Stuck in Shit again

Let us continue the discussion centered on how the Lehigh Valley has been stuck in a vicious cycle of political underperformance for many years.

Today’s highlight: Ana Tiburcio, another hand selected person that has been plucked from obscurity to represent the PA 22nd district. The position was previously held by Josh Siegel who has now moved on to the Lehigh County Executive, leaving his seat vacant for the remainder of term.

Ms. Tiburcio became the default nominee to replace Siegel only after the original establishment selection, Julian Guridy, abruptly dropped out of the race for the special election due to not meeting all the residency requirements to serve the PA House. Guridy’s exit was yet another misstep in a district already shaken by mismanagement and a political culture that seems allergic to basic competence.

The Democrat establishment that rushed Guridy’s nomination was left with serious egg on their faces when it was discovered that he was not eligible, so they rushed to choose a quick replacement. You would think that the vetting process would be more than a heartbeat and would include verifying eligibility?

Enter Ana Tiburcio.

Who is she? Other than being related to Cynthia Mota and serving on the Allentown School board for two years, not much is known. She does not have much of a political career – something that could be spun as a positive in the politically turbulent Lehigh Valley. 

She also served for 3.5 minutes in the Tuerk administration before suddenly disappearing from City Hall without an explanation. She runs a tax preparation service in Allentown. Yet despite the lack of experience in politics, she garnered support from many sitting politicians in the area. 

Josh Siegel, Pete Schweyer- nerd, Mike Schlossberg- dork, Sen. Nick Miller, ASD Board President Andrene Brown-Nowell, and Matt Tuerk-fart. All of them rushed to endorse her and her impressive “qualifications”.

Then came the disastrous debate with her Republican opponent Robert Smith in Feb 2026. She appeared more surprised than everyone that she was standing on the debate stage as the democratic nominee for the seat and her performance proved it. What we learned from the debate is that she was chosen because she could easily be manipulated to vote the way seasoned politicians like Schweyer and Schlossberg preferred. Tiburcio stated the same in her debate, claiming that she was not smart on many of the issues but would rely on the advice of those who had faith in her. Just what we need in Allentown – another rubber stamp. We already have this with our city council.

The May 19th primary is rapidly approaching, and the race is considered close between Gerlach and Tiburcio. Democratic voters truly face a bleak choice. Cece Gerlach, a frequent critic of the Tuerk administration, has been publicly dismissed by the mayor — a move that speaks volumes about internal party tensions. On the other side is Ana Tiburcio, the establishment's favorite whose rapid ascent has raised more questions than answers.

 Unfortunately for Allentown, both candidates come with their issues and baggage that result in a lesser of two evils situation.

Until voters are willing to break from the cycle of rushed nominations, inadequate vetting, and candidates chosen for their ability to be managed rather than their qualifications, we will continue to suffer the consequences — in Harrisburg, in Washington, and certainly in Allentown.

The political establishment must start treating voters with respect — and treating the process with seriousness. Sadly, Allentown will remain stuck exactly where it has been for far too long: spinning in circles, wondering why nothing ever changes while our fat cat politicians remain trapped in alternate reality where everything is fine and their own lives are enriched.