Another failure to capitalize

 

A major Pharma company called Lilly- I never heard of them decided to build a 3.5 billion dollar facility in Upper Macungie vs Allentown.  Lets look into this.

1. Why

I can only imagine the obvious, Lilly watches the news and sees how dysfunctional Allentown is. Sees lawsuits after lawsuits.  Shootings, stabbings, corruption.  

They saw an inept Mayor who has  brought no investors into the city in 4 years except his good pal J.B. Reilly. 

Someone who is spending tax dollars for his own leisure.  Bloggers have stated Tuerk was in D.C all week.  Im sure no one will no why but we paid for it.

Couple this with the fact the Lilly reps couldnt really drive around because of the shitty snow management made things easier on their decision.

But my sources tell me the deal breaker was the fact the arch in the 1100blk of Hamilton St. wasnt big enough and questiooned why the mayor wanted a welcome sign 20 blocks into the city.  Dont you welcome people into your home, not wait until they are in your bathroom taking a shit.

What this means

I am not sure what a 3.5 billion dollar building would bring in tax revenue but I am sure it would be more than enough to offset the mayors leisure spending account. 

Now Butz wouldnt magically get the construction contract without any hurdles. 

800 jobs lost within the city limits. 

Omg!!! I forgot the unlimited photo opps for the Mayor!!! What will he ever do?? Its a good thing I am in a good mood so I dont give suggestions.  

My point is another failed attempt to capitalize on something for Allentown.  The Lilly project, will help Parkland build a new football stadium.  Pay off that beautiful recreational center they built.  All while we are stuck with a weird out of place Arch to show for. 

Well atleast someone had fun

The snowstorm that swept through our city left behind more than just picturesque drifts—it left behind impassable streets, stranded residents, and a growing sense of frustration. 

Neighborhoods have been waiting for plows that never arrive, watching as the snow hardens into icy barricades. Parents are struggling to get kids to school, workers can’t reach their jobs, and emergency vehicles face dangerous delays.

Yet while the city remains frozen in place, our mayor has taken to social media—not to address the crisis, but to post cheerful vignettes of sledding and winter fun. It’s a tone-deaf performance that feels more like a vacation reel than leadership in action.

The mayor is expected to lead during crises, not gloss over them. Snow removal isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, accessibility, and trust. When leadership prioritizes optics over operations, the message is clear: appearances matter more than people. 

Why don't the citizens get this?

•Transparent communication about delays and plans. (because there isnt any)  Our council president had better communication than our punk rock mayor.

•A clear timeline for when streets will be cleared.  Thats simple, NEVER or by July 4th.

•A mayor who acknowledges the hardship, not one who distracts from it with sledding videos. Especially, when people are shoveling their car out, then hoping when they get back the spot is still there. Wonder if the Mayor had this problem at his residence or did he get a 1st class plowing.

Look at these

Perfectly good iron board wasted

And my favorite:  I knew those things were good for something else.

This snowstorm has tested the city’s resilience and its leadership. They failed us once again, but we get to pay 3.96% more for services.  

Center City

West End

Southside- actual houses buried lmao

Even the damn snow emergency roads arent plowed near the curb. No one can park front of their residence until June.

I just dont understand how one can brag about how well the streets are cleared and how good the plow drivers and the police did clearing the streets when 3 days after the storm ASD puts this out.

The mayor once again is running around the city talking about how much is being done but has missed the mark on execution.

Should we be surprised any less by the actions Mayor Matt Kardashian-Tuerk?

Also, isnt the mayor supposed to be working, not playing on city time?

Per WFMZ:

"Our crews have been working hard they've been doing a fantastic job we've been working around the clock 24 hours, to get around to all the secondary roadways and all of our alleyways," says Mark Shada,

Wtf!!!! I didnt see a plow all damn day. The streets are the worst I have ever seen.  Does Shada want me to show him all the roads that werent plowed??

