LVS Interview with Popular/Visionary Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski

Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski has graciously agreed to an interview with LVS and we asked our readers to participate by posing questions. Here are the Mayor's responses to our questions ...

Anonymous said...
For Mayor Pawlowski Q/A: Based on studies that I'm sure have been conducted (and paid for) by the City, what is the number of police officers we should have in Allentown, compared to the number we actually have now, and when will these two numbers be the same? Thank you Mayor.

A. This is a good question. There is no one report which outlines how many officers should be on the force at a given time. I have seen cities with similar population sizes which have more police and greater crime and cities with smaller forces which have less crime. It all depends on how you deploy and manage the force. Currently we are implementing a community policing model which anticipates a force of 215 officers. Over the course of the last several years we have lost a large number of police due to early retirement. We have hired and trained 72 new officers over the course of the last three years and with the adoption of the new police contract we are no longer losing officers to retirement. Above and beyond replacing those officers which have retired, we have also added 19 new police positions to the budget over the past several years. City council recently approved four new police hires bring the total force complement to 202 with the remaining 13 positions to be filled hopefully by the end of 2009. This will bring our total police complement to 215, a number we have not seen in Allentown for many, many years.
Bill Villa said...
Mayor Pawlowski, Angie and I can't think of a bigger roadblock to Allentown fulfilling your reelection campaign slogan of "Moving Forward Together" than the bigotry, intolerance, xenophobia, and hatred that exists in too many peoples' hearts and minds around here. That these haters' vile bile is given an unbridled FORUM in our town's monopoly newspaper The Morning Call is, we believe, outrageous. Q. Would you join us in approaching The Morning Call and asking that they "do something" about the rampant racism and hatred that's currently allowed to flow freely on The Morning Call's website? And "something" might be something as simple as making "Registration Required" for commenting at The Forum-- a requirement that's already in place for The Morning Call's "Sounding Board" forum.

A. I completely agree that hateful, spiteful commentary has no place in our community and I have voiced my concerns to Morning Call publisher Tim Kennedy, Editorial Page Editor Glenn Kranzley and Editors Ardith Hillard and Dave Erdman numerous times on this issue. While readers deserve a voice, this type of commentary serves no constructive purpose and I do hope they change this platform to better reflect the true values of our community.

Anonymous said...
"Allentown has experienced a double-digit reduction in crime since Ed Pawlowski was elected Mayor," according to "FBI Statistics" cited in Mayor Pawlowski's reelection campaign brochure. Would the Mayor please give specifics on this reduction of crime, thank you.

A. According to FBI and Uniform Crime Report statistics, our crime-fighting efforts have been successful. We are already seeing results. Violent crime in Allentown, which includes the crimes of murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault fell 18 percent! The number of property crimes, which includes burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft and arson also fell 12 percent! This is the third year in a row that crime has decreased. We think the numbers bear out that the initiatives we have undertaken are taking a bite out of crime.

Anonymous said...
Mayor Pawlowski, you have been given much scrutiny and criticism in our local blogosphere (founded or unfounded I don't know) regarding the Allentown Brew Works and your "political relationship" with the owners of the Brew Works. In short, you are routinely accused of playing favorites with the Brew Works and that the Allentown Brew Works is the beneficiary of "special favors" no other businesses in Allentown are getting, to paraphrase the arguments. Please explain the City's side of the A-Town Brew Works story.

A. The Fegley family has a significant personal investment in the future of Allentown, and I am proud to help them succeed and grateful for their support of my efforts to revitalize our downtown. That said, there have been no “special favors” granted to the Brew Works or any other individual or business in the City of Allentown. I will work and do work with all individuals and businesses that bring such positive attitudes and attributes to our efforts. Not all have been successful, but we shall continue to seek out the enterprises and entrepreneurs that recognize the opportunities Allentown has to offer. And yes, I will continue to publically promote their investments whenever and wherever I can as a way of encouraging others to also invest in the city.

Anonymous said...
Can a well-paying job in your administration (say Director of Community & Economic Development at $87K) really be "purchased" for as little as $1,150? If so, when and where can we meet, I have $2 grand I want to give you!

A. This is just a ridiculous and baseless question. Why some individuals resort to personal attacks and innuendo rather than seeking a constructive dialogue that will improve our city is beyond me.

Anonymous said...
Mr. Mayor, I love the "Landlord Hall of Shame" idea, as a way of preventing more Mark Mendelsons plaguing Allentown. As you may know, some people have been off put by this strategy. Care to explain and/or defend it?

A. The “Landlord Hall of Shame” is aimed at bringing attention to the worst landlords – and many are absentee landlords who do not even live in our city – in hopes of spurring them into positive action. I believe the program has made a tremendous positive impact. My administration will work conscientiously with any landlord who wants to make a positive contribution to the welfare of Allentown, and I welcome those property owners to our city.
As Mayor, there are times when have to make a decision or implement a program, that some (even if it is a small minority) will disagree with me. That’s fine. That is their right as citizens. But I will fight for the City of Allentown and its residents and property owners, and if I upset some people by doing that, I will accept that but my goal has been and will remain making Allentown a great place to live, work and invest.
Anonymous said...
I see in Ed Pawlowski's biograph that he was a community organizzer on Chicago's South Side. Question: did he ever cross paths with Barack Obama?

A. Unfortunately, no. But I am a strong supporter of our new president and I wish him the best as he tackles some very, very tough problems. I can empathize with President Obama, as I am sure you understand.
Jon said...
Not really a campaign issue Mr. Mayor but I must ask ... you're a drummer, so who are your favorite drummers who have influenced your playing?

A. I enjoy a variety of types and styles of music. Some of the drummers who have influenced me are Steve Gadd, Neil Pert, Steve Jordon, Denis Bradford, Stewart Copeland and Rod Morganstein to name a few.

Anonymous said...
The mayor is getting virtually crucified by some local bloggers on "systematic home inspections" that are connected to the city's weed and seed program. To hear these bloggers tell it, the mandatory home inspections are akin to being imprisoned without cause in a gulag in the old Soviet Union. I'd like to hear Mayor Pawlowski's side of this story...please. Thank you.

A. This program is nothing new, the systematic inspection process has been taking place in the city for many years. My goal is to create a city where everyone has a safe and healthy home.
Again, there are those who will disagree with whatever we do because they have their own personal axes to grind. Unfortunate, but it comes with the territory. We work hard to find common ground with everyone and we work hard to minimize any hardships placed upon our property owners but our goal and purpose is to create safe and healthy living environments for our communities to thrive and grow.

Anonymous said...
Was this piece of "investigative journalism" really the "gotcha moment" local NeoCons giddily swore it was? What's YOUR explanation for this seeming mis-step, Mr. Mayor?

A. We followed the guidance of the Lehigh County Voter Registration office, but there was a misunderstanding and we corrected it as soon as it was brought to our attention. I suggest you contact the Voter Registration office for a more accurate recounting of the situation.
Anonymous said...
A new Polish Deli opened at 1425 Chew St. recently. It is a wonderful place and a great addition to the diversity of Allentown. The food and service are excellent. The same storefront has seen a number of small businesses try and fail in the past few years. Why does the City only seem to help, support and advertise businesses that open on Hamilton or 7th street? And as a follow up what help and support can City Hall provide for non Hamilton St./7th St. business?

