Pawlowski's Sendoff

I wasn't motivated to to attend Pawlowski's sendoff yesterday, but find the local news reports interesting. Apparently, Mike Fleck had his entire stable of candidates  there, and one by one they mouthed platitudes, but some didn't look that enthusiastic in the photos. In this bizarre era of partisan politics, Allentown holds it's own in that department. As Pawlowski launches his trial balloon for governor in the rented RV, one wouldn't know that he's also running for mayor. The calculus for that contest seems to be that it can be won blindfolded, with one arm behind his back. The Republicans didn't tender an opponent, and the independent is running an abbreviated campaign. Shown in the photo is Cynthia Mota, up and coming  City Council member, also managed by Fleck.

photocredit:Harry Fisher/The Morning Call/September 9,2013

May of 1933

In May of 1933, the wife of Pennsylvania's Governor, Mrs. Gifford Pinchot, came to Allentown to lend support to striking textile workers. At that time,  Allentown housed close to 100 garment factories. In 2013, the sewing factories are all gone, and Mrs. Pawlowski wants to be the governor's wife.

Does Pawlowski Have Courage

Last week Ed Pawlowski gave the Wildlands Conservancy permission to remove the scenic dam in Lehigh Parkway. Earlier that week I explained to the Park and Recreation Committee that Wildlands, despite their slick presentation and parade of experts, was ignoring the 800 pound gorilla in the proposal to remove the dam. While the Wildlands was spouting cookie cutter platitudes about dam removal improving water quality, they were ignoring the over flowing sewer pipe that runs along side the creek. They were ignoring an overriding problem affecting the Little Lehigh, so that they could utilize a grant and demolish the historic dam. Today, the Morning Call ran a feature story about the sewage problem. The EPA had given Allentown and the LCA until 2014 to correct the sewage affecting the creek. If the Wildlands demolishes the dam we will lose the beauty, sound and magic it provides to Lehigh Parkway, but still have a major water quality issue from the sewage. Does Pawlowski have the courage to reverse himself and save a treasure in the park?

photocredit:molovinsky

Buffalo Soldiers Visit Block Party

The Buffalo Soldiers came to support Ce-Ce Gerhart's Fundraiser. The Buffalo Soldiers were black cavalry regiments who gained fame during the Indian Wars, following the Civil War. The units existed until the army ended segregation after WW2. About twenty members of the Pocono Mountain Chapter of The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club made the ride to Allentown.

photocredit:molovinsky

Ce-Ce Rocks The Block

Ce-Ce Gerlach rocked South 16th Street this afternoon with a block party to raise funds for school uniforms. The block was packed with people enjoying several carnival attractions, music and food. From all reports, the new Allentown school uniform policy seems to have gotten off to a good start, but one issue is the cost of the  clothes.  With a large, low income student body, this can become a family hardship.  I'm sure Ce-Ce's organizing abilities  will help with this problem.  I've had a couple of conservations with Ce-Ce this past month, and I believe she will be a factor in Allentown's future.

To donate to the school uniform fund, make check payable to RCDC, 144 N. 9th St. Allentown, Pa. 18101.   Write Uniforms on memo line.

Gary Olson, Professional Israel Hater

It's possible to be a professional Israel hater, you become a college professor. Gary Olson has done some fellowships in the Muslim world, and has learned their point of view very well. In his latest attack on Israel, he states that the initial pressure* for a response to the nerve gas attack in Syria came  from the pro Israel lobby, and is meant to prolong human suffering. When it comes to Israel bashing, The Morning Call has once again displayed it's double standard. While the defenders of Israel must provide the editors with substantiated facts,  it's critics are given a green light to spew their anti-zionist propaganda.


*AIPAC does now support Obama doing what he said we would do, but they were not a factor in his initial decision.