This year the Trexler Trust is dispensing over $6mil to an assortment of the usual institutions and organizations. Every year I study the list, and it is truly uninspired. Each year the same trustees enable the same engines of the status quo which have made Allentown less livable every year.
With one exception, I won't list either the givers or the takers, but believe me that there are no surprises. The Trust is backing the Art Museum move with $250K a year for five years. As I written before, the move will boost Reilly's 10th St. holdings at the expense of the 5th Street art district.
As specified by Trexler's will, one third of the yearly payout goes to the Allentown Park Department. Seasoned readers of this blog know that I have issues with the park's priorities... But, however misspent the money is by the park department, it is value compared to the other $4mil.
As I have chosen not to name the grantors and the grantees, comments will be likewise monitored.
Preface: I am in no way suggesting criminal behavior or intent with this comment, simply making a comparison regarding structure and function.
ReplyDeleteThe Trexler Trustees are the Allentown establishments equivalent of “Made Men”. Once one enters the Family tremendous respect, prestige and power is endowed.
It operates cloaked in semi-secrecy with a Don (she is extremely competent) and a consigliere.
The Trust Family makes or breaks those it smiles upon and those that it chooses to ignore.
To say that membership is exclusive is to craft an understatement.
Are members financially compensated for their relatively few days of service?
Yes.
How generous is that compensation?
I’ll leave that question to others.
mj adams
It’s the ultimate Allentown Old Boy club, and they are almost all old boys. The Director can’t carry on forever. What next when this uninspired establishment bunch is gone?
ReplyDeleteThe next generation of “leadership” could make everyone miss this group.