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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Poresky on Allentown's WaterWorld

Photo Stolen From Poresky's web site
When Dan Poresky retired from his business, "Dan's Camera City," he became more busy than ever. In addition to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity twice every week, he serves on Allentown's Environmental Advisory Council and is active with environmental issues at "One With the Earth."

He walks the walk.

Dan created a universal eco-symbol, which I've featured. You can see it's mostly blue, like the earth's water. At one time, Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski stood behind that symbol, along with the Lehigh Valley's two other mayors when they signed a climate control agreement in 2006.

But that was then. Since that time, Pawlowski has demonstrated his commitment to our environment with a kooky, trash-to-cash scheme being promoted by Marcel Groen, who just happens to be a major King Edwin campaign donor AND a Democratic power broker. King Edwin's turds, along with the garbage created by the NIZ construction, will supposedly be turned into energy and everybody will get stinkin' rich.

Literally.

Damn the shit torpedos! Full speed ahead!

Now, Hizzoner wants to unload the Queen City's water and sewer operations to avoid one of those nasty tax hikes. They stink, too. People don't like them, but they'll just love watching their water and sewer rates skyrocket.

Pawlowski's rubber stamp council, with the notable exception of Jeanette Eichenwald, will almost certainly go along. They're beholden to him, not you. Two of its members were not even elected by you, but were instead appointed. Soon, three of its seven members will be appointees, as Mike Schlossberg has run away from Council for a cozy backbencher job in Harrisburg.

Because Allentown is no longer a democracy, I don't think it matters a bit whether you attend tonight's meeting. The decision's been made, and whatever outfit is associated with Marcel Groen will get the deal. All the posturing will be little more than window dressing.

This time next year, the frackers will be pouring Allentown water into those damn mines in coal cracker country.  Upstream from us, by the way.

Alan Jennings, who has so often spoken so eloquently for the little guy, has already rolled over for the suits that budget his operations. Allentown's two columnists are too busy writing about pie baking contests and how great it is to speed in Texas. This is not on their radar. They're too busy thinking about their own pensions to be worried about Allentown's.

I may be cynical, but don't lose heart. People like Dan Poresky are living proof that one person can make a difference. Whether conservative or liberal, Democrat or Republican, we all need water to survive. He'll be there, and I'm sure he'll make that point. He also has plenty of questions. I'll let him speak for himself.

The decision to lease Allentown’s water and sewer operations for 50 years must not be rushed. The need for large sums of money to satisfy the fire and police pension liabilities is at least two years away. Turning over the city’s most valuable asset, its water, to a for-profit company comes with enormous environmental risks to our water as well as inevitable large rate increases.  None of this has been fully explored by the administration or Council.  

Council has neither the expertise nor the information necessary to properly make such a long-lasting and monumental decision. The voters deserve a say on a matter of this extreme importance. The question should be put to the voters in a referendum in next year’s election. 

Questions for Allentown City Council for September 27, 2012 council meeting to discuss

The mayor rejected the formation of an Allentown water authority as a vehicle for issuing bonds to get the up-front money to satisfy the pension obligation. His reason is that it would raise water rates 90% recover that money. Doesn’t the same hold true for any leasing company? They too, will have to recover the up-front money they give the city.

Has Council received the lease agreement for its review? Will the lease agreement be made public before council votes on whether to allow the administration to let it out to bidders?

Has the city done a study of the likely and possible consequences of a long-term lease of the water/sewer operations? Those who have opposed privatization have presented Council with horror stories of what has happened in other cities that are contracted with some of the same companies that the administration has accepted as qualified bidders. Who among council has personally researched these claims to determine their validity? 

Council has gone to the PA Economy League to do a peer review. What is the scope of the work requested? Does the scope include looking into the likely and possible long-term consequences of leasing? When is the report due?

Will council hold another public meeting to present the results of the work being done by the PA Economy League? 

The administration will be coming to council within weeks for permission to present the RFP to bidders. Might council vote on the request before council receives the report from the PA Economy League?  

The MMO (Minimum Municipal Obligation: money needed to satisfy the demands of the pension liability) does not become excessively large until 2014. Given the magnitude and far reaching consequences of privatizing, whyshouldn’t the question be put to the entire voting public as a ballot question? 

Would Council agree to hold off any vote that would allow the administration to move forward until the public was given the option to get this on the 2013 ballot? Would Council support a ballot referendum? 

