Community Activist

Since 1973 Dennis Pearson has been the voice of the east side. As President of the Neighborhood Association for decades, and a coach, his tireless efforts are known to several generations. Mr. Pearson has a masters degree in urban and social studies and also substitute teaches. Currently he has offered his vast experience to fill out a term on the County Commission. Anybody familiar with his on going analysis of Allentown's budgets and tax ordinances, knows his experience is an opportunity county residents cannot afford to miss out on. Although he has submitted an official condensed resume to the county, please check out his decades of service on the following site; http://www.pearson4pa133.com/Biography.html
The above photo was taken in 1983, when a younger Dennis attempted to hold Mayor Daddona to a campaign promise.

UPDATE: I received an offline message exploiting Dennis's interest in space exploration. Although I do not share that passion, I find it refreshing to have a candidate for appointment with a wide palette of interests. Here is a man of the neighborhood groups, of the crime watches, straight forward, sincere and devoid of the plastic phoniness of cookie-cutter politicians.

Heavyweight Championship of the World

On March 21, 1941, my mother's cousin Abe Simon, son a of Jewish egg and butter salesman, fought Joe Louis for the title in Detroit. Lasting 13 rounds, he earned another title shot against the Brown Bomber a year later in Madison Square Garden. After retiring he acted in several movies, including On The Waterfront and Requiem For A Heavyweight.

A Wedding Day

One would hope, after all the discussion, expense and subsidizes given to create an arts district, lofts and studios, something will be named after Greg Weaver; he inspired a generation of local artists.

I took this photo of Greg and Fran the morning of their wedding

Back To The Future

It's the year 2015 and Mayor Guridy has just received the long anticipated study from A&P Associates. Advice from Afflerbach and Pawlowski doesn't come cheap, $475,000, but as City Council President Peter Lewnes said,"Sometimes it pays to invest in the best.". Some of the recommendations to revive Hamilton Street are nothing less than brilliant. Bus transfer stops are to be placed on Hamilton Street between 7th and 9th, creating foot traffic and enhancing a sense of security. Meter rates will be reduced, once again accepting quarters and other coins. The old Allentown Brew Pub, closed since the KOZ ended in 012, will be torn down to create a convenient pocket parking lot. The renovations would be implemented by the Butz Company, and as is the policy, no estimates will be provided. Guridy will make the announcement early next week, and a translation in English will be available.

Open Mike

This posting is intended to provide an opportunity to comment on any topic, or on an earlier posting.

Arrogant Heights

Mayor Ed Pawlowski, in his second State of the City address this year, proclaimed he will rename the center city subsidized district "Renaissance Square." Although some feel "Pawlowski's Pay and Playville" would be most appropriate, the new name should be "Arrogant Heights." At the Allentown Parking Authority board meeting on Feb. 26, the declining revenue of existing merchants on Hamilton Street was accepted as a factual consequence of the new Lanta Transportation Center. This matter of fact comment occurred during a discussion about building new townhouses at 7th and Linden, which they should call "Moron Manor." It is the height of arrogance, to think that any revitalization plan, justifies compromising the survival of long term, taxpaying businesses.

City Council Out of Line

According to an article in the Morning Call*, Mayor Pawlowski and Council President Michael D'Amore met about council's acting up; council did not pass an ordinance charging brides a fee to use the rose gardens for photographs. One must understand that this is the first time Allentown City Council has denied a request by the mayor**. After rubber stamping a new 10 million dollar bond, and refinancing 22 million more in bonds**, the mayor does not expect city council to act as an equal branch of city government. He refers to the recent insubordination as a bump in the road, expecting council to henceforth comply with the will of the people. Apparently Mr. Pawlowski feels his initiatives are the will of the people.

* http://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/all-b1_5council.6291797mar04,0,5537319.story

** current city council has three new members

A Boutique Hotel

Recently I had a conversation with someone familiar with Mayor Pawlowski's vision. The person commented that hopefully the Mayor's plan for the Americus as a boutique hotel comes to fruition. I also had a conversation with a Hamilton Street business woman, who after thirty years, is now reduced to working a second job to supplement her building costs. La Belle Cuisine is moving to Emmaus. Lanta buses ignore the new stops on 8th street, causing riders to walk back two blocks to Hamilton. Verizon workers are losing their safe parking to build townhouses at 7th and Linden. Having a vision for Allentown is fine, but sacrificing existing merchants and inconveniencing long-term employers is morally wrong, and most likely a poor bet.