Long time Council member Candida Affa has been taking heat on the dais for years. She was accused of racism in a suit by a former city employee, which was just dismissed by a federal judge. She is being accused of ignoring a homophobic slur by a policeman against a local activist.
I don't know the particulars in the above allegations, but I do know that Candida has been an out front member of the gay community long before such activism was fashionable. I do know that in her lifetime she has been no stranger to being discriminated against.
Candida is sounding the alarm on the tax reality of Allentown's plans for new police and fire stations. I know that new buildings will not make those departments better. I don't know who will be running for council again, but I'm pretty sure the list will not include Candida. Council can be a thankless job, and I believe that she has had enough of that type of gratitude.
CLICK HERE FOR MY BABY BOOMER MEMORIES OF ALLENTOWN AT AMAZON BOOKSTORE..... 36 SELECTED POSTS FROM THIS BLOG
It pays well for a part time gig.
ReplyDeleteanon@6:02: This year the salary more than doubled to 15k, but previously it was 6k since 1997. So for someone on for years, as she was, it paid poorly.
ReplyDeleteI think she is sounding the alarm too early. There is talk in the hallways of City Hall that there will be no tax increase for 2027.
ReplyDeleteAs for the “rough time” for Candida-she hasn’t been exactly the most poised and professional member of the council during her tenure. She has been a bully herself.
It should be noted that the decision by Judge Gail Weilheimer said the actions didn't rise to the level of civil rights violations but admitted they happened.
It is probably best for Allentown that she doesn’t run again.
anon@7:22: In my booklet at Amazon, I recall the good old days, when we were the All American City. I believe that in the future, now might be considered the "good old days." Candida ran a successful bar business for many years, and has an institutional memory of Allentown. She still even sometimes goes on patrol with a police officer. I occasionally attend a council meeting, and know that she is not in "sync" with Allentown's current direction.... to me that is not a downside.
ReplyDeleteMike, I have rarely agreed with Candida over the years but never doubted she served, to serve the city's best interests. What replaces her if she should decide enough's enough should concern us all. Many keep waiting for the city and school district to hit a rock bottom and bounce back, that seems a forlorn hope for at least the near term. God Bless Candida for trying.
ReplyDeleteCandida has been a sollid proponent for our law enforcement community and a conservative beacon in a City that has gone too far left. She has been a truly dedicated servant and has been unfairly targeted by those who oppose her ideals and do not hold the City in good stead.
ReplyDeleteI believe her warnings about financial challenges are spot on and on top of the proposed tax increase at the County level will be be a true burden for City taxpayers.
The good/ her place served the best Key Lime Martini in the Lehigh Valley. She was a sane voice in a Council that was veering towards loony. She harnessed her particular constituents while still representing the city at large.
ReplyDeleteThe bad/ she could have had another political position in Florida considering the time she spent there.
The ugly/ a loyal Pawlowski supporter long long after the criminal cabal was exposed.
A black mark on her tenure.
This anon poster wishes her well in the days to come.
Agree that council is a thankless job, but I’m not so sure that Affa is ready to hang it up yet.
ReplyDelete