It has been reported in the press that the company that leases our water/sewer systems will be able to raise rates to recover the $150-$200 million up-front money they will be giving the city. Is Council familiar with this regulation? 

If Council votes to give permission to the administration to give the lease agreement to the bidders, when in the process is the administration absolutely required to come to council for another vote? 

Once the administration has chosen a concessionaire and comes to terms on the contract, it will come to council for council to approve or reject the contract.   Will Council, at that time, have the authority to modify the contract? History has shown that once any permission is granted to the administration to proceed on a plan, it invariably goes through unstopped. How often has Council rejected a contract of this magnitude and complexity at this late stage in the process? Council should consider the first vote their only opportunity to impact the outcome in any meaningful way. 

The PA PUC (Public Utility Commission) hasn’t made a definitive statement as to how or whether it would regulate rate requests from water companies that would lease Allentown’s water/sewer system.  Council president Guridyand at least one other Council member said that Council could assume that responsibility. Requests for rate increases will be accompanied by exhaustive reports and claims justifying their request for a rate increase. Does Council have the time and expertise to be able to go through each and every claim and know which ones are legitimate? Which ones are covered by the contract? Which ones are exaggerated? 

At least one Council member and a city official have stated that one factor that will reduce the size of rate increases is that the company will spread their rate increases to other cities where they have control. If that is true, isn’t it just as likely that they will raise rates for Allentown users to cover increased costs in other cities? 

74 comments:

Anonymous said...

I cannot believe that this deal is done and that it doesn't matter if people attend tonight's meeting at 7 p.m. It's not over 'till it's over.

C'mon, Bernie, where's your fight?

All of Allentown should come out, to express their displeasure at this decision, look into the faces of their elected officials and vow, if they vote for the water deal, to make sure they never get voted into any public office ever again.

Anonymous said...

There are a few that aren't elected. Soon three out of four will be by council selection. Once on council it's hard to lose in a one party system. No GOP candidate has a chance in this system.

I don't think anyone on council cares who looks them in the eyes. All elections take place in the primary. They don't have much risk.

Anonymous said...

Stop with the fracking hyperbole. It beats hell out of sending 19 year olds to die for dictators' energy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps8hsexFSmo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Bernie O'Hare said...

No hyperbole. One of the bidders has made quite a bit of money selling water to frackers.

Anonymous said...

Dan tipped off the Morning Call about the Mayors plan to log South Mountain and saved the day. He's one hell of a guy.
Go Dan!

michael molovinsky said...

@1:15, for the record, the morning call learned about the plan to log south mountain from my blog. the time line from the search engines, on both my blog and the morning call, verify that.

Anonymous said...

Poresky has been willing to stand up to the current administration since the inception of Allentown's EAC. Dan's been willing to take the heat even as other EAC members could not.
Dan does indeed " walk the walk".
He's one guy the Mayor won't scare away or buy off.
He's not afraid to take on Jeennings and the CACLV board either.

Anonymous said...

Dan is great, it's true, but he cannot stand alone tonight.

He's going to need all of Allentown to fill council's chambers.

This water deal cannot happen on a fast track. There is no reason for it.

Take your time and analyze it, council. Otherwise, shame on you.

Anonymous said...

"How fortunate for governments that the people they administer don't think."

Adolf Hitler

Anonymous said...

Bernie,

Good call on fracking as the next fight. Get your pitchforks ready, because the oil companies already own the mineral rights under your property. If you think otherwise, you have not been paying attention.

Anonymous said...

Theres no Marcellus shale within two hours of the LV. The stereotypical chicken littles really are lazy and stupid. Frack water is cleaner than the mud A-town douses with chemicals each night. Got bleach much? Smell the tap first thing AM. Easton is bad as well. Bethlum is an LV exception. Fracking saves lives. The protesters should enlist in the military as they'd rather kids die for cheap gas for their Volvos.

Anonymous said...

Word is some anti- water sell off activists are going to the next CACLV board of directors meeting looking for some answers.
That should be fun.
The heat is about to be turned up on Jennings and the CACLV.

Anonymous said...

