave if they saw the water rising.  No Matt, they are all idiots and will wait until they are washed down the river.  

Tuerk goes on and says

"But we believe that the significant progress in relocating residents, combined with increased safety measures, makes this 35-day extension the safest and most humane course of action.” -WFMZ site

Matt I'm sorry but you already have shown your true feelings. Your quick action to evict homeless people and make them more homeless is inhumane. There are no take backs when messing with peoples lives. As stated you had to wait to be embarrassed to change your mind.

The mayors inept ability to be humane and logical brought D.C civil rights activist attorneys to the last council meeting. One of the attorneys Jessica Saxton posted on her Facebook a video of assistant Chief Gress sending a text message to the city right-to-know officer Sarah.  Gress was asking if she knew who the guy with the glasses was standing by the wall.  I believe Gress was referring to one of the D.C attorneys.  

I am thinking Gress was concerned with the possibility that the Allentown Police might be violating the rights of the homeless by kicking them out.

Speaking of rights being violated, does anyone remember the Scott Curtis investigation into the discrimination and harassment of city employees that has been forgotten about? Wouldnt it be something if these civil rights attorneys recieved a copy of that report?  Thats another story. But I'll give you a little spoiler. I'd venture to guess something on that investigation is coming out soon. 🤷‍♂️

Whatever the case may be this whole homeless issue has made Allentown look like a joke to the area.  

☆☆☆Remember Wed council votes on the 134 million dollar bond that will not in my opinion benefit the city that much.  Please attend the meeting and voice your opinion.  Your taxes will go up for sure if this passes.  ☆☆☆

What do you call a bunch of liars in the same spot?

Tonight I am convinced more than ever that Tuerk is not equipped to be mayor of this city, nor is he a competent or capable leader.  The start of tonight’s City Council was a joke.  He talked about all of his “friends” at the unsheltered camp and how he brought Portable toilets and dumpsters.  He then left for several weeks and said he went back to see if they were delivered. Hmm?  If he asked them to be delivered because he was so concerned about their safety why would he not have followed through?  That is what leaders do.  Did he possibly lie about the drownings?  He was challenged about his facts and he doubled down by saying that they were not in that area.  Leaders come with facts related to the situation, not cherry-picked from other events.  Failed Leadership

He then asked for money to pay for the YMCA to open early.  Seems to me like HE had an opportunity to fund this when the CED found $300,000 and gave it to a non-profit that no one knew what they were doing, including the two gentlemen that were handed the money.  Prioritizing taxpayer funds is what leaders do.

 He had multiple opportunities throughout these almost 4years to pay attention to this homeless issue.  He didn’t do that…Council with the exception of CeCe and Natalie didn’t do that.  Failed leadership on several fronts here.

The womenswear provocateur/business owner Santo Napoli has a plan-spend more taxpayer money that wasn’t budgeted, just like he spends money to promote.  Again, where were you Santo when $300,000 was given to a shady non-profit. That’s right supporting this.  Failed leadership.

 I normally don’t agree with much of what Cece has to say but this evening she was so right in most of what she said.  She must sit there and be fuming because she’s been an advocate since day one and her colleagues that claim they are for safety had ignored her for so many years.  Failed leadership.

 The mayor says he has been working on this issue for months?  Really?  Your knee jerk reaction to the way it was executed says otherwise.  If you planned for months who in the community was contacted ?  No one. 

Here comes my man Eddy Avilles during public comment on the early opening of the YMCA.  He was so right-Mayor and Council you better be ready for unsheltered on your lawn.  Eddy has been very vocal about this problem and the leaders have ignored and not acted. Failed Leadership.

The city solicitor was ill-prepared and doesn’t seem to understand that the council passes laws that are enforced in the city.  While the council does not direct staff, they do pass laws that the Mayor is to execute through his duties.  So while Council doesn’t direct staff directly, they do define their duties.  The mayor seems to just hire real winners like this tool — they are bottom of their class professionals that rely on arrogance and bullying to get their way.  Just like the Mayor does.  Failed Leadership.

The citizens really showed up tonight.  They called out the administration, council, and the mayor for their failed leadership.  They called them out for borrowing $134m and none of the money is slated towards the unsheltered.  They called them out for ignoring the situation in May when the first problem happened and the Fire Department didn’t bring it to the Emergency Management Committee.

