Coffee With Emma and Ce-Ce

This blog did not take any overt positions on the recent primary election. Instead of profiling any candidate, I reprinted my piece on Emma Tropiano, The People's Candidate. I believe that Emma has a kindred spirit in Ce-Ce Gerlach. Now, I understand that a lot of people will take exception to my comparison, maybe even Ce-Ce herself.

Because of inaccurate media reports, Emma was falsely portrayed as bigoted. Her memory now unjustly bears that misconception. Most people today who repeat that slander never knew her. Emma was immensely popular, and easily won reelection to city council, election after election. Ce-Ce Gerlach was the top vote getter this primary, receiving almost double the votes of her fellow candidates.

As someone who knew both women, there are many similarities... Both being extremely accessible, down to earth, and making people comfortable.

Emma was energized to work hard for Allentown, as is Ce-Ce. Emma was passionate about the issues she championed, so is Ce-Ce.

I sat in diners having coffee with both of them, many years apart. I think that they would have understood and liked each other.

reprinted from previous years

ADDENDUM MAY 20, 2026: Ce-Ce had a tough primary yesterday. Although enormously more qualified than her opponent, Tiburcio had party and Latino influencer support. As I pen this Tuesday eve, I don't know the outcome, but I expect Ce-Ce to be the next District 22 representative come November.

photo/The Morning Call

 

ADDENDUM 12:30AM: While I'm glad that Ce-Ce has apparently prevailed, I was disappointed that Bob Brooks won the 7th. It reminded me to back when Jenn Mann won her first primary over Emma. Mann's father was a union boss, who used his influence to bring out enough votes. Brooks will be a straight party voter, while we had the opportunity for an informed and independent voice with Ryan Crosswell.

Shapiro Compromises Himself

I was disappointed to see Josh Shapiro endorse Ana Tiburcio. While I thought that it was inappropriate for him to endorse Bob Brooks, I took Shapiro at his word that he knew Brooks, and that his support had some basis beyond party politics.

However, Shapiro certainly doesn't know Tiburcio, she has been a state representative for 10 minutes, filling Josh Siegel's slot. 

The other day I noticed that some Ryan Crosswell signs were replaced by Bob Brooks signs. When governors endorse people they don't know, and campaign workers discard competitors' signs, it's a poor reflection on both the endorser and the candidate.

Latino Super Sunday

Back in older days, before the Latinization of the city, Allentown celebrated Super Sunday, from 1974 to 1999. An oldster like me coming back to town wouldn't recognize Hamilton Street. None of the department stores, 5 & 10's or small independents remain. NONE as in NONE. 

None of the eateries of the older era remain. While the Brass Rail has been recently reincarnated at the Farmer's Market, its Hamilton Street location closed decades ago. Even the center city Yocco's is just a memory. 

Many of the people celebrating Fiesta on Hamilton yesterday have no memory of the places mentioned above. New memories are being formed. Perhaps a blogger down the road, perhaps writing in Spanish, will recall yesterday's event as back in the older days.

Stacy, Thanks, But No Thanks

It seems that I overpaid my 2025 state taxes by $92 dollars. Stacy Garrity gave me a credit for $89 for next tax year, and sent me a check for $3 dollars. Needless to say, the check is rather inconvenient. Driving to the bank to deposit it with my gas guzzler might cost me more than 3 bucks.

It occurs to a cynic like myself that perhaps she considers her signature on the check sort of a campaign mailer for her governor race. If so, she lost my vote. However, if it's any consolation to her, I won't be voting for Shapiro either.

At any rate, a check for $3 dollars in 2026 is taxpayer abuse. If she made the check for $89 dollars and gave me a $3 credit that would make sense, or should I say more cents.

As Allentown Turns, It Seems

It seems that there is commotion at the Allentown School District. The school board of color hired a superintendent of color who hired a rasher of administrators of color. Some of those administrators who failed to properly perform and were let go are now suing the district for discrimination!?!

It seems that the queen city bees are buzzing about the mayor jogging in Madrid. I suspect that future running selfies will be limited to the Allentown Park System.

It seems that there are those in Lehigh County, such as Mark Pinsley and Josh Siegel, who think that a Wealth Tax on county residents could help balance the budget and finance more affordable housing.

Is Trump's Moron Cabinet Intentional?

With Hegseth again threatening Mark Kelly with charges about revealing publicly know information about weapon stockpiles, I wonder if Trump's mediocre appointments are intentional? In term one he started off with highly qualified help, only to have them reveal how impulsive and uninformed their boss was.

Nobody could accuse Trump of tapping expertise for this second round. Some of the appointments, like Kennedy, are tragically comical. Although two novices have been ousted, we're in a war with a Fox News host leading a Department of War. 

Trump's ego has progressed into a clinical stage. Perhaps the amateur cabinet was a subconscious attempt to make sure that he looks informed compared to his advisors. I feel sorry for the Republicans having to defend this administration. Here on the blog the best they can cite is the day one border closing, and that their daughters aren't confronted with transgenders in the gym class.