This is Deja Vu'. I remember when City Hall was packed with residents and business owners when it came to the stores/restaurants were being torn down / "eminent domained" to make way for the arena. There WAS solidarity, heartfelt tears, yelling, intelligent comments, requests for more investigation, etc and we all KNOW what happened in the end. I know it's not a popular thought, but I agree, we should fight the good fight; but we should, also, be prepared for the worst, which is: the vote is passed by the City Council, people yell and get chastised, the police escort some out, and Allentown, once again, proves that you can live here but don't try to take part in any of the decisions that may effect you, as we head down a new road .... SMH

Alfonso Todd

www.alfonsotodd.com

Anonymous said...

Poresky is the hart and soul of the environmental community. Not to mention the balls.
What a mench!

I'd follow that fella anywhere.

Anonymous said...

I would only ask all who attend tonight's meeting to treat Allentown City Councill President Julio Gurity ( and his clone Mz Mota ) with all the respect he deserves.
Thank you......... and good luck, cause all the deals have already been made.

Anonymous said...

It appears that Rich Feegly is out of the hunt for the open council seat ( nixed by his significant other apparently ).
Too bad,he would have been a refreshing voice.

Pana Columbus said...

We are so lucky to have Dan Poresky in our city. He is a voice of reason and clarity. I know so many people who are strongly against the proposed water lease on the table, but are afraid to speak up because they are worried about the professional and political consequences. I am so proud of him that he has the integrity and courage to speak up in the face of what I can only describe as an unconscious proposal. If the mayor and council were truly thinking about the long term impacts of this proposal, they would drop it. Kudos too, goes to Councilwoman Jeanette Eichenwald for proposing the formation of a committee to explore long term risks and other options at the last council meeting. Shocking that no one else on council seconded the motion. Why wouldn't council WANT to explore the risks and examine other options with the public? No one knows what will be happening in the world 5 years from now let alone 50. To lose control of our local public water is insanity. To wager our children's life line on a bet that a private corporation--whose only interest is making a return on their investment--should control their water is madness. My daughter attended the last council meeting with me. She is 6 years old. She might have been the only person in the room who would still be alive when the lease is up--she'd be 56 years old. I pray that her generation is blessed with people like those of Mr. Poresky and Congresswoman Eichenwald, with clarity and integrity and courage to speak the truth.

Anonymous said...

It appears that Rich Feegly is out of the hunt for the open council seat ( nixed by his significant other apparently ).
Too bad,he would have been a refreshing voice.

Anonymous said...

Jennings is a saint.
Poresky's a gutsy activist.
The Mayor is a good Christian man.
Julio is a leader for tomorrow.

What a farce! Too grand to invent.

Anonymous said...

Poresky has always had the guts to stand up to the mayor.
Dan also stood up to the LCA when they wanted to drill wells in LMT and suck the Little Lehigh dry. He stopped the logging on So. Mountain and fought to protect Cedar Beech Park from Greg Weitzels crazy master plan.
Dan provided the leadership and inspiration for Allentown's EAC since day one.

DAN PORESKY FOR MAYOR. ONE WITH THE EARTH

Anonymous said...

As the moment of battle approaches, let us pause and pray for our champion, Sir Dan Poresky, for heavy is the Cross he must carry.
His Mayor and political sponsor, selling off the best of the sacred grove to the pagan clans.
His hero and moral compass, St Alan, selling off his soul for a pound of silver.
His council of wise city elders, struck mute and dumb, ignorant and beastiel. Save for one, the noble Lady of Eichenwald, the fairest of them all.
His EAC, a diminished shell of it's once promising self. May death grant it merciful relief.
Alas, forward he rides into battle, the legion of the doomed following behind.
May God shine his gracious upon them, one, and all.
It has come to this then.
Amen.

Anonymous said...

It's 7:00 PM

Let the games begin.

ONE WITH THE EARTH MOTHERF&!?ERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hey kids, let's build a dog park along the creek on some wetlands while the adults are away at the meeting.

Anonymous said...

May God shine His gracious LIGHT upon them, one and all.......

Anonymous said...

YO----- REALLY,REALLY CRITICAL

AFTER THE MEETING --- TURN THE LIGHTS --OFF

one with the earth

Anonymous said...

Well it should almost be over by now ...
how very sad it all is.

Anonymous said...

Hey, too bad your pals Ed and Alan turned into such assholes Big Dan.

Anonymous said...

Bernie,

City Democrats big and small created this Frankenstein, now that it is wreaking havoc some are concerned. Too late.

