Morning Call Still Promoting For Reilly

On Friday, the Morning Call ran a special on Hess's. I could tell that the reporter actually never experienced the store, but I neither fault him or the paper for that. There are few places to find historical perspective on Allentown anymore,  this blog being one of them. But, what I do fault the paper for is the following line; Today, Allentown is undergoing a transformation that has brought an arena and high-end businesses and restaurants to the area dominated by Hess's.

Allentown becoming a dining destination is wishful thinking.  Allentown again becoming a high end shopping district is delusional.   Sage and the Moravian Bookstore were induced by J.B. Reilly to open here with irresistibly cheap rent, they were not attracted by any success of the area.  Furthermore,  after the failure of Shula's, it diminishes the paper's credibility to continue the Reilly NIZ myth.

At some point, after it was apparent to others, the paper starting portraying the disgraced city government for what it is.  At what point will the paper realize that the arena zone is a taxpayer funded, privately owned bonanza,  for just a few people.

Allentown, A Revoltin Development

When I was a kid, at the end of each episode of The Life Of Riley, William Bendix would say, What a revoltin development this is. Imagine how poor J.B. Reilly feels, one $Billion dollars worth of development, and everyday the headline reads that the mayor is a crook, although not yet charged with any crime. Worse yet, is the realization of all the shenanigans, and all the willing players. If city hall and the council chamber would be really purged, there wouldn't be enough people left to run the city. Truth be told, this city deserves the scandal. Whoever heard of electing people endorsed by a mayor everybody knew was going to be indicted. Instead of starting off city council meetings with a prayer for good judgement, they should instead apologize, for all their poor decisions.

News sources state that council will finally vote no confidence in Pawlowski. Each meeting more citizens express no confidence in council. Vicky Kistler will take over Community Development. Although, she has no experience in many aspects of that department, and the head of Building and Code just retired, she should do no damage. In all due respect, beyond everyday city operations, City Hall should be making no major decisions or initiatives; They no longer have the moral authority.

For my skepticism about municipal intentions, several years ago Bill White called me dour and misguided. In my mind that's much better than indicted, which will soon describe those he admired.

The Lies Of Allentown

2016 isn't shaping up as a good year for Allentown. As the top floor of City Hall is being arrested, Pawlowski remains in psychological denial, still putting up inane facebook posts in the early morning. J.B. Reilly could also be more truthful about Shula's closing. He told the Morning Call "We're certainly interested in a more lower-cost concept that has a broader appeal to the community and neighborhoods,"   Now, we all know that he doesn't really want a neighborhood friendly eatery below his millennials at Strata Flats. He's trying to sell those tenants an image which doesn't include the underclass.  Besides, Allentown gave them their own shopping and eating district further out 7th Street, and would prefer to keep them on the north side of Linden Street.

Anyway, even as a dour and misguided blogger who never got with the program, I couldn't have written this script if I had tried. Which donkey will the FBI pin the tail on this week?

Inside Lehigh Valley Politics

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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.