Between my issues with Trump, and my weariness of having patrolled Allentown for decades, Mayor Tuerk has mostly escaped my scrutiny. Understand that when the FBI came to Allentown about Pawlowski, this blogger wasn't surprised, I had been on his case for years. Likewise, I have become conditioned to the litter and noise now part of Allentown's fabric.
There is NOTHING that Tuerk could have learned in a conference in Madrid, Spain that justified his trip. Junket should refer to a milk based dessert, not a trip. Truth be told, there are too many potholes and loud dirt bikes that need tamping down here in Allentown.
While speaking Spanish helped Tuerk get elected, learning Pennsylvania Dutch might help him clean up the city. He should spend Saturday mornings at the Fairground Farmers Market, and ask the patrons what they would like to see improved in their neighborhoods.
Is this an attempt at satire?
ReplyDeleteAm I missing something in the media clutter of the Washington Correspondence Extravaganza?
I notified Matt Tuerk on his Facebook post that I took. him to task here on the blog. He replied (which I appreciate), "I think you are missing a bigger point. I’m with mayors from around the globe, getting training on designing for improved resident outcomes. Three days in Madrid will influence the next three years in Allentown. You’ll appreciate what it means for our parks"
ReplyDeleteMatt, In 1965 Allentown was designated an All American City. We won that reward for the cleanliness (litter was unknown) and the park system among other fine traits. A major problem is that we have become dirty and loud. It's not politically correct, and it may not be good politics in today's Allentown to point out the obvious, but conferences will not solve our problems.
“improved recent outcomes.”
DeleteThat jargon alone may disqualify him.
The guy is a dim bulb and he thinks his constituents are too. He’s mostly correct.
ReplyDeleteHey, what about the newest attempt on The Orange Hitlers life. Is Molovinsky on Allentown just going to skip that?
ReplyDeleteMoving from Bethlehem to Allentown in the late 90s (which was supposed to be a temporary stay) the first thing that struck me was the trash everywhere. Things have only gotten worse year to year. The only decent places I like to walk are some of the parks, maybe because of the cameras and police patrols they are still fairly nice. As far as Tuerk's trip, if he paid for it without city money while he was using vacation time, great. If not, his explanation is nonsense.
ReplyDeleteanon@11:37: I think that he is politically astute. Unfortunately for my peers, litter and noise are acceptable to the dominant culture.
ReplyDeleteanon@12:41: The incident gets a brief mention tomorrow, but it has been covered endlessly by main stream.
Michael. I could not agree more. Native Allentonians have been largely ignored by the current administration. My bloodline runs deep in this city. I'm a 7th generation city resident. Over the years taxes had always been higher than outlying areas, but we had good city services and a responsive city government. When the tax bill came due or taxes were increased I didn't complain. I paid my fair share. Things have drastically changed. Noise from car stereos and trash have become a huge problem outside of my home. When I approached the city I was blown off by the police department. During the primary I brought my concerns to Matt and was blown off being told my concerns were "too hard to police." Nothing has been done to address my concerns. We have been living in absolute hell, not being able to relax in our home. Windows, walls vibrating all hours of the day and night, being woken up in the middle of the night with loud car stereos and altered mufflers. I can't remember the last time I was able to sleep through the night uninterrupted. My home has become a literal living hell. While Im being told my issues are too difficult to deal with, where is Matt? MADRID! It feels like we don't matter. The city doesn't care. I am beyond disgusted.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the mayor has thrown up his hands on the current job and is out networking looking for his next one.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! He accomplished nothing notable within his first term and he’ll spend the next 3 1/2 years looking for his next job at the tax payers expense
DeleteIn his defense, he has spent a lot of energy managing an activist city council, and vocal minority of residents, who might otherwise drive the city into the ground with their limited agenda.
Delete