Scott Armstrong

Anonymous said...

And your GOP had nothing to offer.
Nothing. Zittth. Nada. Zed.

Except your carping. Some alternative .

Anonymous said...

I know!
Let's ban plastic bags in Allentown.
That will surely help.

What do you say Dan?

Anonymous said...

I get it.
Allentown Dens. Suck!
And there isn't any GOP.

That's the sucky Dens fault also.

Golly, witty discourse.

Anonymous said...

This is not a partisan issue. Water privatization was promoted by republicans in Emmaus. It went down in flames there.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Pana, I wonder how your daughter handled a City Council meeting. Did you ask her what she thought? I'd love to read her assessment. Thanks for your comment.

Anonymous said...

11:06 makes one wonder where joyce marin is at in this rotten deal. most likely lacks the courage to speak out for what she knows damn well is right.
she may be one of the gutless pana is talking about?

Bernie O'Hare said...

11:28, Joyce Marin took a recent, and well-deserved, break from government issues to focus on our most precious asset - our children. She really loved working with children at Allentown, and I daresay she may have learned from them. I know she is out of the area at the moment, but I suspect she'll want to get involved.

By the way, I was highly critical of Marin in previous posts. I believe I misjudged her. I will
have more to say down the road. But it will be in a post for all to read.

Anonymous said...

She is back Bernie Emailing out information on a upcoming renew lv event.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Thank you. I heard she would be back soon.

Anonymous said...

Old Joyce Marin was recently kicked from her patronage big dollar job with the Allentown School District. She got it from the Rendell Superintendent of Ed, who came to Allentown with patronage in his pocket. The cleanup in the District meant she was out.

So it is no surprise she would surface again in another way to make money scaming the public.

The entitled few know we need them more than they need us.

Anonymous said...

I did recently forward an email I received from RenewLV to people I know about a series of public discussions being organized by EnvisionLV (LVEDC).

I forwarded the message because it invited people to a series of discussions on the topic of sustainability, a topic I have long supported in the Lehigh Valley.

They are asking the question, "How can we make the Lehigh Valley more livable, more equitable, and more economically competitive?" I think it is a very good question and support the process.

I deeply believe in public participation in planning and these discussions, if the process is handled well, will help Lehigh Valley citizens plan for growth instead of having it imposed upon them.

To participate in a discussion in a neighborhood near you, here's the link.

http://www.envisionlehighvalley.com/Upcoming-Events.aspx

For the record, I am not and never have been compensated by RenewLV or EnvisionLV. I am a citizen who cares about the region and especially our children. 12:38 AM appears to have many facts incorrect.

On the topic of water privatization, I publicly opposed the idea when it came before Emmaus Borough Council during the time I served there as a councilwoman. I served on a special purpose Water Committee that analyzed the possibility of privatization. The more I learned about it, the less appealing it appeared to be to me.

I encourage all municipal officials considering this decision to do their own research.

Joyce Marin

Anonymous said...

Joyce Marine deserves credit for a swift response, and a clear, if diplomatically worded, indication of what she thinks of selling off Allentowns water supply.
Ms. Marin understates her leadership role in defeating this ill-advised scam in Emmaus.
Given the important positions she has recently held for the City of Allentown and the ASD, hers is not an outsiders viewpoint.
Thank you for this reply, and consider taking the next step by clearly and unambiguously stating your opposition to this reckless plan.

Anonymous said...

Mrs. Marin
Just a few years ago, RENEWLV spent time and money reviewing regional issues around water and sewer utalization. Amid considerable fanfare RENEWLY released a position paper on this important issue.
Now, this important information gathered by RENEWLV,fails to add anything useful to the dialogue taking place in Allentown. RENEWLV lacks the will or intelligence or courage or leadership, you tell us, to inform this critically important conversation.
RENEWLV has no credability left. None what so ever. Why in the world would any thinking person have anything to do with any effort fronted by RENEWLV?
This group is a fraud.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Joyce Marin for your clarification.
The prevaricatIng Alan Jennings could learn a thing or two from you.

Anonymous said...

Anyone associated with Renew LV is suspect as far as I'm concerned.
The entire outfit is full of shit.

Dan Poresky said...

