S.-Steller, E.-Elite, I.-Ironclad, U. -Underdogs

 

Stellar Elite Ironclad Underdogs

This should be S.E.I.U motto.  

The way I see it is the Mayor has less than half a day to come up with a contract for these people.

But since he couldnt even get a budget passed for 2026, what makes anyone think SEIU has any chance? He has proven over and over again that he is inept as a Mayor. What is next? No budget no money.

Contract negotiations are at a standstill since Tuerk is trying to save money off the backs of the SEIU employees. His team continues to refuse any significant raises or other added benefits.

To all the SEIU workers. STRIKE! Don't play back and forth with these negotiators, remember they offered you 2% when the rest of the city got 3%. Another recommendation: show up to negotiations with a fire or police uniform, then maybe he will pay attention.

Wait until the next snow storm and Strike. 

Simple, drive the plows at 10mph. Not 25-35mph. Take long breaks. Hit some more car mirrors with the plows like you guys always do. Lmao. Someone took my mirror off one year. Its all good. It happens. Quit taking Tuerks shit.

Know your worth!! I do. You are out there freezing, and burning in the heat. You are the backbone of the city. Not the police. Definitely not the fire department. Not city hall.

Without the roads clear, everything stops. Simple as that. No plowing, no driving. Even a $50,000 mach E mustang wont go very far in a snow and ice storm, especially when buried under a mountain of snow.

Please have a safe and prosperous New Year.  Good things for 2026

Last picked in Dodgeball, gets his way

Well, no point and waiting as to what tonight's vote will be is there? The boy who had a temper tantrum to get his way has prevailed. 4% tax increase, along with your trash increase.  Way to start off 2026.  Everyone will suffer.  Goodbye once again to Hendricks.  You sold your soul to the devil and screwed the taxpayers of Allentown. 

A.I generated.

You are a typical selfish Allentown public servant.

This veto could make Tuerk go down as the most inept and worst mayor in the history of Allentown; and we have a Mayor in federal prison and one that started the financial decline with a pension gift to the police department.  Oh wait, didn't Hendricks benefit from that gift?

I mean let's be honest; this 4% isn't going to do shit for the budget.  The lawsuits alone this year will eat up the 4%.  

If they don't, then the police department will.  I'm hearing the Mayor has promised the police to get their DROP Pension that will eat up another $1million + a year.  Of course, the greedy firefighters will want a DROP for themselves. Then the rest of the city should piggy back using the Me Too clause so every city employee is eligible.

Just wait for this proposal by Mayor Tuerk.  It's coming in January, I'm hearing.  Also, the groundbreaking of the new police station should be starting soon.  The first year payments are 0 and deferred until the start of 2027.  That $40million bond is going to start.  Where is that money coming from? 2026 is going to expedite the bankruptcy process for the city of Allentown.   

Ms. Patel better setup a lemonade stand with CeCe outside City Hall to start increasing city revenue.

Oh here's a spoiler.  I am predicting Santo Napoli as the next Council President.  Be careful what you wish for Napoli. Remember in the hot seat you will be criticized the most.  Unless of course you always do the right thing.  I hope you do, so I can actually blog some positives things in 2026.

Added 920pm

Quoted from Mcall:

"Our position as the administration is we are going to use the 2026 budget we presented to City Council because it is the only budget that meets all of the criteria of the charter, which is a balanced budget presented to City Council prior to the end of the year,” Tuerk said.

He has no clue how to be mayor. He is elected by the voters, not anointed.

Attorney Montero had to set Tuerk straight since he thinks he knows it all, and said that the referendum means that the city will have no budget in place for 2026.

“That is a political question,” Montero said when asked how the city will move forward without a budget next year. “From a legal perspective, all I know is that there is no budget.”

He doesnt even know or want to follow the Home Rule Charter.  Read section 807.  You have no budget for 2026.  Good job Matt.  Guess people are not going to get paid.  

One more Chance

Lehigh Valley News and the Morning Call have indicated that Daryl Hendricks "is poised" to bring a vote to full council to potentially override the mayor's budget veto just days before the expiration of his and Zucal's term.   There will be a meeting Tuesday at 6pm.