I will say council did take leadership tonight but it was reactive not proactive, so is it really leadership?

"You dont get any medal for trying something, you get medals for results"- Bill Parcels

Not even $50.00

 I reviewed the $134 million bond that is being discussed at the city council meeting tonight and it totally slipped my mind.  There isnt even $50 to help the homeless in its proposal.  This clearly shows the mayor does not give two shits about them.

I am not for building homeless people new homes or letting them live in my front yard, but as a human being I think we should do the decent thing and help each other atleast a little.  

I mean, if you are going to ask to pass $134million bond, and the homeless issue is a big issue, why didn't the mayor ask for atleast a couple hundred thousand to work on that problem? But he can allocate $4,750,000 to build a bridge at Canal Park!!!

Does this Mayor solely care about his business ties and his future in politics?  I supported Tuerk in May despite my obvious concerns I post about, but Zucal is definitely looking to secure my vote with these antics.  

I will be posting surveys now for fun.  Note it takes like 3 seconds until the question pops up. Just be patient. Ill take suggestions on surveys to post. 

Council meeting survey wait 3 seconds to vote

Broken record but its going to affect us all

 

Tomorrow be prepared for the beginning of a historic event.  I have warned ⚠️  you.  City council will be discussing the $134,000,000 bond to build a new police and fire station as well as a health bureau.  Some of the extra money will be used as follows.

I will ask that you contact city council members or show up at the meeting to oppose this disaster. The actual vote on this is Aug 20 at 630pm. I see the vote as 4-3 right now being Gerlach, Zucal, And Santos opposing it.  The other 4 economics and finance PhDs will most likely vote yes saying "we need to take care of public safety." 

I dont care how the Mayor, Controller and Ms. Patel spin it, taxes are going up.  I am thinking around 7-8% to cover this loan.  The city doesnt have the money to pay for this, and isnt getting any influx of tax revenue going to suddenly appear. 

I do not think this is the time to be doing this especially at a 7.15% interest rate.  I also do not think the police need a new station. Atleast not yet. 

Furthermore, how can you spend $400,000 on a new fire station roof then build them a new station?  Just remodel the station at that point. Waste of money. But hey did anyone ever play monopoly without saying"screw this game" after 5hours into it?  

Another reminder the actual vote is Aug 20th in which I will repost something before and after on this matter. 

I am curious as to why the Morning Call hasnt written on this yet or WFMZ.

I encourage you to spread my blog to anyone that you know who lives in the city or even outsiders. 

"Allentown Works" Since when???

 

The city of Allentown is getting a 20million dollar grant that the Mayor claims will be used for quality of life issues. The plan is called "Allentown Works." Allentown works??  Since when?

The unemployment rate for Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton is 4.5% combined.  However, this number seems way off unless when I drive center city during the day, all the people I see sitting outside work night shift.

Mayor Tuerk says this will "change the city" and improve lives. Cmon.  Is this a joke?  They wasted 57million of the ARPA money and what is there to show for it? 

This money is supposed to help people get jobs in the city.  My question is where?  What businesses in town are hiring that can be considered a good job and keep one above the poverty rate?  I'll wait??? 

With 21.6% of people living under the poverty rate in Allentown, maybe it's me, but I dont understand how 20 million dollars is going to get people good jobs and out of this statistic.

Tuerk claims "all eyes are on us."  Not sure whose eyes he is referring too.  

Somehow this money is going to help people find full time work. What if they arent qualified, then what? Or they just dont want to work? How do you plan on helping them then? Is this going to educate people or teach them a trade so they are more desirable to an employer.   And if they are qualifed why havent they gotten these "so called good jobs" already?

Of course the money will go towards non-profit programs.  I mean who else gets money in Allentown? We all know how successful the non-profits are. 

Tuerk says "the idea is that we can create a model that can trancend Allentown. It can be applicable in the Lehigh County and across the country."  Is he serious? Across the country? I hope I am wrong, but damn this guy dreams big.  

Matt can you listen to the little people???

 

I wanted to get everyone's ideas on their top things they would like to see the mayor do to make the city better.  I am pretty sure someone from his office reads this blog.  So we can see if he entertains the people he serves or outsiders that visit or just leads from the top.  I am confident he wont do any of the suggestions mentioned. My top 5 in no particular order.