A. It does my heart good whenever a new Polish deli opens in our city. I grew up in a Polish restaurant owned and operated by my parents. That said, we will support businesses throughout the city but it is critically important to revitalize our core Business District. Our overall success and the perception of our community health is tied to that area. There are several programs, though, that are open to all business owners and I encourage you to contact our Community and Economic Development Department and the Allentown Economic Development Corporation to learn more about these programs.
Mrs. Dottie said...
Dear Mr Mayor, as a former ASD teacher and a parent of an ASD student, I am concerned about the fact that too much of the crime in the city is committed by teenagers, some who are in gangs. One of my former students, Sondra Yohe, was shot and killed by kids, who were also former students of mine. I have read that it has been difficult for city council and ASD officials to schedule regular meetings. I believe it is very important for the ASD to communicate with the city in developing after school programs for at risk youth, and for addressing the gang problem. Has there been any improvement in this area? Also, I think outstanding students and teachers in the ASD should be publicly recognized by the city. Maybe this is already happening, but I have not read much about it in our newspaper. I am glad that the district has received more funding, and that new schools are being built, but I think more can be done, and that the public needs to hear about the good things happening in the ASD. What do you think? Thank you,Angie Villa

A. Angie, I could not agree with you more. That is why I and my administration have been working very closely with the Allentown School District for the past three years to find new and innovative ways to help our young people succeed. For instance, we instituted a summer reading program with the Library that gave a free pair of sneakers to every student who read a certain number of books. We have given free fire truck rides to students who read the prescribed number of books. Through our Weed and Seed initiative we have funded several after school programs for at risk youth and developed a new midnight basketball/mentoring program to keep kids off the streets and in productive activities and positive relationships. And I have personally lobbied – successfully – in Harrisburg to increase state funding for the Allentown School District, helping the district receive an additional $12.3 million last year – the second-highest increase in the state. We will continue to work with the district wherever possible. The school district has a ceremony to recognize outstanding teachers which I participate in on a yearly basis. My hat goes off to our outstanding teachers in ASD, they are doing a tremendous job.

jdg said...
Mr. Mayor, as you may know, shock value attention-seekers in our heavily NeoCon majority local blogosphere are routinely coming up with stuff like THIS that makes yellow journalism seem credible by comparison. Our NeoCon Allentown Saboteurs make shoot-first-ask-questions-later statements such as these:

* "Between 2006 and 2008, all of them off-election years, Pawlowski raised over $200k. He spent nearly as much. It is obscene."

* "There is little doubt in my mind that most of the money here is P2P ["Pay To Play"], i.e. given with the expectation of getting something in return."

Mr. Mayor, please give us your side of the story regarding your alleged "obscene fundraising and spending" and your alleged (and, famously notorious) "pay to play" requirements in the City Of Allentown. Thanks.

A. Again, as I have previously stated, there are those who will disagree with whatever we do because they have their own personal axes to grind. Unfortunate, but it comes with the territory. If I came up with the cure for cancer, they would probably say ‘why didn’t he invent a cure for diabetes?’ On this issue, let me state this as clearly as possible: There is no “pay-to-play” in my administration. I will not tolerate it. I take great offense to these accusations. Since assuming office I have tried to separate myself from the contract approval process as much as possible, creating committees and objective review criteria for major contracts as to not have even a hint of impropriety. I have also released all contracting information to whoever has asked for it and openly published bid awards. And for the first time in the city’s history, we put the entire city budget on line to provide total transparency on how the city spends its money. Those who support my campaign do so because they recognize that I am working for the future of Allentown. If they expect something other than that in return, they will be disappointed.

citymom said...
I just want to second Mrs. Dottie's question re; ASD. The need for a successful school district and city revitalization go hand in hand. How will city and ASD work together in a progressive way?

A. Please see my answer above.
Bill Villa said...
Mr. Mayor, not a question, a congratulations, on this excellent news reported in today's paper:

Allentown Crime Rate Dropped In 2008 -- Fewest Crimes This Decade In City [Editor's Note: The Morning Call "newspaper" has curiously de-activated this link]

We would, of course, be very interested in hearing your thoughts on this great report ...

A. Bill, I am thrilled. I believe they validate our efforts over the past three years to rebuild our police department, to find new and innovative ways to fight and reduce crime, and to make our city safe for residents, business people and visitors.

Jo Jo said...
Mayor Pawlowski what would be the top 3 things you would be endeavoring to accomplish in your next term in office?

A. Good question. Thank you. My top three goals for the next four years, as outlined in my re-election announcement speech, are to build upon the foundations we have established over the past several years.

When I announced my candidacy for mayor four years ago, I promised Vision, Responsibility and Results. I believe I have fulfilled those promises. Allentown is on the right course. If I have the privilege to be elected to a second term, I will strive to keep Allentown on the right course with new and innovative programs, financial restraint and improved public safety to make Allentown a city we can all be proud of.

My goals are as follows, to continue to improve public safety, community and economic development; to make the Queen City a “green city” by finding new ways to create jobs, save energy and preserve our natural resources; and to create a “city of the future” that welcomes and supports diversity, families, neighborhoods and businesses that allow us to work and live together in a supportive way.

Anonymous said...
What will the mayor do to bridge the gap that exists between the communities in Allentown ? Many residents have the US against THEM attitude. They believe the City could care less about them and refuse to even be apart of the process. How will he INSPIRE those who may be on the verge of going down a negative path, to become a model citizen ? I like the slogan MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER but many resident feel they were never apart of the group in the first place. Is he open to suggestions and assistance from we who LIVE and KNOW the frustrations of the community that is actually affecting Allentown's image ?Alfonso Todd

A. Alfonso, as you know, I believe Allentown’s strength is its diversity. That’s what makes a city. I have worked hard to create a diverse administration, and while I have had some success and some setbacks, I am proud of what we have done. I have and will continue to reach out to all of our residents and I urge them to be part of the process. We are stronger as a united community. But I need your help and the help of the greater community. Those who are willing to step forward and participate can be great role models for those who may be a bit hesitant. Please remain active, remain positive, and remain in communication with me and my administration and together we can broaden our community conversation.

Mrs. Dottie said...
Wait, one more question. I would like to know what the plans are for the vacant Americus Hotel? Thank you

A. We continue to pursue resolution to the Americus Hotel issue and we are optimistic that our legal efforts and the Bankruptcy Court will lead to a positive resolution in the near future.

Mayor Pawlowski, THANK YOU, for visiting "Lehigh Valley Somebody."

School District Consolidation

Governor Rendell wants to reduce the number of school districts in PA from 500 to about 100. He says this will save the taxpayer money by eliminating some local administrative positions. There is the claim that consolidation would provide better services, especially for programs like ESOL (English as a Second Language) which is usually only provided in larger districts like Allentown. I have heard that kids from surrounding districts already attend Allentown schools for ESOL programs and special needs programs, so I don't know if consolidation would really change anything in the ASD. Consolidation would also provide better equity from school to school since property taxes would be more fairly distributed. This is good news since every child should have the right to an equal education. Sounds like a good deal, but there are some concerns I have about such changes taking place so quickly.