Tuerk said, “My reasoning is simple: the amended budget does not adequately increase revenue to meet the City’s rising costs, and we cannot jeopardize our financial health by using our limited cash reserves to balance our budget.”

What have you done to address the rising costs Matt Tuerk?  Absolutely Nothing.  You want to keep your inflated well compensated workforce (not including SEIU) with the crazy fire and police pensions and even crazier fire and police overtime provisions.  You have added over 120 positions since you became mayor, including several worthless positions in your own office.  Palowski ran a better city with fewer employees.  

I honestly do not want to predict what could (or will) happen because I know that Matt Tuerk is working overtime to put a complete stop to any override, including favors and throwing taxpayer money at the council for their special interests.  Money that he thinks is his own and can use as he sees fit.  

If we learned anything from this budget season, when things don't go his way, he pouts, has a tantrum, and pulls aid and money that he promised the community.  Then he goes and eats a WhaaaBurger and some frenchcries.  

Matt claims he serves all residents, taxpayers, visitors, and businesses that live and work in Allentown, but we see there are conditions on that statement. 

Homeless are "icky" and easily screwed over, just like the taxpayers.

To the Councilmembers:

President Hendricks - This is an opportunity for you to go out serving the taxpayers and residents of Allentown and not the mayor.  Stop being concerned about your son; we all know the mayor is vindictive but getting rid of your son would not look good for him if you voted for the veto override.   If you vote no to the override or not call a special meeting, Matt will get what he wants with the budget, and he will probably target your son anyway. 

  

Napoli- You may just surprise us all; but not putting too much faith in an override vote either.   This blog continually points out that Mr. Napoli is in the mayor's pocket, but I believe that he is a smart man and may actually surprise everyone. He has to see the way this mayor operates and continues to attack anyone that is in his way.   He must notice that the mayor is not a good or God-fearing man. 

Affa- Is a hard "no" to the override.  She continues to be a disappointment in Council and will always side with the administration.  Affa is completely unable to articulate or argue an opposing point so she takes the easy route and sides with the administration 9/10times.

Zucal, Santos, Gerlach, and Mota — hold the line. 

I am still curious how borrowing from the waste budget and then paying it back over several years saves any money?  The citizens ultimately will have to cover that loan amount along with any possible interest that they may have lost on it.  Patel had stated that, but it seems Affa and Napoli and Hendricks actually believe borrowing money from yourself and paying it back will actually save you money.  

Tuerk knows that council is part time, at best, and he capitalizes on that each year.  He has yet to explain what he has done to cut costs in the city. Instead, he has given the AFD a Cadillac standard of a contract that delivers higher expenses to the taxpayers.  He gives money to those that helped with his campaign, including several attempts to give more money to his 24-year-old executive assistant.  

As a matter a fact — the ONLY savings the mayor has tried to secure is through screwing over the SEIU members.   He and his administration are trying to fund his programs off the backs of the SEIU staff.   The city would come to a STOP if they weren't at work.

Zucal, Santos, Gerlach will be a no.  Mota may change her mind, but she made a passionate statement that she is worried about the taxpayers of Allentown.  

This meeting will make history whether is passes or not.  A pass shows just how weak Tuerk is.  Shows he can't get a budget to pass without a veto.  Shows weak leadership.

A rejection would show solidarity between the main 4 who voted no, and then 1 or more who found a brain over the weekend. 

I think the meeting is so embarrassing for the Mayor.  But since he lost Ortega and now another office worker, I mean how much more embarrassing can this get?

Ortega finally got some sense to leave the 5th floor circus.  I would really like to interview her on this blog and get the truth.   Did she leave because it is a toxic place to work like everyone knows? OR Did she leave to spy on council for the mayor? 

Oh, Oh,  I forgot the Deputy Finance Director also quit. LOL.  This is awesome and certainly indicative of the leadership in the city and finance department. And I heard he fired another director.  Dude is on a roll.    

A small rumor getting more vocal is that Chief Roca may be on his way out too.  It could be wishful thinking by my friends in APD if there could be truth.  My friends at APD have said for years, Roca was never a cop.  He is too political and answers every question as a politician and not a Police Chief.  Maybe he would succeed as a politician better than the APD Chief? Or maybe the ticket counter at the fair?  

