Press conference on nonsense

This Thursday Mayor Tuerk will once again attempt to minimize crime and the perception of crime. He is scheduled to be holding another press conference at the Allentown Police Academy. We have heard and seen this all before.

 He has to kick into overdrive in preparation for election day.

Please attend if you want to hear Tuerk say how great Chief Roca is. Tho he isn't. Chief Roca may speak and tell you how proud he is of the men and woman of the Allentown Police Department. Tell a story about something he did.

Or Brag about something the police are going to start to do. And say its because of the officers hard work day in and out that this is possible. Same nonsense and same council persons will be there to stroke the mayor and chief's egos.

The Mayor will say there are less homicides and shootings than previous years. He probably is right. But what is the correlation between lower crime and the officers policing from the parking lots they sit in all day? Im sure DUI's are down, simply because officers aren't pulling people over. Drug and gun arrests are down because officers aren't stopping people. Dont be fooled by the numbers they present.

 The drugs are still here, so are the drunk drivers and people with guns. I mean what does it matter if you have an illegal gun? You might get 30 days in jail. Kick the window out of a patrol vehicle. $150 fine. 

I wrote about the reality and the preception of crime. The Mayor is only talking about the crime levels because election is next month.

Plus word is he might be getting several complaints from people on the east side over the motorcycles and dirt bikes that took over the streets this past sunday. Obviously, Apd did not have a plan to deal with that. It was a sunday, so the chiefs werent working. 

Honestly, I think people are more concerned about quality of life issues than homicides, drug dealers and overdoses. What bothers you more, not being able to sleep all night from someone blasting loud music or hearing 2 shots from a homicide? The music, no brainer. 

Old news but has anyone had any homeless sleeping on their property yet? 

Philly or Camden?

 

As some of you might have noticed if you live near Jordan Meadows, the homeless were kicked out today.  The question is where do they go now?

The YMCA is apparently opening early but their isnt enough space for everyone nor do many people want to go there.  So where do they go now?

Did Mayor Tuerk really think out this eviction plan?  Are the homeless even on Nate Hymans property? This power move is going to have dramatic effects on the look of the city.  Which is Allentown going to start to look like, Philly or Camden?

The once somewhat clean Hamilton St. I feel is going to start seeing some trash once more people start camping out there. .  As for the rest of the city, well there is enough trash on the streets.  Probably wont notice it.   

Be prepared for some homeless to start to migrate to the west end.

You could wake up to this.

 They will end up in every patch of woods between the lehigh river and cedar beach.  

We are lucky Tuerk isnt an Army General because his planning skills would surely end in the demise of us all.  His flood plan excuse is so weak.  Instead of letting the people live there in one area and being able to better help them, lets kick them out and spread them throughout the city. Good job Matt!!!!! Einstein has nothing on you.

Lawlessness on the Eastside

 

There was some biker event yesterday on the Eastside of Allentown on Union Blvd yesterday.  Close to 1000 people and bikers attended this chaos.  

Apparently, some biker club trying to be 1%ers was there and appeared to be recruiting.  

There was even a Barista there.

From the pictures traffic was blocked at times.  Motorcycles were burning out. Just complete chaos.

Of all my photos I dont see a few things.

1. Chief Roca.

Oh Chief where were you? Shouldn't you be out here locating the organizers and giving them fines or arresting them?

2. Cops

Where were the cops? I assume they were on the outskirts waiting for a shooting to happen. I bet they weren't even given an instructions on what to do. Though out numbered why not grab some license plates and photos of the actors and mail them $1000 worth of fines???  

Chief why do you allow this?  During the Puerto Rican day parade you allowed the same lawlessness at the same spot.  

Who gets blamed if some idiot crashes his bike into the crowd and kills some people?  

If heavy fines aren't imposed, I can only imagine this happening again in the future.  

Honestly, it doesnt appear that APD had any plans made to combat this.

Sorry Chief, but if your going to allow Allentown to be like Philly maybe its time you move on.

Ce Ce Gone Wild

 The other night CeCe Gerlach went on a walk I presume in Allentown. But I didn't hear any gunshots so I don't know.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CgMZjNDpB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

She says "I was thinking." First mistake. I am not sure exactly where she was walking but somehow ended up in a laundromat at one point. 