Will making schools an even bigger bureaucracy really save the taxpayer money, and is there enough research to prove this? Consolidation may help rural students get the services they need, but is there evidence suggesting that consolidation will provide better services for all kids? And with all this focus on saving the taxpayer money, have we lost sight of what is so important, and that's the QUALITY of education for our KIDS?

Rep. Karen Beyer says in The Morning Call that "the creation of large districts allows a more standardized curriculum across a region." Good God, is that what we really want, MORE standardization? A "one size fits all" education for our kids? Just mix that in with the already stifling NCLB "teaching to the test" curriculum and it's a recipe for disaster. This is why decisions about education need to be made by experienced teachers, not politicians or CEOs.

School District Consolidation

Governor Rendell wants to reduce the number of school districts in PA from 500 to about 100. He says this will save the taxpayer money by eliminating some local administrative positions. There is the claim that consolidation would provide better services, especially for programs like ESOL (English as a Second Language) which is usually only provided in larger districts like Allentown. I have heard that kids from surrounding districts already attend Allentown schools for ESOL programs and special needs programs, so I don't know if consolidation would really change anything in the ASD. Consolidation would also provide better equity from school to school since property taxes would be more fairly distributed. This is good news since every child should have the right to an equal education. Sounds like a good deal, but there are some concerns I have about such changes taking place so quickly.

Will making schools an even bigger bureaucracy really save the taxpayer money, and is there enough research to prove this? Consolidation may help rural students get the services they need, but is there evidence suggesting that consolidation will provide better services for all kids? And with all this focus on saving the taxpayer money, have we lost sight of what is so important, and that's the QUALITY of education for our KIDS?

Rep. Karen Beyer says in The Morning Call that "the creation of large districts allows a more standardized curriculum across a region." Good God, is that what we really want, MORE standardization? A "one size fits all" education for our kids? Just mix that in with the already stifling NCLB "teaching to the test" curriculum and it's a recipe for disaster. This is why decisions about education need to be made by experienced teachers, not politicians or CEOs.

Stop Consuming, Start Creating

The economic crisis has resulted in many Americans rethinking their spending habits. More people are spending less, using debit instead of credit cards, trying to save money any way they can. My hope is that people will now start to place more importance on the non-material things in life that are so valuable: creativity and the arts, recreation, home life, nature, social relationships, community. Becoming doers and makers rather than consumers.

I think the American people are way out in front of the politicians who are still seeing "credit" as the answer to solving this economic crisis. Well, the economists say that it's necessary for the govt. to help get us out of this mess. But hopefully Obama's leadership will inspire people to think beyond selfish consumerism, to turn an economic disaster into an opportunity for cultural, civic, and spritual renewal. This could be an important moment in history.

On a local level, I see the city of Allentown at a very opportune moment. While some long standing businesses are closing their doors due to the recession, new doors are opening. It's not the doom and gloom that many people perceive it to be. There is now the real possibility of an Arts Center on Hamilton St. There are plans for community arts events that would bring people together. Could we be seeing the death of the malls and the move to REAL downtowns, for some REAL culture, not the faux kind like The Promenade? Could there be a rebirth of the arts centered in our downtown? We have the institutions, and we have the artists, and we have a supportive city govt.

The arts can foster creative thinking in govt. and across the country, and renew the human spirit. It's about time that the importance of the role of the arts in society be valued and recognized. It is in European countries. Instead of cutting arts programs maybe we should start investing in them. Newark NJ is doing that. Quincy Jones has started a petition to ask President-Elect Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts.

Another important aspect of renewing America involves new uses for communications technology. Why can't this be more for educational and cultural purposes? These areas could benefit from "networking" and new technology. My son does not even have access to working computers in his 2nd grade classroom. I find that unacceptable in 2009. Students will need creative skills to make it in the techno-world. The arts and technology are connected in many ways. It's time to think about the "needs" of our society instead of the "wants."

Stop Consuming, Start Creating

The economic crisis has resulted in many Americans rethinking their spending habits. More people are spending less, using debit instead of credit cards, trying to save money any way they can. My hope is that people will now start to place more importance on the non-material things in life that are so valuable: creativity and the arts, recreation, home life, nature, social relationships, community. Becoming doers and makers rather than consumers.

I think the American people are way out in front of the politicians who are still seeing "credit" as the answer to solving this economic crisis. Well, the economists say that it's necessary for the govt. to help get us out of this mess. But hopefully Obama's leadership will inspire people to think beyond selfish consumerism, to turn an economic disaster into an opportunity for cultural, civic, and spritual renewal. This could be an important moment in history.

On a local level, I see the city of Allentown at a very opportune moment. While some long standing businesses are closing their doors due to the recession, new doors are opening. It's not the doom and gloom that many people perceive it to be. There is now the real possibility of an Arts Center on Hamilton St. There are plans for community arts events that would bring people together. Could we be seeing the death of the malls and the move to REAL downtowns, for some REAL culture, not the faux kind like The Promenade? Could there be a rebirth of the arts centered in our downtown? We have the institutions, and we have the artists, and we have a supportive city govt.

The arts can foster creative thinking in govt. and across the country, and renew the human spirit. It's about time that the importance of the role of the arts in society be valued and recognized. It is in European countries. Instead of cutting arts programs maybe we should start investing in them. Newark NJ is doing that. Quincy Jones has started a petition to ask President-Elect Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts.

Another important aspect of renewing America involves new uses for communications technology. Why can't this be more for educational and cultural purposes? These areas could benefit from "networking" and new technology. My son does not even have access to working computers in his 2nd grade classroom. I find that unacceptable in 2009. Students will need creative skills to make it in the techno-world. The arts and technology are connected in many ways. It's time to think about the "needs" of our society instead of the "wants."

Opportunity for Community Service

I received this e-mail from community activist Alfonso Todd. This is a great opportunity to reach out and help the women in our community who may be struggling.

"Hello my name is Ben Nicholson. I’m here to introduce you to Life-styles of the Grown, Sexy and Sober. Life-styles of the G.S.S. (Grown, Sexy and Sober) has been an idea for some time. I was talking to an associate, Alfonso Todd, who told me to put this out to the public and let them see what your doing! Let them learn from the good choices that others make.

I shot my first video with a friend of mine, “George” He, at the time, had only a few months clean, yet he had managed to state something that caught my ear, which was “Just don’t pick up!” Those words he has repeated on many occurrences and it’s keeping him clean and off drugs and alcohol.

My second interview was with “Becky” who is a survivor of breast cancer! She endures the effects of her regular cancer treatments and working a full time job. She is, also, responsible for the management of six Oxford houses that are inhabited by women and men. TALK ABOUT LEADERSHIP ABILITY!!!

Currently, I am I hearing about how down right dirty Allentown is, and how corrupt the streets are; and that people only want welfare /disability checks, free food, soup kitchens and a life without responsibilities. Yes, that is true for some individuals “but” when you’re out in the community and you’re rubbing elbows with these men and women, talking, relating, and experiencing, first hand, the accounts of their struggles and plights, you learn the need to be creative and somewhat manipulative. One learns simple survival skills in a society that has rarely taken hostages in any circumstance.