Responding to blog posts-

1) Michael Molovinsky deserves the credit for getting the word to The Morning Call about Mayor Pawlowski's plan to log S. Mountain. The EAC followed by pressing the administration repeatedly for information and explanations. The mayor, at first, denied any intention to 'monetize' the forest, saying he was primarily interested in sustainable forest management. Unsatisfied, the EAC issued a statement in opposition to any attempt to log S. Mountain for commercial purposes. In short order, given immediate and intense criticism from citizens, news media, bloggers and others, the mayor soon abandoned his plan.

2) The EAC (Allentown Environmental Advisory Council) was formed in 2008 by Mayor Pawlowski and City Council at the request of Julie Thomases who suggested it to the mayor. Julie is the current chair. There are currently openings on the EAC for new members.

For information visit, the EAC page on the city website: http://www.allentownpa.gov/Government/AuthoritiesBoardsCommissions/EnvironmentalActionCommittee/tabid/362/Default.aspx
Note that not all the information is current.

There is more information on the EAC Yahoo Group. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AllentownEAC/
You can also contact me: dporesky@yahoo.com

Bernie O'Hare said...

I've always been bothered by its attempt to portray itself as a "grass roots" organization, and have written about it several times.

In reality, it is a creature of the LV Partnership. I am leery of this unelected aristocracy that attempts to set the agenda behind the scenes, even though I agree with some of it.

I really admired and respected Steve Bliss when he ran the show. Despite its roots, it really has enabled some meaningful discussion of regional issues. I also must say I also enjoyed the "brown bag" series. While a healthy dose of skepticism is always a good thing, I would not trash every person associated with it or the group itself.

Anonymous said...

RenewLV may be a disappointment to you of late, but I wouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water. They started out as a regional response to the Brookings Report on PA - Back to Prosperity, and that document still needs to be read and discussed. Ignoring the issues won't make them go away.

Ironically, that report foretold the economic problems of cities if we don't do something -- fast -- to work together. Now, because of economic problems, Allentown wants to privatize it's water system. It's related.

We should care less about who is promoting a discussion on sustainability, and more about just having the discussion.

If the people lead, the leaders will follow.

Anonymous said...

RenewLV may be a disappointment to you of late, but I wouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water. They started out as a regional response to the Brookings Report on PA - Back to Prosperity, and that document still needs to be read and discussed. Ignoring the issues won't make them go away.

Ironically, that report foretold the economic problems of cities if we don't do something -- fast -- to work together. Now, because of economic problems, Allentown wants to privatize it's water system. It's related.

We should care less about who is promoting a discussion on sustainability, and more about just having the discussion.

If the people lead, the leaders will follow.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I agree with you that RenewLV serves a useful purpose, but it is important to recognize that the people are not doing the leading, but the LV Partnership.

Anonymous said...

Renew LV was always a group of elites.
Who was invited to join and by whom?
The Brooking Instution report was an excellent piece of work. Excellent. And remains a must read.
That fact has nothing to do with the disappointing results of Renew LV.
After all the self congratulations---when the rubber meet the road on the critically important water issue -------- Renew LV's contribution was ZERO!
Bliss was a decent and bright fella. Fact remains his commitment to the Lehigh Valley was limited. He's moved on. That speaks for his commitment to this place where many of us will live and work and raise our families and be buried. That's comittment .

Anonymous said...

Renew LV was always a group of elites.
Who was invited to join and by whom?
The Brooking Instution report was an excellent piece of work. Excellent. And remains a must read.
That fact has nothing to do with the disappointing results of Renew LV.
After all the self congratulations---when the rubber meet the road on the critically important water issue -------- Renew LV's contribution was ZERO!
Bliss was a decent and bright fella. Fact remains his commitment to the Lehigh Valley was limited. He's moved on. That speaks for his commitment to this place where many of us will live and work and raise our families and be buried. That's comittment .

Anonymous said...

Bliss was just passin' through.
See ya later Steve. Thanks for all yer help.
Good luck where ever you are now.
Nice knowing ya'.

Anonymous said...

One of REnew LV storylines tried to foist the outrageous bullshit that the Lehigh Valley was a paragon of collaboration.
In fact this was the subject for one of their Brown Bag discussions.
Really now Bernie?
Was that bullshit or what man?
PLEASE!

Anonymous said...

" DAN IS GREAT IT'S TRUE.......... "

Amen!

Anonymous said...