SEIU at 2%, Bosses 10487293%

When all these leaders talk about equality, fairness, and all the other nonsense they spit at you.

Look at the pay difference between the Cabinet and the SEIU that are fighting for 2%.  It should be noted that the Police Chief is at the top of his pay scale and has no  room for growth.  

You cant respect greedy people.  But they will complain about how they deserve raises.  But then let the people who do all the work suffer. All EGO driven bosses.  Yet they get little respect from their subordinates who laugh behind their backs.

Meanwhile,  check this out

Cause this is ethical, 

Wonder why we need tax raises now?

A special Thanks

 

I wanted to thank all the city workers who have to work Christmas Eve and Christmas day. 

I truly wish everyone a safe and happy holidays. And if you see or know a City Worker, thank them for what they do. 

Merry Christmas, 

Abe

The Truth: Where alot of your taxes go

THE FATE OF THE TAX INCREASE RESTS IN THE HANDS OF A COUNCIL PRESIDENT THAT HAS TWO WEEKS REMAINING BEFORE LEAVING CITY COUNCIL. I FEEL THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT HENDRICKS WILL IGNORE THE VETO AND NOT CALL A SPECIAL MEETING BECAUSE HE HAS TO PROTECT HIS SON.

By request. 

The non-bargaining units are not contractually protected. The administration provides a recommendation to council for non-bargaining staff wage increases. Each Non-bargaining staff receives a minimum of two raises each year. One for the annual cost of living, typically under 5% and another raise on their anniversary during the year. They all move to the next step. It should be noted that this approximate 3% second increase is not based on any kind of performance or evaluation--it is just for breathing.   

Heres where the money is given away.

Moving onto the police and fire.  I had to have my firefighter and police officer friends explain their pension systems.

The bargaining unions such as police and fire traditionally get 3-5 year contracts.

Currently the police are in a contract until 2026. They had a 1 year extension of their previous 3 year contract. The 1 year was implemented so many officers would reach 20 years. Next year you will see approx 15-30 officers retire. The 4 year contract is set at 3% a year raises. With Longevity increases the longer you stay. They get I think 14 paid holidays. Heres a nut kicker. If they work say Christmas they get double time and a half. Or paid 20hrs for 8hrs. If they are off or take off, they get 8hrs for the day as well as 8hrs of holiday pay or 16hr for the day. Every holiday including their birthday is set this way. Clothing and higher education gets compensated. Also officers pensions are calculated by their highest five years or last 30 days. 5 year average divided by the percentage of pension they leave at. Ex. If they average $120,000 over 5 years and leave at a 70% pension they get $84,000 a year pension for life. Always while on the job their medical for a family is like $1500 a year.  

If they leave and use their last 30 days, this is a little tricky to calculate but its their last 30 days, with a 10% overtime cap to be added. Shift diff, and longevity also get used.  Most leave in November because there is 4 holidays for all the guys. 5 if they were hired in November and 6 if their birthday is in November. Work all the holidays say all 4. Thats 48hrs of overtime added into your calculations. So basically, all the money you make in your last 30 days, say is $12,000. City takes 12months x $12k equals $144,000 times that by .70% or whatever percentage they leave at and get $108,000 pension.

Fire is very similar to police with the exception of higher overtime rates and their minimum staffing requirement that causes the city to "hire" replacement employees when someone calls off or is sick. The city pays a much higher premium for these replacement staff and the Fire Department has figured out how to pad pensions using extra duty.  

Let's not forget that the mayor rushed the newest fire 5 year contract two years in advance and publicly claimed it was a good contract for the city. He left out that it is a premium contract for the city firefighters.

This is why the city is broke. Even at 50% pension of $144 is $72k. This padding of the pension is only available to Fire and Police. The NB and SEIU staff have a pension that is properly administered through the state. The city should move away from the city funded pension for fire and police and require the public safety staff to participate in the Pa State administered pension.

My sources tell me some of the recent police officers have left with over $100,000 pensions.  And their are several firefighters making over $150,000 a year. Thats insane.

The city cant go on paying these pensions that are close to the police and firefighters regular salary.  The way they calculate their pensions needs to change. No other departments calculate the way Allentown does.