Pride and honor needs to become fashionable, once more; and it’s time to stop the glorification of fast money and recognize the benefits of self employment, schooling, and self-respect.
There are many businesses that I have encountered that are willing to help and they are open to the suggestions I have offered. They want to be a part of more grassroots activities which will allow them to grow closer to the community they serve. The excitement has grown so much among local businesses that many have agreed to assist the G.S.S with the creation of its’ first SINGLE MOTHER AND CHILDREN APPRECIATION DINNER which will be a bi-monthly event. It’s our goal to expose the attendees to guest speakers who will be professional, intelligent, and successful women. Hopefully their words may inspire and show the ladies in the crowd that they are still valuable, special, and can make a difference in their lives, as well as their children’s."

So if you would like be a guest speaker/sponsor/volunteer at one of these dinners/events please e-mail me :

Bestimpression4u@yahoo.com
Call: 610 351 3975
See: http://www.lifestylesofthegss.piczo.com/

Opportunity for Community Service

I received this e-mail from community activist Alfonso Todd. This is a great opportunity to reach out and help the women in our community who may be struggling.

"Hello my name is Ben Nicholson. I’m here to introduce you to Life-styles of the Grown, Sexy and Sober. Life-styles of the G.S.S. (Grown, Sexy and Sober) has been an idea for some time. I was talking to an associate, Alfonso Todd, who told me to put this out to the public and let them see what your doing! Let them learn from the good choices that others make.

I shot my first video with a friend of mine, “George” He, at the time, had only a few months clean, yet he had managed to state something that caught my ear, which was “Just don’t pick up!” Those words he has repeated on many occurrences and it’s keeping him clean and off drugs and alcohol.

My second interview was with “Becky” who is a survivor of breast cancer! She endures the effects of her regular cancer treatments and working a full time job. She is, also, responsible for the management of six Oxford houses that are inhabited by women and men. TALK ABOUT LEADERSHIP ABILITY!!!

Currently, I am I hearing about how down right dirty Allentown is, and how corrupt the streets are; and that people only want welfare /disability checks, free food, soup kitchens and a life without responsibilities. Yes, that is true for some individuals “but” when you’re out in the community and you’re rubbing elbows with these men and women, talking, relating, and experiencing, first hand, the accounts of their struggles and plights, you learn the need to be creative and somewhat manipulative. One learns simple survival skills in a society that has rarely taken hostages in any circumstance.

Pride and honor needs to become fashionable, once more; and it’s time to stop the glorification of fast money and recognize the benefits of self employment, schooling, and self-respect.
There are many businesses that I have encountered that are willing to help and they are open to the suggestions I have offered. They want to be a part of more grassroots activities which will allow them to grow closer to the community they serve. The excitement has grown so much among local businesses that many have agreed to assist the G.S.S with the creation of its’ first SINGLE MOTHER AND CHILDREN APPRECIATION DINNER which will be a bi-monthly event. It’s our goal to expose the attendees to guest speakers who will be professional, intelligent, and successful women. Hopefully their words may inspire and show the ladies in the crowd that they are still valuable, special, and can make a difference in their lives, as well as their children’s."

So if you would like be a guest speaker/sponsor/volunteer at one of these dinners/events please e-mail me :

Bestimpression4u@yahoo.com
Call: 610 351 3975
See: http://www.lifestylesofthegss.piczo.com/

The Brilliant Woman of the Week

Welcome to a new feature here at LVS: The Brilliant Woman of the Week, where we celebrate outstanding women who have something important to say. With SO many brilliant women to choose from, where do I start? Well, I think I'll start here.....

This week's BWOTW is Melissa Harris-Lacewell: Associate Professor of Politics and African American Studies at Princeton University. She is a regular commentator on the hugely popular Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. (My personal FAVE news show) And she has been on Bill Moyer's Journal. Melissa has a really cool blog called "THE KITCHEN TABLE" http://princetonprofs.blogspot.com/ where she converses with another brilliant woman, Dr. Yolanda Pierce, who is also a Princeton professor. Wow, I just mentioned three brilliant women in one paragraph, but let's focus on Melissa. ;D

Melissa is the author of an award winning book called "Barbershops, Bibles, and BET: Everyday Talk, and Black Political Thought" I love the way she connects political ideology and popular culture. She taught a course called "Disaster, Race, and American Politics" which explored the politics of Hurricane Katrina. (Remember Katrina?) Her colleagues at Princeton have recognized her as " one of the most talented intellectuals of her generation." She's also a single mom to her 7 yr. old daughter.

She wrote this in the Nov 6, 2008 edition of The Nation:

"When Barack Obama was elected as the first black president of the United States, African-Americans became the solution instead of the problem. For many black folks, Obama's victory has momentarily healed the double consciousness that is an ordinary part of our lives. To be a citizen in a democracy is to be not only the ruled but also the ruler, to not only submit to law but to craft it, to not only die for your country but to live fully in it. In this moment, we are citizens."

Melissa is a brilliant communicator and scholar, and she seems to be a very down to earth person. I am looking forward to a new era of brilliant scholarly women taking the forefront in the mainstream media and beyond.

Here's a video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPGSBGsAtAk

The Brilliant Woman of the Week

Welcome to a new feature here at LVS: The Brilliant Woman of the Week, where we celebrate outstanding women who have something important to say. With SO many brilliant women to choose from, where do I start? Well, I think I'll start here.....

This week's BWOTW is Melissa Harris-Lacewell: Associate Professor of Politics and African American Studies at Princeton University. She is a regular commentator on the hugely popular Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. (My personal FAVE news show) And she has been on Bill Moyer's Journal. Melissa has a really cool blog called "THE KITCHEN TABLE" http://princetonprofs.blogspot.com/ where she converses with another brilliant woman, Dr. Yolanda Pierce, who is also a Princeton professor. Wow, I just mentioned three brilliant women in one paragraph, but let's focus on Melissa. ;D

Melissa is the author of an award winning book called "Barbershops, Bibles, and BET: Everyday Talk, and Black Political Thought" I love the way she connects political ideology and popular culture. She taught a course called "Disaster, Race, and American Politics" which explored the politics of Hurricane Katrina. (Remember Katrina?) Her colleagues at Princeton have recognized her as " one of the most talented intellectuals of her generation." She's also a single mom to her 7 yr. old daughter.

She wrote this in the Nov 6, 2008 edition of The Nation:

"When Barack Obama was elected as the first black president of the United States, African-Americans became the solution instead of the problem. For many black folks, Obama's victory has momentarily healed the double consciousness that is an ordinary part of our lives. To be a citizen in a democracy is to be not only the ruled but also the ruler, to not only submit to law but to craft it, to not only die for your country but to live fully in it. In this moment, we are citizens."

Melissa is a brilliant communicator and scholar, and she seems to be a very down to earth person. I am looking forward to a new era of brilliant scholarly women taking the forefront in the mainstream media and beyond.

Here's a video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPGSBGsAtAk

The Morning Call Gives Hate a Forum

At our recent post, “We Like Downtown Allentown,” an Allentown Mom comment-copied Mrs. Dottie and me on this communication she had sent to The Morning Call …

"Hello, I am writing to the paper as a mother, stepmother, and concerned resident of Allentown. My adolescent stepdaughter was doing research for a school paper on internet communication, which led her to the comment [Forum] sections of many of your newspaper stories. Needless to say, as a child of partial Hispanic heritage, she was devastated. We reported abuse on several comments which were not removed. I have known of and heard about the racist, ignorant comments on The Morning Call [web] site, but I have now seen first hand how it can affect young individuals. I ask you to speak to your editor, to consider the number of relevant, intelligent comments attached to your articles, and consider the impact of these words on the children of Allentown. Or, as they are known in your reader forums: Animals, stinkin' ricans, pork chops, bean eaters, pieces of trash. It is disgusting!”

