Budget Presentation Clown Show

The dissection of the budget is here. I don’t want to disappoint anybody any further, but how did we get to this point? I’m not surprised because they cut the APD, AFD, and GLP-1s, and retirement medical for Non-Bargaining only.  Matt would NEVER take from Fire, EMS and Police. I mean, who would send money to his PAC and pay for his fancy billboards? 

The GLP-1s were a smart move and could potentially prove to be a huge savings. Personally, I don’t think the city should have ever been covering this, and I will be watching closely to see if the Fire and Police department are exempted from the GLP cut mandate because…..well, money and billboards.    

I’m awful, but you will be able to see which co-workers were on the fat injections. Just look at who starts to gain weight. They also removed several other large expenditures. 

I had to write about this. Not to offend my female followers but, the city of Allentown had Period Day. 

I'll say it again, period day. Very sexest if you ask me. 

Basically, Mayor Tuerk and volunteers packed lots of feminine products for woman in need. Now I believe this is a worthy cause. But to have admit Matt seemed a little out of place.

Onwards to some of the budget presentation highlights. More to come.

The mayor seemed to highlight several projects that are barely successful, but when you have nothing else to tout, you choose something to distract, right?

The former Controller, Jeff Glazier, had a nice in memoriam moment at the beginning of the mayor’s speech.  It was touching to see Mr. Glazier mentioned, even if it was not genuine.  I will leave my comments about how they both didn’t even like each other later.  

The city has dedicated the 2027 Budget to Mr. Glazier and included what looks like a funeral program front page to the budget book.

Is the intended message that if you don’t agree with this budget, you shame the legacy of Jeff Glazier?

Vision Zero, should be renamed to Absolutely Zero Vision, was one of his proud accomplishments? Vision Zero isnt his idea.  First off this project exists in several cities throughout the country.  

He took the idea from the Swedes. 

Seriously though, how has this worked out?  We have had more accidents and deaths in Allentown than any previous years.  I found this out by using the APD dashboard, and I doubt anyone in the administration verified the mayor’s speech beforehand.  If they did, heads will roll this week.

The mayor mentioned that during his many taxpayers funded all-expense paid job hunt, ehehm conferences, that he is routinely approached by leaders about how amazing Allentown is doing.   Then he corrected himself because Allentown is not even thought of, and he knows it.   They are talking about how the Lehigh Valley is doing well, specifically Upper and Lower Macungie, with the large investment by Chobani and Eli Lilly, NOT Allentown.  Allentown has seen mostly decline and increased spending, and he knows it.  What does Allentown have?  A lot of failing new buildings.

The Mayor then started to try and say that jobs at Chobani and Eli Lilly were for Allentownians.  How is that possible? How many people in Allentown have college degrees with industry experience? Your administration has done nothing to use the Allentown Works grant money towards training residents or enhancing their chances. 

What you have done is allow your CED Director and her minions to continually waste the money for overhead, websites, and office space.   Oh, I forgot — you also have people join a council meeting to talk in circles with no clear indication of direction or tangible results for the people of Allentown.

His priorities?   Community engagement.   Probably not the Allentown community based on his travels for sure, but community engagement.   His “One Man, No Visitors, and a Tent” sideshow has proven to be a joke, a big joke with a bigger joke of a mayor.

That’s all for priorities. 

There was a lot of kindergarten level schooling today.  We have a Spanish word of the day, and we were lucky enough to have the teacher Tuerk scold us citizens.  We need to read the budget and educate ourselves before approaching him when he is out running the streets.   

So, Allentown, don’t come at him uneducated…be informed before you “show up”!

Tuerk then turned to the department heads to talk about how they had to cut 10% and how difficult that was.  Clearly Tuerk had no clue what has been cut from the budget because he has been out of town so much.  To cut 10% either means your giving way too much money to each department to spend or waste on raises and unnecessary positions or services will be cut. Only way that makes sense.

Sources tell me that he was not involved in the budget process at all and left it to Verizon Frank. 

The best was the comment from the APD Chief.  Right after the mayor said there were no personnel cuts, here goes Chief Roca pointing out the staffing cuts were the hardest pill to swallow and how it is hard to continue to provide the services when staff is cut.  

Tuerk looked like a deer caught in headlights.   Classic.

I am sure there will be a lot more to talk about as this budget season moves forward.  

 The  Allentown Police and Fire Stations continue to be a Top Secret plan that the city “is not ready to talk about right now”. 