Okay, folks are saying that RenewLV is elitist while they are associated with a whole host of public meetings to engage the public in a discussion about planning for the future of the LV. Does anyone else see the irony of that?

Anonymous said...

The meetings are cynical window dressing.
How did the renew lv meetings effect water/sewer policy in Atown?

The illusion of participation is not participation.

The worse case planning still plays out in Williams Twp. Beth. Twp LMT and participation in Atown is at an all time low.

Good people are burned out with the Vision Meetings
that go no where and phoney participation meetings like those perfected at Atown Parks and Rec Dept.

Anonymous said...

What good is reading and discussing the BROOKINGS REPORT if the lessons learned are never implemented.
Suits and Pols who run the Valley don't give a shit what you read and discuss.

Can you say DISCONNECT?

Anonymous said...

"I deeply believe in public participation in planning...."
Joyce Marin

Curious that Ms. Marin worked for two Institutions, the City of Allentown and the Allentown School Dist., that in recent years have been recognized far and wide for their contempt of legitimate public participation.
Perhaps this is why she left those organizations. If so, that would be to her credit.

Anonymous said...

@5:13
" if the people will lead the leaders will follow."
very cute ----- been to an allentown city council meeting lately?

Anonymous said...

Looks to me like that logo you admire is a warmed-over version of the "peach" symbol that represented America's capitulation to global communism. Liberals like Dan, Ed and Johnny Casino seem proud to stand behind it. When will we learn?

Anonymous said...

Clarification re Ms. Marin. She left City of Allentown job to seek greener pastures in Europe with her former Wall Stree tycoon husband. Upon return to Allentown she landed the patronage job with the school district, only to be let go when it was discovered it was as usefull a position as the one Michele Obama had at the U. of Chicago Hospital.

Bernie O'Hare said...

It seems that you, like I, have misjudged Marin. It may very well be that her connections helped her land that job at ASD. But I know people who worked with her, and I can tell you that what she did made a big difference in the lives of many children. From what I've learned, she really helped them, and in many meaningful ways. .she is no longer there bc the grant expired, not bc it was useless. Far from it. In fact, from what I have heard, she may very well have missed her calling.

So let's not knock her for making children's lives a little better. And if you do want to knock her anyway, at least have the courage to ID yourself and take some personal responsibility.

Anonymous said...

When the going gets tough.............
the tough go to Europe.

Anonymous said...

America's capitulation to global communism?
What freaking planet do you live on?
Please for Gods sake get back on your medication .

Rolf--- if that's you, I'm sorry someone called you a " f&$king asshole".

Please Rolf, for the love of God get a med check and stop reading Scott's comments. It's not healthy for you.

XXX. OOOO

Anonymous said...

We had better damn well care about Who promotes any givien discussion.
1) There is tremendous power in Who sets the agenda.
2) The way the topic is defined and approached matters.
3) WHO leads the conversation makes all the difference in the world as to how the results of any given discussion actually influences the real world planning process and powerful policy makers.
In renew lv's case those discussions had no impact on real world planning and policy implementation.
The WHO, gaurenteed that those discussions took place in a vacuum and might as well have never happened for all the impact they had in the real world.
Translating nice polite and interesting discussions into policy doesnt just happen.
That last critical step is difficult, it's where the Art and Science meet. You want to make a difference in the real world? Than you'd better have a WHO that can turn talk into action.
History tells us renew lv couldn't turn the talk into action. Renew lv's lack of influence on Allentown 's current Water War is clear indication of renew lv's ineptitude. Or perhaps you think the Mayor knows or cares about renews lv's nice water and sewer chats?
And THAT'S why the WHO damn well matters!

Anonymous said...

Greg Weitzel was the "who" who led the discussions on Allentown's parks.
That "who" preordained the outcome of every discussion,and he had his buddies, who he hired at top dollar as consultants, manipulate the product from those discussions.
Cherry picking discussion highlights bolstered his fixed and rigged final results.
Vollia!!! He justified his looney and grand "Master Plans".
Your God Damn right it matters WHO leads the discussions!

"You can fool some of the people some of the time ............................"

Anonymous said...

Discussion moderator: "Have you stopped beating your wife yet? Yes or no?"

Who leads the conversation can make all the difference in the world.
It matters!

Anonymous said...