Homicide, Lights, Colorful Arch, Snow

Lets start off with the big news.  Another homicide in the city without crime.  A 19 year old killed.  Is this the 1st or 2nd homicide for the year? Mayb more I dont know.  So many shootings its hard to keep track.

Then, drum roll, some kids were arrested for damaging the parkway lights.  Glad APD finally made some arrests.  Didnt that happen like 6 weeks ago? Seems like the evidence isnt great if it takes that long. We will probably never know the punishment of these heathens, but as I read somewhere "I guess these kids aren't getting their allowance for awhile."  Lmao

Make them do community service, like picking up trash in the parkway after the out of staters destroy the shorelines in the summer.  Mommy and Daddy paying the bill doesnt teach a lesson.  Actually make them have to help put up the lights next year.

Onward, did anyone see that dumb welcoming arch in the 1100blk of Hamilton St?  I cant believe the city actually went thru with wasting the money on it. That sign should say "Careful, you are entering into a warzone."

Now for the Snow Emergency.  Rumor has it Tuerk agreed to a contract with SEIU.  Coincidentally, right before the huge snow storm.  Mayb the possible threat of a strike made him give in.  Im sure the contract was status quo and nothing more than what the city was planning to give them all along. There are threats of cars being towed in snow emergency routes so watch were you park.  However, please throw your snow in the street.  Save spaces with chairs like in Philly.  And if your neighbor wants to fight with you over the snow, hit em with a snowball.

"We will Deport them"

Paraphased  from WFMZ

County Controller Mark Pinsley  tried to show his weight with the Immigration service.  Pinsley stated he got a tip that ICE was renting a building in Allentown that belong to the county. 

Then he said he found out Homeland Security hasnt paid for the space in 3 years and owes the county $115,000.

He then gave the dumb quote of "we can give them a taste of their own medicine. We're going to deport ICE."  Wow arent you tough.  Your not a comedian either.

Heres a joke for you Pinsley.  Who do you call a county controller who had no idea ICE was renting a county property for 3 years, and owes the county $115,000? Hes called a Pinsley 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 

Then Josh Siegel commented "I think their presence is a threat to public safety and public trust."  Okay buddy. 

One I have yet to see them. And two if you aren't an illegal, throw things at them or get in their way you have nothing to worry about.

The good part was D.A. Holihan stated ICE doesnt work out of that office.

He then smacks Pinsley and Siegel by saying 

a.i.generated

"The only thing ICE has to do with this press conference today is to get headlines for the people holding the press conference. "

Holihan stated the federal agents help him to investigate human trafficking. Then stated he would pay the rent just to keep DHS their so they could help him. Lol.

Pinsley cried some more saying ICE wont rent a building belonging to Lehigh County. 

And his brother Siegel said he filed for eviction and will try to get DHS to pay their back rent.  Good luck!!!

These two should be embarrassed to even tell the news.  You two dont care about the money, you care about evicting ICE.  DHS does not give a shit about these two clowns.  

The federal gov. could buy the County building if they want and then build a prison there to house illegals. 

5 things that might happen now

1. Federal funding to Lehigh County will be reduced or stopped.

2. ICE agents will now show up in crazy amounts.

3.  Trump to comment on these two losers.

4.  Lehigh County to be audited by the IRS.

5. Mayor Tuerk to make a news appearance and comment on how he doesnt want ICE here.

Thanks again guys.  You sure know how to help the citizens.

When you can be wrong all the time

 I always have this thing about the weather and the meteorologist's ability to forecast properly.  Especially when it snows.  

Are they ever right?  I know there are variables that can change the weather but let's be honest the snow event from Saturday and Sunday was a forecast that was completely missed.   They predicted 1-3 inches, but it quickly turned 6+ inches.  They claim they can't predict weather more than 48 hours in advance, uhm they couldn't predict this one 2 hours in advance.

Then today has to be close to 3 inches and its still snowing when I thought 1 inch was the forecast.