She stated this is the 1st time in her life she has lived under a dictatorship.

Sorry I have to laugh. One, if you only lived in America none of us would ever have been able to live under a " dictator." So that is a dumb opinionated statement. We are all free last time I checked.

She rants that the 10 commandments are posted in the schools. And? Whats wrong with that? Why not follow God's 10 basic rules for being a decent human being?  But its okay to allow homeless people to camp out or live in your back yard if they want too? Lest not forget she wanted a Bill of Rights for homeless. 

Which after monday once all the homeless get kicked out of Jordan Meadows may come to fruition.  

She says we have unidentified masked men pulling people off the street. Yes those would be ICE agents. Covering their identity for their familys safety. ICE has been doing their job for many years now under several Presidents. Its just more publicized. 

She rants that teachers are teaching slavery was good? Who and where was that said? Is that in the Allentown school district curriculum or did one teacher offer their opinion now you feel the need to exploit it? Remember black people owned slaves as well. And no I dont support slavery but blacks and whites are both guilty of it.

She says critizing the President or government lands you in jail or fired? Where is that happening? Millions criticize current and former presidents everyday. Its your 1st Amendment right. And yet the jails are half full.   

Last night Gerlach made her campaign announcement at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 375 headquarters on South Seventh Street.

She made a pep speech pushing her progressive agenda. Meet Cece "Flow" Gerlach.

She went after billionaires and major corporations that take advantage of tax loopholes.??? Does she mean the tax loopholes anyone can take advantage of? I dont have a problem with people abiding by the system to increase their wealth. Its better than people getting government assistance and then getting a tax return on the money they got for free. Yea thats real fair. Gerlach is the type of person who thinks just because someone worked hard to become wealthy that person should share it with everyone else. 

Gerlach is looking to take Josh Siegels seat if he wins County Executive. So then the county will have two wingnuts in office.

Gerlach said she wants to bring “audacious leadership” to Harrisburg. Or in my opinion a loud annoying voice that Harrisburg doesnt want to hear. The council meetings are rough enough listening to her want money for only a small group of people.

My favorite part of the speech last night was when Gerlach stated she plans to pursue legislation to stabilize rents. That will never happen. Doesnt she realize alot of those people in Harrisburg are wealthy and are landlords themselves. So you think they will allow her to cut into their profits.

Next she wants to end solitary confinement. 

Oh really. Would she really want that if she went to prison for letting that child off at the homeless camp who got raped? Be careful CeCe. You wouldnt want to be in gen pop. I have been there. 

Lastly, she wants to implement inclusionary zoning across the state to add affordable housing. WTF does that even mean? Seems like segregation but I could be wrong.

“We need someone who is going to go down there and give them hell, and [who] knows how to give them hell strategically,” Gerlach said. Please don't act like your intelligent all of a sudden.  You have no strategy. 

Lienancy Example

An incident that occured 2 weeks ago involving an Allentown principle has finally had its investigation completed.

The district attorneys office however will not be sharing the video of Ms. Williams who was apparently "acting erratically." APD and the district attorneys office gave Williams the special treatment.

Ms. Williams despite acting probably under the influence of either heavy alcohol or some type of drug use got leniency.   

Ms. Williams also kicked a window out of the back of a patrol vehicle.

Despite a large presence of media attention, and two weeks to charge her, she walked with two summary offenses. One for disorderly conduct, and the other for criminal mischief. Both equivalent to running a stop sign.

I am curious how D.A Holihan was able to make descruction of government property a summary??? Anyone else who kicks out a patrol vehicle window is definitely getting misdemeanor charges.

What is the D.A. showing with these weak charges? Simply one could walk up to a police vehicle and throw a rock thru the window and only get a ticket in the mail.  What has this county come too? 

I am not bringing Williams race into the issue.  Im over the whole if she was white or black nonsense.  But I will bring in the fact she is or possibly was a principle of a school.  So does that give her leniency?  She should be charged with the highest offenses.  Public officials are no better than anyone else. They are supposed to act under higher standards.