A 3.81% increase is not that significant of an increase, but when it is added with the increased costs to our daily lives, it is an unwelcome contributor. Its only one less donut or a 1/3 a cup of coffee.  Sadly, this is what the City of Allentown leadership is missing.  

For now, I am taking my 2/3 cup of Iced Mocha Latte and my 11/12 donuts and rewatching the budget presentation — it is the best new clown comedy show out there, at least until the budget meetings.

Stay Tuned…..I'm leaving out other people I have to comment further on.

I will address Mark Shahda's fuel comment

Further address Chief Roca's staffing comment

Now that GLP1 has been cut a little deeper dive into medical costs relating to Bina Patels comments

Abe

Coming soon 2027 Budget Review

The truth behind the 2027 budget proposal will be out as soon as I can finish it.  

The Mayor never disappoints.

Stay Tuned!!!

Tomorrow its Fudging Numbers Day!!

Tomorrow the 2027 fudged budget will be delivered.  Watch this blog for my assessment in the coming days. In the meantime, this citizen is spot on.

Please copy and paste link

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Lm3A9ZU9b/

Well, Allentown, You Got What You Voted For

The same people who spent years voting for the same old lying politicians promising more development, more growth, and more business investment are now furious that a data center is coming to Allentown.

What exactly did everyone think "economic development" meant?

These developers and companies don't just randomly drop a billion-dollar project in a failing city. Allentown politicians were instrumental in forcing zoning changes and creating policies that make these projects possible. Matt Tuerk campaigned on his economic development background to bring growth to Allentown. Is this the kind of growth we wanted? Based on public sentiment, not at all.  

We can discuss his time at LVEDC where he was known to be a failure another time.  

Maybe the data center will be good for Allentown? Maybe it won't. Reasonable people can debate the jobs, tax revenue, environmental impact, and whether it's the best use of the land. No one should be shocked that the developer won here. They have money that demonrats need for their agenda. It is also just a little ridiculous to think that certain people on the Zoning Board and on the third and fifth floor weren’t staunch advocates for this neighborhood data center.

Allentown voted for officials who prioritized development. They delivered development. It just wasn't the type of development people imagined or expected. 

That's the thing about elections. They have consequences. Sometimes those consequences are exactly what was promised. VOTE for an idiot. Get an idiot. Sometimes they end up being a giant warehouse-sized building full of servers sitting there polluting the air, water, and land while consuming resources.

The silver lining in this new Allentown data center development is that Mayor Pee Wee will have more computing power and video capabilities to broadcast his prancing through the city while he talks about himself and ignores the issues plaguing the city. He will also be able to advertise all of his all expense taxpayer funded travels that have brought just soooo much to Allentown.  

Either way, Allentown continues to get exactly what it voted for.

A business in Allentown??

There isnt much to talk about until next week.  The budget extravaganza!!! Where lies will meet the truth.  Until then...

So I saw the Piano bar that is out west is closing.  The reason was not stated.  However, I would conclude because it wasnt doing well.  I could be wrong though.  

The jewelry store on 19th St. up and moved as well after being there for atleast 10 years.  Moved way out west into South Whitehall.

Bru daddys left, and Mcall's took over that location.  We will see how long that lasts.

In 2025 Karl Ehmers closed on the eastside.  A meat company for over 50 years.

Why do businesses leave?  Too high of taxes?  Not enough business?  The four I mentioned, to me, were great businesses.  

I am sure each business has its reasons and maybe they arent even bad.  But why would anyone want to open a business downtown anymore? 

Who wants to see and hear dirt bikes zipping down Hamilton St? Or the mobile concerts from loud music.

There isnt enough foot traffic downtown or out west anymore. The westend use to be a hotspot for small businesses.  Now that is slowly disappearing. You could blame the economy but the Hamilton crossings and even the Lehigh Valley Mall seem to be packed with cars when I drive by.  

Speaking of disappearing, where is Mayor Tuerk at?  Has anyone seen him?  Does anyone actually care?  I wonder if he will present the budget next week or if Frank the Tank will be tasked with it.  Seems the mayor hired Frank to do everything.  Probably so he could travel.  Dumb piece of shit.  Please propose to drop term limits.  I wanna see it fail.