The Farmer's Almanac, NOAA season outlook, WeatherChannel, AccuWeather should turn into an online gambling website.

This guy on the eastside had to be creative. But he pushed the snow into the street and the cops gave him a ticket.

Then they throw huge numbers out there and get everyone in a panic and its sunny 72degrees.  Or how many times does 1 inch turn into 6?  

This was when the YMCA kicked the homeless out of the warming shelter this morning:

I'm not a meteorologist, but what job can you say.  "Well, we are looking at, if this happens, but then this could happen, but then this happened and basically be wrong about everything". Then go on the news the next day and act like nothing happened or that your forecast was right.  You don't get fired either.  

People rely heavily on the weather and modern technology should allow for more accurate results.

There is a forecast of a huge snowstorm coming in a week. For real.  Let's cause mass panic for a week then it rains and no snow or tracks far North or South.  

A meteorological forecast could easily be compared to the mayor of this city saying at the State of the City that everything is great.  

Financially, we are in great shape.  Taxes won't go up. crime is down yet people don't feel safe at all. Everyone is treated fairly. My cabinet is amazing and needs raises, yet what are their accomplishments? Of course, the biggest delusion -- morale in the city is up. They are both rarely right and one blatantly lies, and the other can be just wrong with limited or no consequences.  Actually, both have limited consequences.

Anyone Crash?

 

Did anyone crash yesterday? I almost did twice.  Once on Hamilton St. and the other on S. 15th St. 

I unfortunately was out yesterday and had to drive thru the city. It was awful.

Did the city plow? I saw 2 accidents and cars sliding everywhere.  Nothing was touched.  

Did SEIU strike or something?  If they were out it must have been a skeleton crew, because the streets were shit.

Actually the side streets are still a sheet of ice.  This guy almost died.

Is this a direct effect of what I knew would happen?  Hold out on a contract for SEIU and in turn the streets don't get plowed. Or atleast not very well.

Im not knocking the guys if they were out there, but I think anyone that had to drive thru the city could attest to the fact it was like ice skating on 4 wheels. 

But then we will see on the news a certain someone brag about "our city plows are out in full force" and "they have done a great job clearing the streets."  Bull------shit.

I saw this guy up on Liberty St. 900blk.  

Like cmon, Allentown is definitely the City Without Limits. Actually I dont know what the motto is anymore.

 

 The city probably didnt want to pay any overtime, so only a few were out. And the salt spreading was kept to a minimum.  Gotta save money for the management raises and all the new buildings that are supposed to get started this year.

Failed again

Tonight we witnessed the brains of the city show that even a Rosetta Stone on how to run a city would offer zero help.

Allentown’s budget process is a cautionary tale of dysfunction, almost leaving the city without an approved spending plan for 2026. If anything is glaringly obvious it is that this year’s flawed process has exposed deep flaws in governance.

Mr. Binder brought the only brain (not giving him that much credit)  to tonight’s meeting and gave a statement about how the failure to pass the 2026 budget at the hands of Tuerk, Napoli, Affa, Zucal, Mota, Gerlach, and Santos under the direction of then President Hendricks led to this failure.

Binder and Napoli mentioned that the inability to pass the budget by 12/31/2025 is a possible violation of state law so they were put in a precarious and difficult position to vote yes.  Cause that seems ethical.

I am sorry but didn’t our crooked mayor say on Jan 6th: "It doesn't say, or else, alright? There's no, there's nothing in the Home Rule Charter that says what happens if Council fails to adopt a budget”. So if the mayor says there are no penalties for not passing a budget, why did Council cave on this budget?  Simple, when the King Rat lays out the cheese, the little rats must eat.  Its all a joke.

I agreed with the need for council to cleanup the rules, regulations, and procedures so that the mayor is kept with controlled boundaries.  Since he doesnt believe in following rules, since he is above them.