You can make a fake noose and bring in the FBI and see barely a punishment.   

But if you put up tents outside of city hall, you will get misdemeanor charges. This seems fair. 

You only invite more crime if you don't give out the proper punishment to everyone. Everytime.

Lets hope this doesnt happen or someone will be writing a shit ton of tickets.

Noise Cameras

Lehigh Valley Live did an Article on Noise Cameras.  

According to the article "Allentown streets could soon be covered by "noise cameras" that would detect and cite vehicles that violate a municipality’s noise ordinance."

Or this one

Somehow these cameras would detect loud noises, mufflers etc and violators could be cited. A camera and microphone are used to capture offenders so they can be cited, I am assuming by taking a photo of the actors license plate.

Other failing cities in the country have implemented these devices.

Councilman Napoli is taking a break from selling womans clothing to try and address the concerns and complaints people have been giving him since he started on council.

He wants $20,000 for a pilot program in an already struggling budget. My prediction for a spoiler alert is a 2-8% tax increase proposal next month.

Santo thinks this technology would free up some city employees, am assuming he means the police force who already do nothing to combat this issues. Can technology issue tickets? If so, I hope the fines aren't like the Sweep ticket program or no one will pay them. 

Chief Roca says this will greatly help to fight noise complaints which is a huge issue in the city. 

Then he has to put the blame on the fact he says his force is dozens short vs admitting his officers cant enforce laws from parking lots sleeping.

Another Non-Profit Program

The Morning Call article announced that Allentown was selected by a national nonprofit (of course, always the non-profits) initiative to improve hiring and address public sector staffing shortages. 

Allentown was "chosen" -- seems there is a fee that is paid based on tiers, not sure about the chosen claim for something that will cost the citizens. Mayor "Fibonacci" Tuerk is misleading us once again about a program to make it look like the city is doing something and secure votes, of course.

Allentown is second to be chosen behind another failing city, Kansas city. The city will host a workshop with city employees on recruitment efforts and help implement “innovative” and sustainable” recruitment strategies.

So this a basically an indeed for government employees???

Despite the budget possibly not being balanced the city has vacancies they are trying to fill. How can anyone say we cant help the homeless or struggling members of our community but the city always has money to fill positions and promote loyalists?

Tuerk stated: per Mcall

“When I took office, one of our biggest challenges was building capacity in city government,” Tuerk said in a written statement. “I saw firsthand how much it matters to have strong teams in place — because that’s what allows us to deliver for our residents. That’s why I’m proud for Allentown to be a Spotlight City, and grateful to partner with Work for America to keep building the workforce our community deserves.” Blah blah blah vote for me.

Allentown Employees

Also per mcall

“Allentown’s public servants don’t just do their jobs — they show up for their community with heart,” Caitlin Lewis, executive director of Work for America, said in a statement. Ms. Lewis I know we have narcon boxes throughout the city but you really shouldnt be smoking whatever it is you are. Tell me a "servant" that shows up for their community with heart? That is so not true at all. I have plenty of friends that are city workers, and they all say the same thing, "I cant wait to get the hell out of here." 

Lewis goes on to say

 “Mayor Tuerk embodies that same commitment, and we’re excited to spotlight the incredible people who make the city work.” Again, do you know Matt Tuerk? Did you meet him or a cardboard cutout? Do you know Allentown? The city runs, but it doesnt work. Your statement sounds a lot like your comments in Kansas City.

I think she met the cardboard cutout

Apparently, Allentown has already joined this Work for America’s “Civic Match” program which aims to partner laid-off federal employees with local public sector jobs.

So what I dont understand is that by offering jobs for federal employees that leaves out local citizens of Allentown does it not?

Morning call Lindsay Webber in her article posted

The announcement comes around three weeks after an outside investigation led by law firm Duane Morris found that the city’s human resources department is “severely dysfunctional.” I certainly hope the department has nothing to do with this initiative.  

Hey Lindsay did you read the report that you are able to say that? I thought the Mayor and Morris said there basically no issues? My sources who may have a copy of a similiar report say, it is much much worse than Morris is saying. 