Our Allentown Mom did get a response from The Morning Call, which in our experience is surprising, and encouraging, on the surface anyway.

Vicki Mayk, The Morning Call’s Director of Community Relations & Communications got back with this:

“I will certainly pass your comments along to our online editors. I apologize that your daughter found these comments while visiting The Morning Call’s Web site. We are aware that such comments do get posted on our site. Unfortunately, an outside vendor is responsible for the posting – and the removal -- of comments. I tell you this, not because I am saying that we are not responsible, but to explain why it takes time for such comments to be removed. I am sorry that they are not always removed from the site in a timely fashion – and I agree that these are unacceptable.”

Morning Call Online Producer Ted Williams replied:

“Can I ask to what articles you refer? Unfortunately, your complaint is very, very common. We seem to have people who just want to start trouble, and it’s difficult to control. What we will do is find the comments and pass on the user name to the vendor, who will ban them and warn them. But in all honesty, on today’s Web, it’s very hard to keep such people off the site. There are ways around any blocks. We’re very sorry for your stepdaughter having to see this. I think we all realize the people who make such comments are the people who have real problems, but that doesn’t make the effect of what they say any easier to take. We will do all we can to address this particular case [emphasis added by Mr. Dottie]. We can hope that this person will realize the hurt they can cause by saying such disgusting things.”

Nice sentiments from Vicki and Ted. But the Allentown Mom’s letter to the newspaper obviously didn’t change anything at its Hate Forum. And for every “Allentown Mom” who is offended and writes to the newspaper, there may be thousands of Forum readers who are equally offended but don’t bother writing.

Here at “Lehigh Valley Somebody,” we can't think of a bigger roadblock to Allentown "Moving Forward Together" than the bigotry, intolerance, xenophobia, and hatred that exists in peoples' hearts and minds.

And while racism can't be abolished, that these idiots' vile bile is given an unbridled FORUM in our town's monopoly newspaper is outrageous and totally unacceptable.

But apparently HATE SELLS, so it remains online at The Morning Call Forum.

According to Morning Call columnist/blogger, Bill White:

"The tremendous traffic on our Web site is a selling point for advertisers and future subscribers. And the [Forum] comments, warts and all, attract a lot of those clicks."

Readers, we encourage you to read the full text of Bill White’s rationalizations and justifications for the free-flowing hatred at The Morning Call Forum in his “Blogging with Bill White” post entitled, "Cockroaches," where one can’t help but wonder if Mr. White is propagandizing in a quasi-official capacity for the newspaper. But what's most illuminating are the comments at Bill White’s “Cockroaches” post from local bloggers friskily denouncing the hatred on The Morning Call Forum.

Ah yes, those were the days ... the days before "Valley Blogosphere" and "Blogger Tuesday" at The Morning Call Forum.

Q. Whatever happened to those vocal, Morning Call dissenting local bloggers who used to champion STOPPING THE HATE at The Morning Call Forum?

Well, in the opinion of this blog, they sold out, and became compliant members of "Valley Blogosphere" at The Morning Call Forum. Yep.

As you may have noticed too, since the introduction of “Valley Blogosphere” and “Blogger Tuesday" at The Morning Call Forum (both created by Morning Call Editorial & Opinions VP Glenn Kranzley, with consultancy input from “Valley Blogosphere” blogger B.O'Hare), all previously healthy dissent in our local blogosphere against The Morning Call (on a variety of relevant issues) has vanished. GONE. POOF.

Why? Simple. “Don’t bite the hand that feeds your ego.”

You see, that same "tremendous traffic" at The Morning Call's website that Bill White tells us "attracts advertisers" appears to have also gotten some previously Morning Call dissenting local bloggers just absolutely "A-Quiver" at the thought of this “tremendous traffic” possibly reading and responding to their blog musings and ramblings which would be accessible via The Morning Call’s website Forum.

In a nutshell, as these local bloggers started seeing their pictures on The Morning Call’s website, and in The Morning Call "newspaper" every “Blogger Tuesday,” they also started “seeing stars” in their bathroom mirrors every morning: “Hey you, you could be the next Bill White!"

With "Valley Blogosphere," and "Blogger Tuesday," in one diabolically smooth move, Glenn Kranzley quashed all local blogosphere dissent against The Morning Call, while simultaneously covering the 30 or so recently terminated (and salaried) Morning Call reporters with A-Quiver local bloggers who were now eagerly and compliantly writing for The Morning Call ... for FREE.

And what about that previously dissented against HATE at The Morning Call Forum, which “Valley Blogosphere” and "Blogger Tuesday" were now a part of? Well ... um ... er … you know … that (alleged) Forum Hate wasn't all that much of a big deal anymore now was it?

Morning Call Dissenters Become
Morning Call Cheerleaders & Apologists

The sad fact is, our A-Quiver local bloggers didn’t want to even discuss the hate at The Morning Call Forum anymore, let alone consider this thought-leader blog’s concept of boycotting The Morning Call’s new local blogger "spotlight" products.

And this is painfully evident in an August 2008 blog discussion involving some formerly dissenting local bloggers who had been magically transformed into Morning Call cheerleaders and apologists by having been “honored” with inclusion as Morning Call “Valley Blogosphere” bloggers. The blog post was aptly titled "Should an honor be questioned?" and it is one heck of an eye-opener, as we’re sure you’ll see when you read through it.

There’s another reason why we ask that you read through the blog post "Should an honor be questioned?" Editor's Note: "Inclusion by Michael Donovan" blog author, Michael Donovan, has rigged it so that our link won't work. Should you find the blog post, you'll probably not be able to tell that Donovan deleted all the comments from this blog post because he doesn't want you to read them.

Near the end of the comments, I ask a simple and reasonable question about The Morning Call Hate Forum that I’ve been trying to get an answer on since August 2008.

As you will see in the blog post "Should an honor be questioned?" my reasonable question is totally ignored by the A-Quiver bloggers in the discussion, and of course it’s been totally ignored by The Morning Call too.

Here’s my question, which was also sent as an email to Glenn Kranzley and Ted Williams on August 7, 2008:

Mr. Kranzley and Mr. Williams:

The Morning Call is making registration a requirement for commenters to participate in its new "Sounding Board" civil discourse Forum [at your web site].

Q. Could The Morning Call implement "registration required" at its "Forum" too? This would, one would think, pre-eliminate and deter a significant percentage of the "hate speech" at the Forum, by requiring commenters at both Sounding Board and the Forum to comment as themselves-- i.e., any hate speech spewing would have a real name (and some accountability) attached to it.

Apparently, the "registration required" technology is there for "Sounding Board."

Could the same technology be applied to the Forum to eliminate or greatly reduce the racism, misogyny, and other forms of hate speech at the Morning Call Forum?

I'm still waiting for an answer.

Maybe someone else should ask the question?