Hey Matt funny you can give all your department heads huge raises, and you allow the police and fire to retire with pensions higher than your salary 🤣 🤣 

Budget? I hardly knew it

 

So I wasnt going to write anymore for the holidays, but once again Tuerk didnt let me down. Probably because he is as predictable as the sun rising and setting each day.

The mayor decided to veto councils decision on not raising the taxes. 

Council President Hendricks would have to call a special meeting/vote to override the veto.

Yes, someone has to step up.  Will Hendricks atleast do the ethical thing and let the full council vote or will he tank it?

Matt sorry but you're a turd.  You haven't been successful at passing a reasonable budget without resorting to threats (yeah definitely after the last council meeting), name calling, and bullying tactics.  

You can't pass a budget unless YOU VETO IT!!! You really need to take a look at your inflated salaries and positions before you ever ask the taxpayers to give the city more money from their hard earned paychecks.  

While your scraping by this holiday season, go look at the bosses salaries.  Then decide if you really want to work in the city anymore.  Or for the Unions, don't spend your whopping 3% raises if you even get them when these useless few take home $9,000 raises.

GOT Veto???

What is his next move? 

Well he tried 3 times to get a tax increase passed and failed. He wanted 4% along with the mandatory $140 trash increase fee.

Then he changed it 4% with a $50 trash increase.

Then he asked for a lolipop and some skittles. He didnt get anything.

So what are his options?

1. Accept councils ruling and work with the zero tax Increase.

2. Veto councils decision.

A veto would have to have a 5-2 vote by council to overturn. Meaning either Napoli, Affa, or turncoat Hendricks would have to change their vote to a No to override. This will have to be done at the next council meeting. With no council meetings scheduled for the remainder of the year, the budget will revert back to the original submission by the mayor.  

This is an important time for Cynthia Mota to show her true leadership qualities. She should be demanding a special council session to vote against any veto. If the council succeeds on a "no" vote, the budget passes with no tax increase and it forces Matt Tuerk to take a look at his inflated budget and personnel and start making cuts in 2026. This was the push of the council from the beginning; deliver a budget that looks at inefficiencies and eliminates them, something Matt Tuerk has refused to do because it was too difficult.  

The Council President would have to call a special meeting to decide to vote on the veto. If he decides not to hold a meeting, then the veto won't even be contested. 

If a veto would go into affect, this would mean the mayor would get his original proposal.

4% increase

Trash fee of $140 would still be implemented

All the raises he wanted for his cabinet would go thru. So the $9,000 raises to unqualified besties would happen.

The question is — Will the two outrageous, ridiculous, embarrassing, back door, part-time positions at $72/hr. $91,000 a year pass? Would the reward for Ms. Boyer be part of the original submission? My guess is "no" because council voted those down by a 4-3 majority, but I do not trust the actions of the council and mayor. The code is clear:

§ 5-15City Council action on budget.

[Amended 4-17-2003 by Ord. No. 14078]

The Mayor may propose amendments to the original proposed balanced budget. Any amendment which increases any tax rate or fee shall become part of the original budget, provided City Council approves each amendment by five votes. Other Mayoral amendments which do not increase any tax rate or fee shall become part of the original budget, provided City Council approves each amendment by four votes.

The Mayor's original proposed balanced budget is that budget which was submitted on or before 75 days prior to the ensuing fiscal year pursuant to the Charter.

If the mayor were to use his veto powers, this could not fare well for him. Actually, both options do not look good for Tuerk. I wouldn't be surprised if people didn't ask for his resignation or at minimum another vote of no confidence. His political future, if he has one, will surely decline. Word on the streets are that he not only lost Genesis Ortega this week but another staff member of his has left the city suddenly. This is very telling of the type of person he is and that he is a failed leader.

His inability to get a budget passed because of his shitty presentation on why the city needs a tax increase coupled with his desire to not look at his current budget and have a temper tantrum to get his way, is why he didn't succeed once again. To hit the cheat button after you don't get your way is just childish.

Maybe tho a veto would be fun. I'm sure the comments on all the social media platforms would be positive.

Here are the cabinet salary increases for your reference: Are you getting a $6,000 - $9,000 raise this year?