1. Fix Streets- they are awful

2. Secure the Parks so no one is hurt or worse. 

3. Use remaining $8-10 Mil ARPA money set aside last budget to improve the existing APD and AFD facilities, rent a space for patrol that meets needs, stop the idea of new police and fire stations.

4. Ask the HR department and Controller to complete a top-down review of inefficient positions and eliminate all unnecessary positions including those ARPA funded ($1.2million savings in ARPA alone)

5. Do an audit of all the city owned vehicles that are used as take home cars?  I know for a fact there are rules being broken on who should have them and their specific usages.

I offered 5 requests, and left plenty of room for everyone elses.  Lets hear them.  Dont hold back. I rarely moderate any comments. 

Allentowns Finest or Worst you Decide

 

An Allentown Officer was charged with aggravated assault with a weapon on an individual who allegedly had his hands up but then was struck in the face by the officers gun.

The story according to the press conference is officers were chasing this suspect in a vehicle, the vehicle crashed and the man was ordered out. The suspect put his hands in the air. The officer approached the unarmed suspect and hit him in the face with his gun.

I’ll error on the side of caution before making a final opinion.  It is important to hold judgment until all the circumstances are brought out along with evidence and body cameras. 

What is alarming is that this is the third Allentown officer to be charged this year.  The borage of allegations of corruption within the department are too numerous to ignore.

So where does the blame fall? 

Chief Roca does not appear to be an effective leader.  It is evident that he cannot run his department. Is his lack of disciplining officers the cause of some of these allegations or is he protecting cronies from his earlier days? 

Rumors have circulated on social media sites that another officer recently was punching a man in handcuffs. Where are his charges?  I am amazed APD is charging one of its own since they appear to cover up any wrongdoing.

I’m curious if an attorney looks into the background of these officers.  What kind of background check is actually performed before awarding a shield and gun?  Is this there first time of an allegation like this?  If so is it truly an accident or some other reason to justify it?  Or was this bad training with a history of excess force complaints that have been swept under the rug? 

Im on the fence of my initial opinion of this incident.  Too many outstanding factors, and questions not answered.  My one question tho would be, are police allowed or supposed to have their weapon that close to someone’s  face, or does it depend on the situation?

I will say if the video shows what reports are saying, this officer is in big trouble.  I will also add from my point of view the Chief and Mayor are unskilled in running an organization. 

 

Unhoused Population

City Council this evening was another full on example of just how dysfunctional and out of touch these leaders are at executing the functions of this city.  The members of this community have been asking for years to help with the unhoused population problem.  The council and mayor pretended to listen to the community and told concerned citizens to give their numbers to Mike Hanlon.  Will there be a follow up or outreach?  No one is going to reach back to any of these people. Its an outright joke.

  I am sure the only one that may reach out will be Cece because she has been a champion for the homeless for years.  Yet her colleagues just laugh at her and ignore her concerns.

Now while I think the unsheltered deserve space made available by the City, I do not share the sentiment that anyone has the right to occupy space that is owned by another property owner.  There would be no reason to own a property if anyone could live there. The city put the cart before the horse…once again.

I want to note that before everyone blames Mr. Hyman, someone should look in AFD because I am pretty sure they complained about 2 near drownings they to deal with by the property and the fact it is a flood plain.  Just saying.

Moving on:

The city administration should have been in discussion with community leaders and partners before making such a haphazardly executed move.  The council, Mayor, CED Director, and Public Safety are the failures here and the unsheltered personnel are the ones that are going to pay the price. 

It Is reality that the area is a flood plain and presents a safety concern.  They should be SAFELY moved in a DIGNIFIED manner that protects them and also provides security for land owners.

 The council and Mayor need to do better which I do not think they will or be voted out.  It is disgraceful the way the city leaders reacted to this very important issue.  Tonight I witnessed failure after failure of our elected officials and a reactive government that does not care about people.  