And if the answer is “no,” well then what CAN be done to eliminate the Hate Speech at The Morning Call Forum? Because the only people not bothered by it, it seems, are Glenn Kranzley, Bill White, the racists who are posting it, the advertisers who are endorsing it, and the “Valley Blogosphere” bloggers who are ignoring it.

I'm confident the majority of us want the racist HATE at The Morning Call Forum GONE. POOF. ASAP.

So let's make that happen, what do you say?

This post was written by Mr. Dottie/Bill Villa.

READ > RELATED POST

The Morning Call Gives Hate a Forum

At our recent post, “We Like Downtown Allentown,” an Allentown Mom comment-copied Mrs. Dottie and me on this communication she had sent to The Morning Call …

"Hello, I am writing to the paper as a mother, stepmother, and concerned resident of Allentown. My adolescent stepdaughter was doing research for a school paper on internet communication, which led her to the comment [Forum] sections of many of your newspaper stories. Needless to say, as a child of partial Hispanic heritage, she was devastated. We reported abuse on several comments which were not removed. I have known of and heard about the racist, ignorant comments on The Morning Call [web] site, but I have now seen first hand how it can affect young individuals. I ask you to speak to your editor, to consider the number of relevant, intelligent comments attached to your articles, and consider the impact of these words on the children of Allentown. Or, as they are known in your reader forums: Animals, stinkin' ricans, pork chops, bean eaters, pieces of trash. It is disgusting!”

Our Allentown Mom did get a response from The Morning Call, which in our experience is surprising, and encouraging, on the surface anyway.

Vicki Mayk, The Morning Call’s Director of Community Relations & Communications got back with this:

“I will certainly pass your comments along to our online editors. I apologize that your daughter found these comments while visiting The Morning Call’s Web site. We are aware that such comments do get posted on our site. Unfortunately, an outside vendor is responsible for the posting – and the removal -- of comments. I tell you this, not because I am saying that we are not responsible, but to explain why it takes time for such comments to be removed. I am sorry that they are not always removed from the site in a timely fashion – and I agree that these are unacceptable.”

Morning Call Online Producer Ted Williams replied:

“Can I ask to what articles you refer? Unfortunately, your complaint is very, very common. We seem to have people who just want to start trouble, and it’s difficult to control. What we will do is find the comments and pass on the user name to the vendor, who will ban them and warn them. But in all honesty, on today’s Web, it’s very hard to keep such people off the site. There are ways around any blocks. We’re very sorry for your stepdaughter having to see this. I think we all realize the people who make such comments are the people who have real problems, but that doesn’t make the effect of what they say any easier to take. We will do all we can to address this particular case [emphasis added by Mr. Dottie]. We can hope that this person will realize the hurt they can cause by saying such disgusting things.”

Nice sentiments from Vicki and Ted. But the Allentown Mom’s letter to the newspaper obviously didn’t change anything at its Hate Forum. And for every “Allentown Mom” who is offended and writes to the newspaper, there may be thousands of Forum readers who are equally offended but don’t bother writing.

Here at “Lehigh Valley Somebody,” we can't think of a bigger roadblock to Allentown "Moving Forward Together" than the bigotry, intolerance, xenophobia, and hatred that exists in peoples' hearts and minds.

And while racism can't be abolished, that these idiots' vile bile is given an unbridled FORUM in our town's monopoly newspaper is outrageous and totally unacceptable.

But apparently HATE SELLS, so it remains online at The Morning Call Forum.

According to Morning Call columnist/blogger, Bill White:

"The tremendous traffic on our Web site is a selling point for advertisers and future subscribers. And the [Forum] comments, warts and all, attract a lot of those clicks."

Readers, we encourage you to read the full text of Bill White’s rationalizations and justifications for the free-flowing hatred at The Morning Call Forum in his “Blogging with Bill White” post entitled, "Cockroaches," where one can’t help but wonder if Mr. White is propagandizing in a quasi-official capacity for the newspaper. But what's most illuminating are the comments at Bill White’s “Cockroaches” post from local bloggers friskily denouncing the hatred on The Morning Call Forum.

Ah yes, those were the days ... the days before "Valley Blogosphere" and "Blogger Tuesday" at The Morning Call Forum.

Q. Whatever happened to those vocal, Morning Call dissenting local bloggers who used to champion STOPPING THE HATE at The Morning Call Forum?

Well, in the opinion of this blog, they sold out, and became compliant members of "Valley Blogosphere" at The Morning Call Forum. Yep.

As you may have noticed too, since the introduction of “Valley Blogosphere” and “Blogger Tuesday" at The Morning Call Forum (both created by Morning Call Editorial & Opinions VP Glenn Kranzley, with consultancy input from “Valley Blogosphere” blogger B.O'Hare), all previously healthy dissent in our local blogosphere against The Morning Call (on a variety of relevant issues) has vanished. GONE. POOF.

Why? Simple. “Don’t bite the hand that feeds your ego.”

You see, that same "tremendous traffic" at The Morning Call's website that Bill White tells us "attracts advertisers" appears to have also gotten some previously Morning Call dissenting local bloggers just absolutely "A-Quiver" at the thought of this “tremendous traffic” possibly reading and responding to their blog musings and ramblings which would be accessible via The Morning Call’s website Forum.

In a nutshell, as these local bloggers started seeing their pictures on The Morning Call’s website, and in The Morning Call "newspaper" every “Blogger Tuesday,” they also started “seeing stars” in their bathroom mirrors every morning: “Hey you, you could be the next Bill White!"

With "Valley Blogosphere," and "Blogger Tuesday," in one diabolically smooth move, Glenn Kranzley quashed all local blogosphere dissent against The Morning Call, while simultaneously covering the 30 or so recently terminated (and salaried) Morning Call reporters with A-Quiver local bloggers who were now eagerly and compliantly writing for The Morning Call ... for FREE.

And what about that previously dissented against HATE at The Morning Call Forum, which “Valley Blogosphere” and "Blogger Tuesday" were now a part of? Well ... um ... er … you know … that (alleged) Forum Hate wasn't all that much of a big deal anymore now was it?

Morning Call Dissenters Become
Morning Call Cheerleaders & Apologists

The sad fact is, our A-Quiver local bloggers didn’t want to even discuss the hate at The Morning Call Forum anymore, let alone consider this thought-leader blog’s concept of boycotting The Morning Call’s new local blogger "spotlight" products.

And this is painfully evident in an August 2008 blog discussion involving some formerly dissenting local bloggers who had been magically transformed into Morning Call cheerleaders and apologists by having been “honored” with inclusion as Morning Call “Valley Blogosphere” bloggers. The blog post was aptly titled "Should an honor be questioned?" and it is one heck of an eye-opener, as we’re sure you’ll see when you read through it.

There’s another reason why we ask that you read through the blog post "Should an honor be questioned?" Editor's Note: "Inclusion by Michael Donovan" blog author, Michael Donovan, has rigged it so that our link won't work. Should you find the blog post, you'll probably not be able to tell that Donovan deleted all the comments from this blog post because he doesn't want you to read them.

Near the end of the comments, I ask a simple and reasonable question about The Morning Call Hate Forum that I’ve been trying to get an answer on since August 2008.

