Same script same sad cast

 The Morning Call published an article today on the uncoming mayoral race between current Mayor Matt Tuerk and Councilman Ed Zucal.

I guess it isnt too early to start talking about this. I do see yard signs up already.

Let’s start with Ed Zucal. A former Allentown Police officer and City Councilman for several years. He has an old school approach with more conservative views in my opinion, certainly more conservative than Matt.

Ed isnt trying to reinvent the wheel, but be is definitely not someone who ignores when the tire is flat. He sees the quality of life issues and crime as one of the biggest concerns people have. Its no secret he isnt a fan of police Chief Roca. Although he has publicly he would fire Chief Roca if he won, I think the problem isn’t entirely Roca's fault and Ed should take note that Tuerk’s stronghold on the way the city operates is mist likely the real issue. I would also submit that Tuerk listens to unqualified, evil and vengeful people within his office and cabinet and that is a major problem.  

If mayor Tuerk let Chief Roca do his job without any political influence things may be different.  

Zucal has also been outspoken and opposed to the outlandished spending by the mayor and administration. I believe Zucal will reduce spending and perform a Fraud, Waste, Abuse, and redundancy review of all city positions. He will look for smart ways to fix the quality of life issues, and also trim some the wasteful spending. This should result in less tax raises. 

The quoted professor from Muhlenberg college doesnt speak favorable of Zucal, but lets not forget Mrs. Tuerk is an Environmental Sciences professor at Muhlenberg as well and the Tuerk family probably had a hand in the Morning Call article.  

As far as dedication to the city, well this is a toss up. Zucal despite unseemly good odds is still trying to win. 

On the other hand Mayor Tuerk has gone out and got the city seal tattoed on his chest and has become quite arrogant in his statements to media about his chances. “Winning reelection, it’s really a referendum on the job you’ve done, so I did a good job over the past 2.5 years, clearly we have done well, but we still have a lot to do, and I made that case to Democratic voters in May, and I continue to make that case to all voters in Allentown,” said Tuerk.  

I will leave that there-you can tell a lot about the type of person he really is with that quote. Arrogant, pompous, condescending, and self-important. 

Mayor Tuerk has been in charged for a few years now. Lets look at what he has done.

I cant think of anything positive. The morning call acknowledges the fact the Mayor got a grant to get people to work and for starting the building of the new police station. Getting a grant. Okay it can help. But what is the outcome so far of that grant? No stories on people getting jobs. Building a new police or fire station isnt an accomplishment at all. Especially when it takes on so much debt and degrades the quality of life of its citizens by tax increases. It’s not like he is out there laying brick himself, but I am sure he will be outside both raising his favorite LGBTQ flag. He has renamed parks that were already named after someone. He has targeted employees who disagreed with him or his closest allies. He has bulldozed a homeless camp. Embarrassed himself and the City by acting like a fool when Trump campaigned in Allentown. He has moved to pile on more debt than any previous mayor. He opposed the Safe Cities legislation publicly but then became increasingly unable to argue his opposition when the community pressured him. He changed his mind publicly because he saw votes.  

When you sit back and evaluate these years he has been mayor one thing becomes obvious quickly. Tuerk is playing a part and not doing it well. He is the equivalent of a Lifetime made for tv movie actor…actually, that is an insult to lifetime actors. Every move he has made has been to preserve himself and keep his power.  

Tomorrow Tuerk will talk about the reduction of crime just to try and combat Zucal’s main priority. Tuerk however will be raising your taxes, especially if he wins another term. Look for my pre budget post. Its great. If that doesnt have an effect on who you vote for, you are either dumb or just dont care. I’ll leave it with Tuerks administration has been spending out of control and now they find themselves in a bad fiscal situation for 2026. My sources in his cabinet tell me that they know City Hall is a sinking ship and are just collecting their checks until it sinks.  

I don’t see Allentown changing for the better or even changing if he continues for another four years. I see Tuerk as someone that tries too hard and plays the citizens because he isnt a dumb individual. I mean people think he's Latino. They also think he really has Allentown’s prosperity at heart. They don’t know that it is all a carefully crafted script to make him appeal to the demographic. It is a fraud, he is a fraud.

Zucal is a certainly a long shot, but I have to go with him this time.

Mostly because I cannot vote for a fraud. Republicans shouldn’t sit this one out because they have no candidate. Democrats who really understand that Allentown isn’t being equitably and effectively served by this administration should consider Zucal and reach out to him on issues they need clarification. The political machine that serves this country that relies on media snippets and lies works overtime during this time. Tuerk is a big part of that machine fueled by deception and lies because it has worked so well for him thus far.  

Zucal doesn’t have any further political agendas and genuinely wants to serve and improve this community. I don’t feel the same could be stated for Tuerk. That is important to note.