 

 

 

Demand City Fiscal Responsibility : Stop the spending spree on Elected Officials

 

As I sit here and think of more about this disastrous borrowing that the city is considering tomorrow, I am reflecting on how the out-of-control spending ride that these city “leaders” are taking us on currently is going to hurt, if not send the city to bankruptcy.  I am a lifelong(58 years) Allentown resident, and I have seen bad leaders (e.g. Dadonna, Afflerbach, O’Connell) but this current mayor and the cabinet he assembled must be the worst.   I fear that Allentown’s best days are going to be behind us if the citizens keep voting for such failures into office.   This is not solely a reflection of the mayor, our council members are just as ineffective and detached from reality.  The thought that the city would be entertaining a taking on of so much debt when just 5 years ago, prior to the influx of CARES and ARPA money the city was handed a bankrupt in 5 years report by the Novak Firm is concerning.  The situation could not possibly have improved.  Our leaders gave money to the DaVinci Center who promised the site at Cedar Crest was going nowhere – no sooner did the check cash and they closed the site.  They handed money to vocal community members who were all about unfair treatment and discrimination of employees along with their “concern” for funds going to the wrong places.  Then they were handed their check, and they disappeared.  I am sure they will return during this budget season crying about the injustices and discrimination in the city.    ARPA funds were then used to hire new staff but there was no mention of a plan to end the positions at the end of the ARPA season. ARPA funds must be spent by Dec 31, 2026 – there should be a plan to remove those positions from the city roster and not by moving into another city fund.  These position should go completely.  The $1million+ paid for the ARPA positions is a drop in the spending bucket but as I review the debt payment amortization on the city site, $9m-14m is no small number.   That would be $1million less to come up with – let’s face it, our clueless council is going to pass this spending.  When you have a business owner on the dias who gives everyone a promotion because he knows how important it is to pay top wages (I wonder if he pays his people so well?)  and a "lame duck do nothing" his entire career, Daryl Hendricks on council, it is not rocket science to know we are in for a fun ride.  Buckle up!

Along with cutting the ARPA positions next year the mayor should be looking at all staffing and removing redundancy and waste.   It is my understanding that there are 20 clerks for 200 police officers.  Is that necessary? Imagine if the effect on our school if our school district was able to maintain such a student-to-educator ratio?  I write this because I am concerned for my city and I don’t think there is anyone in City Hall, including our Controller and Finance Director, that cares much about the city.

 

The ARPA positions 

Heres link

https://www.allentownpa.gov/Portals/0/adam/Content/vQSEOIJQJUiH1uNjTQE68g/Url/12-%202025%20ARPA%20Fund.pdf

Please copy and paste it to see.

 

The tax increase Bill

The Tax increase Bill is here!! You can view the Bill in its entirety if you look at the agenda for Wednesdays nights council meeting.  

Here is the amortization chart.

Sorry my previous post said $120million but I guess the Mayor upped it by $12million since last week.  And I calculated the interest rate much lower than 7.15%.  I guess better to be lower than higher, just like this proposal is probably going to cost more than $134million when they are done. We shall see.

So, Yes it says to borrow $134 million over 30 years at 7.15% interest rate. 

$218million in interest for a grand total of $352 million!!!

This will get you a new police station, not needed. A new health bureau not needed.  And a new fire station.  Mind you in this proposal the city plans to put a $400,000 new roof on central fire station only to build a new station?  Does anyone besides me realize this isnt monopoly money but real hardworking peoples tax money.

There is like 18million for a bunch of other things like some fixing of the pools, franklin park, and a bridge at canal park for $4,750,000? Dunno which bridge desperately needs that much in fixing but i dont know.  Then probably the most important money is the $770,000 for street paving maintenance. Since the streets suck. $770k should get a back alley done that no one uses. 

As stated before none of these buildings will bring any money into the city.  The city will have to cover between 9-14 million each year to cover this.  So I expected a 5-6% tax increase before.  Now im thinking 7-8%. 

Oddly the initial proposal for the police station was 34million and now they are only asking for 20million. I know they have 9million in ARPA money towards this.  So basically, they will break ground with the 9 million then say well we already started so we need money to finish if in fact this doesnt pass. Real clever Matt.  

I dont think council should pass this bill because quite frankly it is absurd to do all of this at once and do we need a new police and health bureau right now? But you will see which council members are bought and truly do not care about the city's well-being in the next 20-30 years by their vote. I wont give my opinion on who votes for this. 

Im sure Tuerk and Ms. Patel will spin this that it is fiscally sound idea. Once again monopoly at its finest. And its so necessary for the city to do this right now. And all the money wont be asked for all at once blah blah blah.  I still like my idea of renting space which is much cheaper. 

I just lay it out so you can play it out.