Some wrap up and some thoughts

I have been keeping an eye on the new police station or lack there of.. I know I mentioned I heard some rumblings about the cost of the new google looking police station.  Now it would appear the station isnt happening. I say that only because besides the inaugural dirt that was shoveled I have yet to see it started. Is the city looking at other options?

Perhaps renovating the existing police station instead. But here is a stat for you.  The city I am thinking is several million into the police station disaster with nothing to show for. WTF are theses officials doing?  What a waste. Everyday they wait, the price of supplies goes up. Wait it just came to me. I dont think anyone bid to build the project!!! A builder hasnt been put in front of council yet for approval. This is so embarrassing. Build something!!

All the publicity on this shiny glass toilet station for it not to be built.  If this would be true, what is the city going to do with the 3 to 4 million dollars a year they just saved? Could they be gearing up to give the cops a fabulous contract? That would certainly piss the tax payers off. Or maybe taking on another infinite debt like the DROP pension. Remember when Santo Napoli spoke on it saying the city was not in a position to go through with it?  Wonder if he changed his mind? Better hope he didn't or he is going to get slammed on here

How financially in trouble is the city in if they scrap a project they gave away millions too? 

Like I said, I could totally be wrong on this, but for a project that was supposed to have started months ago, I have yet to see anything started. Something isn't right.

Also

Cant the mayor bring back some knowledge on these trips he goes on about how to not waste money.  You would think the tattoo guys he goes to might have some knowledge to share. 

Dreams

Those 13inch pythons are running out of room to get ink. Better not go on any more trips.

Reality

Speaking of it, wheres his travel expense report Frank?

Also

You can now get your weed on Lehigh St. too. Thanks to a new dispensary that opened.  You know just what Allentown needs. I only say that because I'm sure not everyone leaves the parking lot without taking a hit.  You know gotta calm your nerves before you drive. There is a dispensary on Emaus Ave about one mile from the new location.  So plenty of it on the southside.

Also

Everyone knows about the two homicides that happened on Tuesday night.  Where's the love? Where's Promise Neighborhoodz anti-gun violence people at? Council gives them hundreds of thousands of dollars but what is there to show for? 

Also

Its getting colder.  Soon we will hear about how city officials are going to push the homeless out of their camps or what they plan on doing to help them. Probably both. But we all know they will talk about doing something throughout the winter until it warms up, then forget about it.

Nothing proactive ever comes out of council, the mayors office or the police department.  Always reactive.

Final point

I like to stay in county for what I talk about,  but how bout that crazy Northampton county executive wanting a 43.5% property tax increase. 

Does she have a pair of balls on her coming in that high. What is really the problem with these cities and counties?  They spend, spend, spend because it isnt there money.  WTF to they care.  Every city and county should be audited quarterly or yearly but a firm in another state.  Lets see where the money is really going.  Its sickening.  I mean the Federal gov and State taxes are becoming dismal compared to county, borough, school, and city tax. How is anyone supposed to buy weed on Lehigh St at the dispensary?  Soon there wont be any homicides because no one will have enough money for a gun let alone the damn bullets.  Just flip flop the two.  Guns really cheap and bullets like $50 a round.  You wont see gangstas running thru a clip.  It would cost $600!!! Lol.

The spending is out of control.

Shots Fired

Tonight gave us the true Allentown we all know.

A homicide in the 600blk of Gordon St.  

Then another shooting possibly a homicide at S. Front and S. Filmore St. 

I wonder if the two are connected?

Looks like Apd has it under control tho.

added 6am- the second shooting was another homicide 

Weekly Review/ edited 27/sept

 

Not a whole lot happening in the "City without Limits."  Please comment some new names the city could use.  You know "City without a mayor," "Hell's hairball".  Im sure their is some clever names.

On monday two suspects involved in a homicide at the BKK Lounge on the eastside were found guilty. What amazes me in the district attorneys office actually won a homicide case.  I believe they have lost 3 this year, maybe more.  Jim Martin is probably rolling in his grave.  Actually the DA's office has lost alot of cases this year.   I also hear the turn over rate in that office is similiar to Amazon.

The city is apparently or has installed speed bumps by the Phoebe home.  Yep out west again.  Atleast it may help an old person not to get hit.  We all know anywhere downtown is like walking through a mine field.

Im starting to hear some rumblings that this new police station may have been a mistake.  There is alot of unknowns once or if ground is ever broken.  How about the river that flows under the station?  Yes there is one.  I wonder if the EPA knows about it? Price tag keeps going up on this project.