Lets be honest these salaries should be 

CED $115,000

Finance $115,000

Public works $115,000

Police Chief $120,000

Fire $120,000 

H.R $120,000

Parks $105,000

The fact is I just dont think these people are worth these high salaries. The ground workers do all the work. Yet the police chief and fire chief will probably get $125k / year pension when they retire. Who thinks that is right? 

That should make everyone sick.  This is why he needs to raise taxes. To pay for the upper 7 pay increases along with the solicitor’s raises,  along with other people who work along with him, as well as to pay for the ridiculously high pensions that strain the city budget.

Do we have a communication problem? What!? Hello?

Several sources out of city hall are telling me that the Mayor’s right (or is it left?) hand quit her job aggressively today!! Let’s read through some of them, shall we?

+ “ I heard there was a blow-up fight between those two last month and she’s been looking ever since. “

+ “I was in City Hall, and the fight could be heard down in the 4th floor. He’s been trying to win her back, but she told him she can’t be bought. “

+ “There’s so much drama on the 5th floor. They all hate each other!!!! Everyone knows it and it’s so awkward. “

+ “I overheard a couple employees talking about her quitting. It’s weird but I’m not surprised she’s leaving bc that office is an absolute dumpster fire. “

I mean you should see the stuff I’m getting. I’m not in the business of publishing every tip I get (and boy, would you love that), in fact I dont even like knowing half this shit, but Ortega’s exit is enough for me to question and ask you what is going on here. There’s been zero said about this by the mayor or his spokesperson, but I can’t imagine they can keep a BOMBSHELL exit like this quiet. There’s a lot of crazy shit happening at City Hall. 

Let’s mention the negotiations going south, budget drama, the Scott Curtis report that Tuerk is fighting to see the light of day, and the latest and greatest allegations of discrimination from Karen Ocasio and Tawanna Whitehead. If it’s true, there’s no doubt in my mind that Ortega knows the truth about our peewee mayor and is getting out. No sane person would stay inside of a dumpster fire when it's literally on fire. 

I don’t want to make this a race issue, but a little birdie also tells me Ortega’s skin color is no coincidence to her departure. Tuerk mistreats black people, there is plenty of proof in lawsuits and NAACP letters that support that claim.

I wonder what that means for Miss Boyer because her skin color is green (allegedly, from a post). I’m taking tips and eating popcorn. What movie am I watching, you ask? The Titanic. I love a good sinking ship. Is Jack being played by Matt and Rose by Boyer?

 

Two councilman gone

Farewell to Ed Zucal and good riddance to Daryl Hendricks.

Ed you have shown the public that you care, by putting them first. You have shown ethical decision making. You stood up to the city and questiooned all their stupid decisions. Often never getting an answer to any questions you asked. Ed stood for making sense and the common man. You will be missed. Thank you for your service

Your counterpart. Well I cant say much positive about him. Ive never seen a person change his vote so much. Not have a steady voting platform. Decisions appeared to be made to better his son and not why he was elected. Daryl I believe was bought by the mayor and it showed. But thank you for doing a thankless job.

The actual Council meeting was okay.

As predicted the tax increase was voted down. Then Matty got angry and knocked down the $50,000 he was going to give to the Council of Churches. That was a total jab at Gerlach because she voted No for the tax increase. Im at a loss for words.

An angry lady went up and complained about all the wasteful spending and offered a few ways to save money.

She said. Tax the Niz "is the Niz even legal". Niz has taken so much taxes away from the city. Its absurd.

"Bring back waste management to the city" Too late, city gave Mascaro like $90million to do the trash.

"Cut the bloated police budget" That was my favorite. She said more cops doesnt equal less crime. You damn right it doesn't. But crime is always down remember??

Quit involving the city in lawsuits, then making tax payers pay out the settlements. Numerous employee lawsuits. But there is no problems according to Duane Morris.

She was completely correct on how to save money.

I love her.

Then an SEIU leader came up and spoke. He complained about how the city leaders get 9% raises while his people cant get shit. He said we pick up the leaves, the snow, pave the streets, but yet they cant get a good contract? Im at a loss for words.

I hope the next big snow storm they stop working. Within a few hours they will get their contract. When accidents pile up and people are stuck everywhere, thats when you strike.

Some memes are A.I generated.  