I'm late to this tread-- sorry.
Dan Poresky came to my Twp EAP meeting several years ago and totally defended the Mayor of ALLENTOWN's plan to log S. Mountain. And I mean totally. Our EAC was not sympathetic to the timber harvest plan but Poresky stuck by his guns and defended the logging plan and the Mayor.
Their is something amiss in this current recounting.
Something doesn't smell quite right here!

Pana Columbus said...

Friends,
The only person I am disappointed at in this water issue is myself. I should be spending all my days and nights fighting this one. I understand your disappointment with Alan Jennings and Joyce Marin, who are beacons of light in our community and have repeatedly fought our community battles for the poor, the environment and for our children. But they cannot fight every battle. Every battle takes an enormous amount of personal sacrifice. Instead of judging them, look to yourselves, ask what you can do. Contact Dan Poresky and ask how you can help. Please do not use harsh words to hurt those who have helped our community the most. Bernie, in response to your question about my daughter: She enjoyed the meeting, she was only frustrated that I wouldn't let her speak to council. She wanted to tell them about her school's field trip to the pond on South Mountain.

Anonymous said...

If Dan Poresky is leading Allentowns righteous struggle to prevent their water rights from being sold out from under them, then the battle is already lost.
The Mayor has a dream "opponent" in Mr Poresky.

There is no possible excuse for Jennings and Marin.
None!

Anonymous said...

Pana C.@2:53
Madam,
You are no doubt a sincere, concerned citizen, and you are most certainly a stary-eyed dreamer.

Mr Jennings & Ms Marin have at times accomplished
laudable tasks in their respective public lives. At other times they have made less altruistic choices. They are political creatures. They make choices that further their career objectives.
This doesn't make they bad people, just typical political animals, with images to cultivate and power bases to appease.
Noble, self-sacrificing role models for your little girl?
Hardly.

Mr Poresky is a fellow dreamer. His is the domain of simplistic slogan stick-ons, sanctimonious statements (One With The Earth), and silly symbols. Rest assured he is not a graphic designer!

Poresky's motives may well be purer than Jenning's or Marin's, but he lacks their political acumen. He is the Harvy Milktoast of the Valley's enviromental activists.

The suggestion to call Mr Poresky to save Allentown's water assets leaves me with two uncomfortable choices.
Should I laugh or cry?

Anonymous said...

anon 7:29
I'm inclined to share your analysis, unfortunate as it is.
I do think you were mistaken in your literary reference. I'm thinking you were suggesting CASPER MILQUETOAST, not HARVY MILKTOAST.
I apologize for sounding like a know it all, but after Jennings's FAUSTIAN BARGAN misstep,one can't be too careful. Look it up.
Best of luck to you Allentown folks. I'm rooting for you all. Fight the good fight for all our grandchildren.

Anonymous said...

9:36
7:59
i was thinkin Walter Mitty.
Does Walter Mitty work for you.
I can think of a dozen people I'd call to fight the H2o sell out but Dan Poresky ain't
one of em.
Did I miss the meeting where Poresky was elected Grand Muffty of the Allentown Water Ripoff?
Poresky's got something positive to add. Great, let him bring his EAC group into the coalition. But he ain't suddenly the self appointed leader. If this is gonna be reversed it's gonna take a whole troop of good people and savy groups.
A strong leader paradigm ( with a weak guy in the drivers seat ) don't make it.
That old model of organizing ( let's call it the Jennings Model ) is yesterday's news.

Anonymous said...

9:36
7:59
i was thinkin Walter Mitty.
Does Walter Mitty work for you.
I can think of a dozen people I'd call to fight the H2o sell out but Dan Poresky ain't
one of em.
Did I miss the meeting where Poresky was elected Grand Muffty of the Allentown Water Ripoff?
Poresky's got something positive to add. Great, let him bring his EAC group into the coalition. But he ain't suddenly the self appointed leader. If this is gonna be reversed it's gonna take a whole troop of good people and savy groups.
A strong leader paradigm ( with a weak guy in the drivers seat ) don't make it.
That old model of organizing ( let's call it the Jennings Model ) is yesterday's news.

Anonymous said...

" Did I miss the meeting where Poresky was elected Grandd Mufty of the Allentown Water Rip Off? "

I hate to sound like a know it all, but: I think you ment to say---- "Did I miss the meeting where Dan Poresky was elected Gand MUFTI of the Allentown Water Rip Off?"

One just can't be too careful.