Outside Straight Shooter Folds

When I ran for State Representative in 2014 as an independent, I was shocked by the partisan attitude of many of the people I had worked with on various causes throughout the years. None of those involved with the local Democratic or Republican party actively helped me. I did receive help from people active in various causes, but only from those best described as non partisan. I appreciated their help, and we managed to man a few polling places. In this current effort, even as an outsider Republican, once again I face that partisan wall. I've had a number of people volunteer to assist in gathering signatures, but the response has not been sufficient to encourage me. Unlike other people seeking the office, I'm not looking for a career. I have not accepted any contributions. My motive was providing more conscientious representation in Harrisburg, for an interested public. Between the public indifference and the party politics, I have decided to cease pursuing the Republican nomination. Perhaps the public will become more interested in this election as the year progresses, in which case I will still be eligible as an independent. Again, I want to thank those who offered me their time and support.

Little Apple Peaks

I believe that the Little Apple, Allentown's Revitalization, has peaked. Shula's closure signaled that we're over the peak, on the downslope. I'm sure that the owner gave J.B. Reilly ample notice to keep him open, if J.B. was inclined to pony up with another round of gift cards. I don't know if it's true, but I was told that they even tried to get the street singer back to do Barbara Ann. If J.B. himself wasn't the operator, likewise the hotel and Dime would have closed already. Now, don't cry for J.B.. The core money stream, the office workers income tax, will keep the show in production.

I always enjoy it when the Morning Call takes one of my 250 word themes and turn it into a feature story, complete with graphs and charts. Such was the case Sunday, when they conceded that gentrification never got past the Strata Flats. They still sell the company line that those apartments are full, despite no people or lights at night.  If those empty units are indeed leased to corporations, is it an arrangement which allows a large portion of the residential building to also utilize the NIZ funding mechanism?  With the NIZ being self regulated, nobody oversees the public interest.  It's not like Pennsylvania has any revenue shortfalls to worry about.

photo:The Morning Call

Send The Truth To Harrisburg

In the picture above I'm debating the NIZ, on Tony Iannelli's Business Matters, with Mike Fleck. This of course was before the FBI investigation, Fleck's disappearance, and all the subpoenas. This blog, published for the last eight years, has been telling the truth,  and nothing but the truth,  although often times not well received by our "leaders".  With your help, I'll represent the upper Lehigh Valley with same honestly and tenacity in Harrisburg. I need the help of registered Republicans to gather enough signatures to appear on the ballot. If your willing to give me a couple hours help, please contact me at 610 395-1815 or mmolovinsky@aol.com

Fighting The Political Machine

As an advocate, blogger and now candidate, I can tell you that it's not easy fighting against the political machine. Last time out, I ran as an independent, in a state that hasn't elected one since the 1930's. This time I'm running as a Republican, but now against established insider connections. Although change is always an election buzzword, neither the party or voters seem to really put value on it. Quite the contrary, with representatives usually serving for ten and more terms. They talk about property tax reform, pension reform and any kind of reform popular at the time. Truth is nothing changes, neither the representatives, term after term, or the policies in Harrisburg.

The Morning Call's political correspondent in Harrisburg finally acknowledged that I'm running, but referred to me as an independent. With your help  I'll correct him, when I'm sworn in as the first real outsider representative. I need help gathering the signatures during the last week in January and first week in February, in order to be on the ballot. Those who circulate the petition must be registered Republicans. I can be reached at 610 395-1815 or mmolovinsky@aol.com

UPDATE: Steve Esack made corrections to his Capital Ideas.  As a long time advocate and critic, even  occasionally of the newspaper,  I appreciate the fairness.

Obama Inadvertently Promotes Gun Frenzy

Obama's televised speech on gun control from the White House was wrought with emotion. I don't believe that there is anybody not profoundly saddened by children being shot.  However, the relationship between such revulsion and his proposals is very vague. Virtually all guns bought and sold through various venues, ultimately involve a FFL dealer, and a background check of the buyer. I don't know what tiny loophole Obama really closed yesterday by executive order, but I'm sure that it will result in a buying frenzy, that will profoundly outweigh the few sales it curtails. Worse yet, I'm sure that the White House knew that while his action would affect only a few dozen transactions, it would foster the sale of a few hundred thousand more guns. This is a pattern that has repeated itself, over and over again. I'm not advocating a gun policy, but know that grandstanding on the issue serves no good end.

Julio Guridy Cries His Way To The Bank

                                                                       photo by molovinsky        

Julio Guridy, Allentown's current longest standing council member, lost the vice presidency of council last night. Last year he lost the presidency, which is the current backdoor to being mayor. With Pawlowski's pending baggage, this could well be the year that a council president moves up, via resignation. However, don't cry for Julio, once Allentown's rising star. About a decade ago, the Hispanic power brokers in Philadelphia got Julio appointed to the Joint Toll Bridge Commission, with which he has earned close to $100 grand a year ever since, for a no-show, nonsense job.

Julio's job and hundreds like it, really motivate me to get to Harrisburg and address that bed of corruption. There are dozens of commissions, with political plum no-show jobs, sucking $millions from the taxpayer.

I'm currently wrestling with an obstacle on my plan to run under the Republican banner. The window to gather Republican signatures is short, and being an outsider gives me no access to the party's organizational advantage.  Hopefully, some party members who recognize the voters mood will want someone unique on the ticket,  and step forward to help me with this hurdle.  One things for sure, nobody will be offering me a no-show commission job to be a good boy.