"PROLOGUE: JUMPING INTO THE FRAY" or "ALFONSO TODD: What I have DONE, am DOING, and will continue to DO...."

It doesn't matter what all of the "positive people" say regarding the arena, NIZ, and the re-building of A-town, I moved here from Miami over 10 years ago and have been involved with City Hall and the people of A-town directly. Bernie, Molovinsky, other bloggers, and all of the elected officials, including the Mayor, know me and can testify to the fact that I was labeled an activist for years because I created events and opportunities and CHOSE to champion "the people" of Allentown who are the real resource and who are the ONLY answer and way to turn this ailing city around. I have heard words like "renaissance", "new beginnings", "diversity", etc every time a new project or idea was hatched. The "powers that be" were always preaching "blue skies and butterflies" when in fact, Allentown is a VERY urban area. GENTRIFICATION may seem to be the answer for those who imagine a Bethlehem-like locale in Center City, but the reality is that even with the mini-book that FUTURE wrote he/she is only HOPING those plans come together. There's no guarantee; there never is, but I am truly hoping there is a PLAN B, C, or D, for we Allentownians who, actually, live here, because in, reality, we deserve better than what we have received, thus far. How can our own elected officials treat us as shabbily as they are and expect us to NOT be discouraged. (And then have the nerve to say it's our fault for NOT being as involved as we should) People can preach all they want about attracting more "upper class" and "higher income" people to dwell among us "undesirables" but the reality is that you can't push ANYONE out and believe it or not, WE see the value in Allentown even if the ones you desire to actually dwell in this location don't; that's why WE'RE here... So, you can break this paragraph down, FUTURE and all of the other "ANONYMOUS" people, and respond, but the truth is "the powers that be" are trying to "throw the baby out with the bath water" and in doing so creating a new slogan for A-town which will be recited by all of the surrounding municipalities: "It's becoming the city that we love to hate."