Addendum 1pm

I found this out while watching WFMZ that Michaela Boyer, former H.R director and Mayor's assistant is involved with this program. Can't Tuerk find someone qualified?

https://www.wfmz.com/video/workforce-program-aims-to-attract-and-retain-talent-in-allentown/video_a1e0e6e8-1de4-5c3d-8f75-b87f2703f8fe.html

Oktoberfest in Allentown

Could Allentown do an Oktoberfest? It seems every town and boro around the "Heartbeat of the Lehigh Valley" has an event.

Allentown should be holding the biggest Oktoberfest every year. But we don't.  An event that would draw people from the county into the city.

Wouldn't Matt Tuerk look great in a Bavarian beer Garten outfit?  His legs from all the biking he does? 

As with any festival, you dont have to be german, irish, latino, or even Russian (not sure what festivals they have) to have a good time.  Its about bringing people together.

Its a reason to share another ones culture.  Hey heres an idea,  why not do a flag raising for that country at the event??? Then I wont have to complain about it.

Someone posted to me, Abe why do you always write negative posts about Allentown? I responded, "give me something to write about then." I was hoping for some ideas but got the typical response.  "Your the informed commentator, you should have good information to present."

I actually want to write a feel good post that is something good about Allentown. Here is the problem.  Anything that is positive seems to have a negative backend.  For example, the 134million bond I wrote about.  Sure there will be a new police and fire station and health bureau. But who is paying for it?  The tax payers who are struggling.  So is that positive? 

The Iron pigs, an amazing venue hardly benefits the city.  People go to the game and go home.  No money is spent in the city. 

There is a no waterfront. Hamilton St. for a brief moment had alot of restaurants that seemed to be doing okay, but quickly diminished.  

The Moxy and Archer are great in their own right.  But look who owns them.  He has used NIZ money to become rich. 

You have a homeless problem that is only going to get worse.

Dirt bikes, loud music, speeding cars.

Percieved lower crime.

List of negative things goes on and on.

As stated I would like to write about something positive but to quote Dr. Mota again, "the reality is" Allentown isnt exciting, its not a destination, besides the fair and a few concerts what really goes on here?  

Any Hope for Allentown

Is there really hope for Allentown? I started this blog because I wanted a place to talk about the Allentown issues that affect us all. Whether it be problems in the school district, to careless never ending spending by our city officials. To coverup investigations and investigations that are designed to clear the mayor and racist Candida, to deeply personal agendas, to harsh treatment of employees. Citizens begging and asking for help, homeless being ignored, an underlying foundation of corruption. To those being persecuted because of their beliefs. To people wanting transparency, and people wanting to be heard.

So I ask does Allentown have any hope for making it better?

I feel we are going backward with most things and not forward enough with others.

I do like the new buildings that few can afford , street lighting...on Hamilton, better sidewalks....on Hamilton. But at what cost? It appears only a few select people are benefiting from the construction. Taxes arent going down. If you think there wont be an increase next year....just wait. There should be one this year but I'll give you a rundown come budget talks next month. 

I am excited to share everything with you that we learn from the budget process. I like police cameras everywhere, and the feeling someone might be watching if I need help. Technology is only as good as those monitoring and acting on the data. I am fairly certain that nobody is watching. 

 There are people trying to make Allentown better but honestly not to insult anyone, those trying are silenced by the current Council and Mayor and they aren't able to push for changes.

On the flip side tho, overspending, fixing budget numbers, not thinking long term is very destructive. The $134 million bond that the city is going to float will certainly have a dramatic and costly effect to the future. 

 Those in charge have agendas that use everyone to achieve said agendas. Personal gains in our leaders is at the forefront, but at what cost? Employees? Services? Community support?  

I have been told over and over again that Tuerk wants to be in Congress. Mota is so far up Tuerks ass because he promised her Mayor after his term. Neither of which is going to happen.

People are not being heard. People are being pushed aside. Government is supposed to be for the people. But I just dont see it.

Allentown is just ticking along. Tic tok tic tok tic tok until something really bad happens. 

I feel it there may be a slim chance to fix this, but it would take a Jenny Craig complete makeover for that to happen.