As you will see in the blog post "Should an honor be questioned?" my reasonable question is totally ignored by the A-Quiver bloggers in the discussion, and of course it’s been totally ignored by The Morning Call too.

Here’s my question, which was also sent as an email to Glenn Kranzley and Ted Williams on August 7, 2008:

Mr. Kranzley and Mr. Williams:

The Morning Call is making registration a requirement for commenters to participate in its new "Sounding Board" civil discourse Forum [at your web site].

Q. Could The Morning Call implement "registration required" at its "Forum" too? This would, one would think, pre-eliminate and deter a significant percentage of the "hate speech" at the Forum, by requiring commenters at both Sounding Board and the Forum to comment as themselves-- i.e., any hate speech spewing would have a real name (and some accountability) attached to it.

Apparently, the "registration required" technology is there for "Sounding Board."

Could the same technology be applied to the Forum to eliminate or greatly reduce the racism, misogyny, and other forms of hate speech at the Morning Call Forum?

I'm still waiting for an answer.

Maybe someone else should ask the question?

And if the answer is “no,” well then what CAN be done to eliminate the Hate Speech at The Morning Call Forum? Because the only people not bothered by it, it seems, are Glenn Kranzley, Bill White, the racists who are posting it, the advertisers who are endorsing it, and the “Valley Blogosphere” bloggers who are ignoring it.

I'm confident the majority of us want the racist HATE at The Morning Call Forum GONE. POOF. ASAP.

So let's make that happen, what do you say?

This post was written by Mr. Dottie/Bill Villa.

READ > RELATED POST

A New Era

Seeing (on tv) close to two million people gathered at the mall in Washington DC was moving. It must have been really exciting to be there. What stood out to me in Obama's Inaugural Address was the message that we are all equal, and that in these tough times he is summoning all Americans to work together in a "new era of responsibility." In his speech, which was informed by history but made his own, he asked us to return to the values of hard work, family, and community that America once stood for. He is confident that tough challenges will be met and America is ready to lead once more. The speech was somewhat somber, but still very powerful. He stressed the importance of extending a hand to the world, especially the Islamic world. The Bush era is over, and so is the Reagan era when less government was the mantra. Now we need "more effective" govt. He mentioned the importance of science, and stopping global warming. It feels like we are coming out of the Dark Ages! Finally!

With Obama's approval rating at 83%, and that was before the inauguration, I certainly hope that Republicans will not put partisanship before principle. Even though Obama has said he will be focusing on moving forward, I would like to see an investigation and trial regarding war crimes committed by the Bush administration. I think it's important to cleanse the country of the bad things done by the prior administration if we are going to be respected again around the world. And what about the scary possibility of future administrations repeating what Bush did (ie torture), because he got away with it?

I am hopeful. Even though there are so many businesses closing due to the recession, record home foreclosures, a health care crisis, and we may even be in for a depression, I have confidence in Obama's leadership, and in the American people to rise to the challenge. So, let's get to work, together.

(Morning Call Forum post coming soon)

A New Era

Seeing (on tv) close to two million people gathered at the mall in Washington DC was moving. It must have been really exciting to be there. What stood out to me in Obama's Inaugural Address was the message that we are all equal, and that in these tough times he is summoning all Americans to work together in a "new era of responsibility." In his speech, which was informed by history but made his own, he asked us to return to the values of hard work, family, and community that America once stood for. He is confident that tough challenges will be met and America is ready to lead once more. The speech was somewhat somber, but still very powerful. He stressed the importance of extending a hand to the world, especially the Islamic world. The Bush era is over, and so is the Reagan era when less government was the mantra. Now we need "more effective" govt. He mentioned the importance of science, and stopping global warming. It feels like we are coming out of the Dark Ages! Finally!

With Obama's approval rating at 83%, and that was before the inauguration, I certainly hope that Republicans will not put partisanship before principle. Even though Obama has said he will be focusing on moving forward, I would like to see an investigation and trial regarding war crimes committed by the Bush administration. I think it's important to cleanse the country of the bad things done by the prior administration if we are going to be respected again around the world. And what about the scary possibility of future administrations repeating what Bush did (ie torture), because he got away with it?

I am hopeful. Even though there are so many businesses closing due to the recession, record home foreclosures, a health care crisis, and we may even be in for a depression, I have confidence in Obama's leadership, and in the American people to rise to the challenge. So, let's get to work, together.

(Morning Call Forum post coming soon)

Mayor Pawlowski Books Interview with LV Somebody

Readers, our promised post on The Morning Call Forum is coming soon ... but we interrupt this program to announce that Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski (the recipient of a whopping 59% popular vote mandate in the 2005 election) has agreed to a Q&A interview with Lehigh Valley Somebody, one of the Top 20 Most Influential Political Blogs in Pennsylvania, to help kick-off his re-election campaign.

Per our gracious and popular (59%!) Mayor, you are cordially invited to SUBMIT QUESTIONS for his Q&A interview which we will relay to the Mayor.

Feel free to ask Mayor Pawlowski anything you like, in a comment here.

LV Somebody will compile your questions (and we'll have some too) and present them to Mayor Pawlowski for his consideration ASAP.

*** UPDATE, JANUARY 31: Popular (59% Mandate!) Allentown Mayor Pawlowski's people just contacted our people (jealous?) Mayor Pawlowski's answers to Lehigh Valley Somebody's Reader Questions will be here "within 2-3 days," and we'll have 'em posted in a new post ASAP after we get 'em!  

Mayor Pawlowski Books Interview with LV Somebody

Readers, our promised post on The Morning Call Forum is coming soon ... but we interrupt this program to announce that Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski (the recipient of a whopping 59% popular vote mandate in the 2005 election) has agreed to a Q&A interview with Lehigh Valley Somebody, one of the Top 20 Most Influential Political Blogs in Pennsylvania, to help kick-off his re-election campaign.

Per our gracious and popular (59%!) Mayor, you are cordially invited to SUBMIT QUESTIONS for his Q&A interview which we will relay to the Mayor.

Feel free to ask Mayor Pawlowski anything you like, in a comment here.

LV Somebody will compile your questions (and we'll have some too) and present them to Mayor Pawlowski for his consideration ASAP.

*** UPDATE, JANUARY 31: Popular (59% Mandate!) Allentown Mayor Pawlowski's people just contacted our people (jealous?) Mayor Pawlowski's answers to Lehigh Valley Somebody's Reader Questions will be here "within 2-3 days," and we'll have 'em posted in a new post ASAP after we get 'em!  

We Like Downtown Allentown

Bill and I like to visit downtown Allentown, especially Hamilton St. and 7th St. We live in N. Allentown not too far from the downtown. Recently I spent some time at 9th and Hamilton during the Chen Arts Show at the Butz Corporate Center. It's a beautiful modern building with a great view of the street. Over 200 people visited the art show during the week it was open. It was an exciting event! There's a cool video at http://www.chenarts.blogspot.com/

Here are some of the outstanding downtown places we have visited recently: We like The Brew Works for dinner, House of Chen, The Bay Leaf , and the fab Deli Plaza for lunch and back for dinner sometimes! We have visited the Farr Lofts and they are really cool. We have been to Yodi's art studio on Hamilton. We have been to The Caring Place. Bill's sister owns a store on Hamilton Street. And our wonderful eye doctor Nancy Perez is on Hamilton. We recently sat in the balcony of Symphony Hall for the Lehigh Valley Christmas Show(I know that's off of Hamilton), and we go to the Liberty Bell Museum every year to see "Pip the Mouse." We visited Art and Soul Tattoo Parlor and Gallery, where we ran into Patrick Villa who was attending a skateboarding event. (See photo of me and a sweaty Patrick at the sidebar) The Villas have performed at Croc Rock and the Sterling Hotel. We have visited the Musselman Ctr. for the Arts (Antonio Salemme Foundation gallery), and toured 808 Hamilton, which, hopefully, could turn out to be Allentown's new "Open Space Gallery," which was once housed at 808, wouldn't that be deja vu cool!