Is it me or have the douchebags on the $800 cadillac/japanese scooters died down some?

Next year I am using my tax return to buy me one and I am joining them. Im the meantime,  what will the police do with all the free time they have now? I mean crime is way down according to the Mayor. 

Budget is right around the corner. Word is the fat pills arent being covered by the city anymore.  Im sure that is chapping alot of people's asses. There may be alot of swimsuits being returned. I dont think that should be covered anyways.   Its not a necessity.  It costs the city a ton of money.  

I know 4 firefighters using it.  Don't they have treadmills at their firehouses?  I know they have couches. 

The Executive Charter School played their first game at their new stadium on top of a parking garage.  The stadium looks amazing and I am glad something big has happened for our youth.  Mind you two thirds of the 25 million dollar stadium was paid for by the Charter School Foundation and only one third taxpayers.  Imagine that, a major project in Allentown built mostly without the taxpayers having to foot the entire bill. Go Raptors!!

Will this nor-eastern blow the city arch over?  

Will the mayor have to much fun this weekend?

Look at this guy.  Went to learn about election security.  I dont think Allentown has had a problem with that. Waste of time. Dealing with data centers- mayor wants them.  Dont think for a moment he doesnt.  Major money behind them. Oh and a ton more.  Right.

Nothing he claims he learned is relevant or helpful.   Dealing with data centers?  The public explained what they wanted and their recommendations.  

Had enough time to get a jail house looking tat, next to his other crappy tats.  Then went to the Hispanic Heritage night at the Padres stadium to show support to real Latino people.  Oh and managed to get some runs in.  So basically he had another vacation on taxpayers dime.  

Why dont you come to the next council meeting and explain everything in detail to the public on what you learned.  

The past week

 

Over the weekend and past few days

Lets see had another shooting in the 100blk N. 12th St.  Shocking.

A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on S. 4th St.  Shocking

A large group of people took over Hamilton St.  Basically acting like complete assholes.  Watch for yourself. No police action taken from what I saw.  Commentator does a great job describing the situation.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1PFM7ae3Ku/

The police station was evacuated for the day.  I wonder why? Was their a gas leak?  Or was the Mayor flushing too many files down the toilet and clogged it. Power outage?  Was Dunkin Donuts handing out free 🍩 🍩? Its odd all operations stopped there. No one knows. News never did a follow up?  Suspect of that.

There were flyers placed on vehicles on the East Side of Allentown.   The flyers encouraged people to call Immigration on Sept. 30 if they see someone they think illegal. 

Cece Gerlach called the flyer "despicable." She stated the Lehigh Valley Immigration Rapid Response will be on hand.  If you do not know what the Rapid Response is, it is basically a local group of people that protect immigrant communities from ICE.  Of course Gerlach supports this.  Nevermind the fact their are illegal immigrants and illegals with warrants living here.  

Gerlach stated:

“It is despicable, and it really speaks to the climate that we are living in where everyone is struggling between gas and groceries and some people’s answer is to blame folks who may have came here from a different country, as though they are the reason why they are broke,” Gerlach said in an interview.

I did not see the flyers but, it seems they were directed at illegals.  Illegals with warrants. Those who dont pay taxes, yet benefit from tax funded schools,  free healthcare, etc.  Go thru the citizen process to becoming legal like all of my ancestors did. Nothing is free CeCe. Someone has to cover their bills.  Quit being such a liberal socialist. 

Mayor Tuerks response was he is dedicated to supporting residents.  Blah blah blah.  He wont be saying that when he raises taxes.

He also stated:

"We’re not going to let anybody intimidate residents of the city of Allentown."  Like he intimidates the employees of the City.?  

Will APD find the villian responsible for this?

Flock system is again being scrutinized.  Now council spent $10,000 to have a company tell them what we already know.  Yes the system tracks you throughout the city.  Yes the police can use it for means outside of official work.  Yes I am sure they probably dont get monitored as much as they should. But will the study actually matter?  What is the city going to do? Get rid of Flock?

There was a Liberty Bell celebration if anyone knew about it.  Judging by the pictures, it was poorly attended.  That is a shame.  Im surprised the Mayor was involved in that, seeing how he is so patriotic.   

And Im sure this fellow blogger doesnt care me sharing this. Just wait Tom. I think your way off and it will hit 50 million before its down. Honestly, the building looks ugly. Looks more like a community college or something. I would never guess it was a police station.

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