The mayor got everything he wanted originally tonight, with the exception of his promotion for his Asst. I am sure that this new council didn’t really have a clue about what they were actually voting for this evening. You could read the faces on the Dias and clearly everyone was confused. I mean Mr. Hanlon "what do we do?" Its like a bunch of toddlers looking around for the teacher to tell them their assignment.  Doesn't anyone in this city know anything?

Allentown has officially become the poster child for how not to run a city. The 2026 budget fiasco isn’t just a minor hiccup—it’s a full-blown embarrassment that exposes the incompetence and dysfunction at the heart of City Hall. I wouldn't sit up on that Die-ass for a million dollars.

I dont think anyone from the public was even there.  No one cares anymore. People have given up on this city.  Not even the Mayor was there.  You wanna know why?  Because he knew there wasnt going to be a discussion on the budget because he secured the 4 votes ahead of time.  

Allentown’s leaders have failed. Again, as always, as expected. Period. They’ve turned the budget process into a circus, and the people of this city are the clowns forced to watch and PAY for this show. If this is what passes for governance, then Allentown deserves better—much better.  

Still No Contract "Strike"

There’s a moment in every labor negotiation when the mask slips. The city and SEIU negotiations struggled once again today. The administration has simply stopped pretending they “value the SEIU workforce” and have shown exactly how disposable they think you are — their mask has slipped. For SEIU 32BJ workers across Allentown, that moment came the second the administration and their attorneys walked into negotiations with proposals that continue to undermine and undervalue the hardworking workers of the union.

Let’s be clear about who we’re talking about. These are the employees who take care of our city and improve our streets and take care of our parks. They are the employees who work in our Health Department who ensure the community is safe. They are the individuals who beautify our parks and execute our special events. They are the employees responsible for maintaining our failing city infrastructure with high expectations from the clueless mayor and very little financial support. These are the same employees that kept Allentown’s buildings open during a pandemic.

They are without any question the backbone of the city — the same city that now wants to “cut costs” by carving up their contract and balancing an inflated budget that gave fire and police all they’ve asked for without blinking an eye.

Management’s opening move?

Slash and gut benefits

Create a second‑class tier of workers

Undermine job security

Pretending inflation doesn’t exist

 It wasn’t bargaining. It was a hit job.

Tuerk and his cronies love to talk about “shared sacrifice” and “showing up” but what exactly has he sacrificed? Tuerk’s mantra is that it is his way or no way. We saw this with the budget debacle that is still not resolved. 

Our Public Works and Parks Maintenance crews are the people who keep the city from collapsing into chaos:

Roads cleared

Trees trimmed

Playgrounds repaired

Storm drains unclogged

Trails maintained

Snow removed

Parks safe and usable

Public spaces clean and functioning

They’re the ones who show up at 3 a.m. in a blizzard.

1996 Allentown Blizzard.  I wanna see this!! NOT A PLOW IN SIGHT!

They’re the ones who haul debris after storms.

They’re the ones who fix the things everyone else takes for granted.

And yet, when negotiations begin, management suddenly develops amnesia.

They forget the overtime worked during emergencies was about your desire to take care of the city and not to pad a pension, so your calculation is high when you retire so you can further fleece the taxpayer. They forget the injuries took on the job because you were just doing your job.

They forget the public praise they showered when it was politically convenient FOR THEM!

SEIU – It is time remind management that the city’s quality of life depends on the labor YOU provide daily, the same labor that the mayor and city management have been undervaluing for so many years. What he does remember is his budget spreadsheet — and he expects the SEIU workers to pay the difference.

A failed negotiation is the moment workers stop asking for respect and start demanding it. You deserve a better contract. You all deserve respect and not just words when the mayor stops by your department to force a meaningless “thank you”. I hope that the workers finally said “enough,” and “we see just how fake you are” and are exploring strike options. 

I have to say this though it doesnt flow with my nice theme, but lets not forget Vicky Kistler

and Mandy Tolino

get their big raises every year.  They arent struggling like the rest of the SEIU workers.