Hamilton St. is kinda quiet on weekends and evenings, but 7th St. is really hopping. There seems to be a lot of new small businesses opening on 7th. Gianni had his hair cut at one of the hip barber shops on a Sunday afternoon and boy were those barbers busy! Pete Lewnes's house on 7th is really cool, and his renovations are spectacular. The first Chen Arts Show was held at his house during The Old Allentown House Tour. Mayor Pawlowski spoke at the press conference, and I got to pose for a picture with the mayor! 7th St is very ethnic and vibrant. It's a bit grittier than Hamilton but we love the humanity.

Mohamed at Deli Plaza on Hamilton (a Chen artist), is so friendly and accomodating. And he makes the best soup I have ever tasted. Everything is always fresh and made to order. Jenny and the House of Chen crew are tops, the food is great and their prices are very reasonable. We always enjoy seeing Mike Fegley (Mike used to be our neighbor) at the fab Brew Works. Sure beats the "faux downtowns" at the Promenade or the LV Mall where some people are mad to see ya and have that "get outta the way of my weekend" attitude.

I know that we can't just ignore Allentown's problems: the crime, the gangs, the poverty, and the homelessness. I taught in the ASD so I have seen children growing up in poverty. But I think if people from suburbia and the west end would visit downtown regularly, get to know some of the business owners, and the people who now live there, then their perception of downtown Allentown would change. I am hopeful that our downtown will continue to improve. I hope more events, like The Chen Arts Group Show "Momentum" can be held there. I was disappointed in the lights on the Christmas tree at PPL Plaza. I think they could have been much more spectacular. So let's light up the downtown with people!

We Like Downtown Allentown

Bill and I like to visit downtown Allentown, especially Hamilton St. and 7th St. We live in N. Allentown not too far from the downtown. Recently I spent some time at 9th and Hamilton during the Chen Arts Show at the Butz Corporate Center. It's a beautiful modern building with a great view of the street. Over 200 people visited the art show during the week it was open. It was an exciting event! There's a cool video at http://www.chenarts.blogspot.com/

Here are some of the outstanding downtown places we have visited recently: We like The Brew Works for dinner, House of Chen, The Bay Leaf , and the fab Deli Plaza for lunch and back for dinner sometimes! We have visited the Farr Lofts and they are really cool. We have been to Yodi's art studio on Hamilton. We have been to The Caring Place. Bill's sister owns a store on Hamilton Street. And our wonderful eye doctor Nancy Perez is on Hamilton. We recently sat in the balcony of Symphony Hall for the Lehigh Valley Christmas Show(I know that's off of Hamilton), and we go to the Liberty Bell Museum every year to see "Pip the Mouse." We visited Art and Soul Tattoo Parlor and Gallery, where we ran into Patrick Villa who was attending a skateboarding event. (See photo of me and a sweaty Patrick at the sidebar) The Villas have performed at Croc Rock and the Sterling Hotel. We have visited the Musselman Ctr. for the Arts (Antonio Salemme Foundation gallery), and toured 808 Hamilton, which, hopefully, could turn out to be Allentown's new "Open Space Gallery," which was once housed at 808, wouldn't that be deja vu cool!

Hamilton St. is kinda quiet on weekends and evenings, but 7th St. is really hopping. There seems to be a lot of new small businesses opening on 7th. Gianni had his hair cut at one of the hip barber shops on a Sunday afternoon and boy were those barbers busy! Pete Lewnes's house on 7th is really cool, and his renovations are spectacular. The first Chen Arts Show was held at his house during The Old Allentown House Tour. Mayor Pawlowski spoke at the press conference, and I got to pose for a picture with the mayor! 7th St is very ethnic and vibrant. It's a bit grittier than Hamilton but we love the humanity.

Mohamed at Deli Plaza on Hamilton (a Chen artist), is so friendly and accomodating. And he makes the best soup I have ever tasted. Everything is always fresh and made to order. Jenny and the House of Chen crew are tops, the food is great and their prices are very reasonable. We always enjoy seeing Mike Fegley (Mike used to be our neighbor) at the fab Brew Works. Sure beats the "faux downtowns" at the Promenade or the LV Mall where some people are mad to see ya and have that "get outta the way of my weekend" attitude.

I know that we can't just ignore Allentown's problems: the crime, the gangs, the poverty, and the homelessness. I taught in the ASD so I have seen children growing up in poverty. But I think if people from suburbia and the west end would visit downtown regularly, get to know some of the business owners, and the people who now live there, then their perception of downtown Allentown would change. I am hopeful that our downtown will continue to improve. I hope more events, like The Chen Arts Group Show "Momentum" can be held there. I was disappointed in the lights on the Christmas tree at PPL Plaza. I think they could have been much more spectacular. So let's light up the downtown with people!

Gotta See Milk!

Bravo to the 19th St. Theatre in Allentown for showing the movie "Milk." I have not seen it yet, but plan on seeing it as soon as we can get a babysitter! Sean Penn plays Harvey Milk, who in 1977 became the first openly gay elected official from California. I have read that the movie is more about a movement than a candidate and that Milk fought not just for gay rights but for human rights. He was an outspoken man who had a great love for the city of San Francisco, he had faith in people, he defended gay school teachers, was a community organizer, and an activist. I think this film is important because it deals with the details of politics at a local level, something we don't usually see in a major motion picture.

It is sad that in 2009, 30 years after Milk, we are still dealing with the same issues, and gay rights is still a matter of debate (Proposition 8). But Milk was an agent for change and for hope and I think the fact that this movie is coming out now is very significant. And because of Harvey Milk and how he has inspired others, we are getting a little closer to his vision of equality.

Gotta See Milk!

Bravo to the 19th St. Theatre in Allentown for showing the movie "Milk." I have not seen it yet, but plan on seeing it as soon as we can get a babysitter! Sean Penn plays Harvey Milk, who in 1977 became the first openly gay elected official from California. I have read that the movie is more about a movement than a candidate and that Milk fought not just for gay rights but for human rights. He was an outspoken man who had a great love for the city of San Francisco, he had faith in people, he defended gay school teachers, was a community organizer, and an activist. I think this film is important because it deals with the details of politics at a local level, something we don't usually see in a major motion picture.

It is sad that in 2009, 30 years after Milk, we are still dealing with the same issues, and gay rights is still a matter of debate (Proposition 8). But Milk was an agent for change and for hope and I think the fact that this movie is coming out now is very significant. And because of Harvey Milk and how he has inspired others, we are getting a little closer to his vision of equality.