Vandalism and Christmas Carols

 Lights in the Parkway

Ah yes, the timeless Christmas tradition: vandalizing a holiday display.


Truly the work of a master.

Michelangelo had the Sistine Chapel, these hoodlums have… broken lights and smashed displays that will cost the taxpayers plenty to repair.

Hope it felt empowering—really sticking it to some decorations that were just minding their own business.
Nothing screams “I’m thriving” like wrecking something meant to make people smile.

I do recall that Mayor Tuerk wanted to cancel the Lights in the Parkway last year. But I dont think this was his idea of how to do it.  

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/lehighvalley/lights-out-in-the-parkway-tuerk-says-it-s-possible-without-property-tax-increase/article_1b802a54-7e6d-11ee-91fa-036bd8f3c370.html

The one nice thing in Allentown during Christmas that doesnt make any money. Now everyone will have to go to Coca Cola Park or Bethlehem-the actual Christmas City- for festive cheer instead of crime this year. Good thing Matt Tuerk and Chief Roca are working diligently on bringing crime down.

I think I found some of the lights.

I have been laughing at this all day.

Enough of that.

I am offering three songs to be sung and heard all throughout City Hall and the city. So please sing these updated carols aloud wherever you are at. I hope they stick in your head all day!!

Funny, I heard the original Rudolph song and started singing my version. You will too!!

1. Most wonderful time of the year

It's the most wonderful time of the year

With the mayor expelling 

And his budget be telling you be kicked in the rear

It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's the hap-happiest season of all

With those fake ass greetings and gay happy meetings

Matt has no friends to call

It's the hap-happiest season of all

There'll be blogs for posting

And comments for roasting

And Tuerk out on the backhoe

There'll be scary ghost stories

And tales of the corruption of

Budgets long, long ago

It's the most wonderful time of the year

There'll be much ass kissing

And further SEIU dissing

When the mayor is near

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Merry Christmas! Menorah’s for all!!

2. The 12 days of Allentown (the abridged version)

On the 12th day of Allentown

My evil mayor gave to me

Twelve lawsuits pending 

Eleven lies a-spinning

Ten cronies hired

Nine NDA's a given

Eight Cabinet raises

Seven hidden Curtis files

Six camps a bulldozing

Five construction bribes

Four ghost employees

Three Ass kissing council members

Two unethical lawyers  

And a 

Slogan about fairness and transparency 

3. Tuerk the Red Nosed Reindeer

You know Hendricks and Roca 

And Glazier and Affa....

Boyer and Patel 

Shahda and Kistler

.....But do you recall

The most unliked public official of all?

Tuerky the Red-Nosed mayor

Had a very shiny nose

And if you ever saw him

You would know he has no Amigos

All of the other mayor's

Still laugh and call him names

They never let poor Tuerky

Join in any ethical games

Then one foggy Christmas Eve

Abe came to say

TUERKY, with your nose so bright

Won't you bankrupt the city tonight?"

Then how the politicians made fun of him

As they shouted out Pee Wee

Tuerky the red nosed Mayor

You'll go down as the worst mayor in history

You'll go down as the worst mayor in history!

4. Frosty

Tuerky the snowman is a small and vindictive soul

Rides a dumb ass bike, and wears dumb ass shoes

And has two eyes made out of coal

Tuerky the snowman is not a fairy tale they say

He drove a backhoe

and the homeless know how he drove thru their camp one day

There must have been some black magic 

In that old jock strap they found

For when they placed it on his head

He turned into a circus clown

Tuerky the snowman 

Was as weird as he could be

And the citizens say he should fly away

Just like a dirty flea 

Tuerky the snowman knew the deficit was high that day

So he told Hendricks to pull off some tricks 

Before his term expires away

Down to city hall with a pride flag in his hand

Biking here and there all around the square

Saying "the FBI can catch me if they can"

He led them down the streets of ole Allentown

Right to his obedient chief cop

And he only paused a moment when

He heard Trump and Vance were planning an Allentown stop

Tuerky the snowman had to hurry on his way

Because the FBI showed up saying don’t you cry

The Curtis report will be out one day

Until this administration learns to be transparent, fair, honest, and show they care, I will continue to report the truth.  

Shitter must be Full

Merry Christmas, everyone. God Bless.

Abe