$120,000,000 loan

 Last time im trying to post this .

So this Wednesdays council meeting Mayor Tuerk or council are going to propose an initial bill that is going to ask for 40 million in 3 increments so 120,000,000 million over a 30 year loan. So basically simple math roughly is going to result in approx $175,000,000 in interest!!!! So 300million total. For a police station, fire station, and health bureau none of which will bring any money back to the city. But this is to appease the puppets of the mayor, Chief Agosto, Chief Roca, and Vicky Kistler. All yes men to the mayor. Taxes will have to go up 5-6%. I don’t care what anyone says. Just wait. Its coming. Ill give you dummies a tip (fyi not my readers or supporters) , when it comes to these types of projects you are better to rent and take your down payment and roll it over in some CDs or mutual funds every couple years. I like math so, if the city rented a police station and say health bureau for $83k a month which is ridiculously high but just saying, which comes out to $1 million a year. The police and health bureau could both stay in a building for roughly 35 years factoring in rent increases. Why throw all the money up at once??? Dumb. Learn compounding interest not spending it all like the Democratic way then asking for more money the city doesn’t have.

 

Please read my new post with more updated ridiculous numbers.

 

 

 

The Great Allentown Fair Wasted Space

The fair is in town!! Well not yet. Tho I rarely go unless their is a concert I like, I do appreciate the work its goes into holding the fair. 

My issue isnt with the fair but the lack of this Gem of space Allentown never uses. It is used 6 days a year!!!  46 acreas of unused space.  Why???

Musicfest in Bethlehem has a 10 day festival bringing in over a million people.  Does the fair even break 100k of visitors??  Celticfest, Oktoberfest, and Christkindlmarkt are huge events.

Easton has Baconfest, Garlicfest and a ton of other things going on.

Macungie has great car shows, and events at their park all summer long that draw thousands to their little town.

Even Pottstown has a car show every few weeks that they block their downtown.  The businesses appear to be packed and its alot of fun.

Back to the Fairgrounds

Why arent their concerts atleast 3 times a year, besides fair time? The venue holds like 15k people which is more than the PPL's 10-11k. There is ample parking on the grounds if needed as well.

Too me everyone around Allentown is making money off of the events it holds.  Sure there is like one small car show that draws mayb 200 cars and at best a couple thousand people. Brews,Blues and BBQ and some Latino events have a decent draw. However, many people from outside the city are just not going to come downtown when they dont feel safe.  The focus is always downtown and Im sorry thats not where your going to bring in people or money besides the PPL Center.

The Allentown fair has a committee that appears to refuse anyone access to using the grounds.   Sure AG hall is open, and draws people, but during the summer people want to be outside.  

Here's a simple idea Im sure will get denied, but say every tuesday, bring in as many food trucks and beer trucks as you can.  Its a start to get people in the city. Tho it may not generate alot of money to the city it will help local vendors.  

Bethlehem kills Allentown when it comes to fun activites and events. The city makes tons of money and so do their restaurants and businesses.  

But if you want a good flag raising, Allentown is the spot. I think they are up to something like 78 countries they raise a flag for.  Always atleast 15 people show up. Its a hoot.

$120,000,000 bond/loan

 Some people complained this post was hard to read due to the background colors.  I hoped I fixed it.

This is the next or biggest problem the city is going to mess up.

So in the Aug or Sept council meeting Mayor Tuerk is going to ask for 40 million in 3 increments so 120,000,000 million over a 30 year loan. So basically simple math roughly is going to result in approx $175,000,000 in interest!!!! So 300million total. For a police station, fire station, and health bureau none of which will bring any money back to the city. But this is to appease the puppets of the mayor, Chief Agosto, Chief Roca, and Vicky Kistler. All yes men to the mayor. Taxes will have to go up 5-6%. I dont care what anyone says. Just wait. Its coming. Ill give you dummies a tip (fyi not my readers or supporters) , when it comes to these types of projects you are better to rent and take your down payment and roll it over in some CDs or mutual funds every couple years. I like math so, if the city rented a police station and say health bureau for $83k a month which is ridiculously high but just saying, which comes out to $1 million a year. The police and health bureau could both stay in a building for roughly 35 years factoring in rent increases. Why throw all the money up at once??? Dumb.  Learn compounding interest not spending it all like the Democratic way then asking for more money the city doesnt have.