While others campaign for themselves, WE campaign for us ALL..
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
So many COINCIDENCES in the City's favor....
And then they ASK me WHY I seem to be so ANGRY and RADICAL when it comes to the city and its leaders.....
First, there was EMINENT DOMAIN, then there was the INCINERATOR, and now the WATER LEASE. No true public input or leadership accountability yet WE, the residents, have to live with it..
We CAN Do Better...
Alfonso Todd
www.votealfonsotodd.com
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-allentown-sale-lease-ballot-question-rejected-20130226,0,2070423.story
A RADICAL THOUGHT....
Until the City starts recognizing and valuing the residents and neighborhoods and includes them in their plans (not by giving them programs or welfare, but making them aware of business opportunities and benefits) then the craziness will continue.. I LIVE on 4th and Turner, literally blocks from the prison, City Hall, and all things positive and negative. I refuse to say that A-town is the WORST place in the world to live but it is certainly far from the best. The "powers that be" are announcing/celebrating the naming rights on an arena that no one knows any TRUE information about, and a man is shot to death, literally, a few blocks away. People are yelling and screaming about meeting with the project owners about giving "something" to the community and, in reality, they don't owe us anything. When will we pull up our sleeves and stop asking for hand outs and just start going into the communities and finding answers one neighborhood at a time? Because buildings don't change crime or perception, the people do...
Alfonso Todd
www.votealfonsotodd.com
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Petitions to Primary....
Candidate petition signatures are coming in and we are on our way to the PRIMARY.....
Friday, February 22, 2013
CHANGE GONE COME......
SERIOUSLY, if I get elected, I am creating ACCESS to City Hall for EVERYONE! People keep saying there is access, but when no one knows how to get any opportunities / benefits from major projects in the city WE reside in, are getting the "run around" when you are just trying to open a quality business, and aren't allowed to vote on issues that will affect US in the future, then we have a problem....
SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER....
WHAT A WEEK !!!! But the weekend is going to be even busier. Last night I obtained alot of signatures, made some alliances, met some new competition, and made a 3 minute speech. (I had to channel my Pops, a Baptist preacher) I actually surprised myself... SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER can be a POWERFUL thing.
HAPPY FRIDAY! www.prolifick.com
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Q & A For City Council Candidate Alfonso Todd
ANSWER: I am a "newbie" to this political 'game" and never claimed to be a politician, in fact, I can honestly say I know alot about government but less about politics. It is my belief that politics is what is killing Allentown; and I can assure you that my fundraising strategy is not violating any ethics codes. I am being advised by some of the best campaign managers in the Valley and they have yet to steer me wrong. I, also, do have ALOT of people on my team who do support me and no one drives my campaign.
ALFONSO Unchained ......
So, I went and paid traffic ticket / citation fines and it was so important that our local station, WFMZ Channel 69 showed up. I appreciate the support and everyone who has stayed in my corner, but NOW we move forward...... www.votealfonsotodd.com
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
It's TIME to get started....
Sometimes it really isn't WHAT you know but WHO you know....
It's good to have friends in popular places.
My team is unorthodox but WINNING....
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
BOLD...
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Q & A FOR COUNCIL CANDIDATE: ALFONSO TODD
QUESTION: So far the NIZ has given away over $500 million in future tax dollars. You have said "the NIZ is a done deal" and that you want to make it work for the people of Allentown. you are right, it is a done deal, but it is done, or at least the money already given out is done, it's all been given out for specific projects, none of them will help the city of Allentown. the only way to even try and make the NIZ work for the people is to give away even more future tax money for new projects. while I'm not against developing for the people we are already $500 million in debt for the NIZ from just last year. How do you think that throwing good money after bad will help?
ANSWER: My take on it is that we can complain about the way the money was spent and how it should have been used, etc, etc, etc or we can take a hold of the reins and become involved. We need to INSPIRE the residents to "get involved and be empowered' in the process and realize they do have rights and a voice. But instead of complaining about the negativity of the people and neighborhoods, let's SHOW them how they also can get a piece of this " renaissance" indirectly by creating their own projects / entities that will become a part of the business fabric of A-town. We show them how to become self sufficient with business or how to apply and be prepared for the new jobs that will become available once the structures are built, because you may not like or agree with me on anything else, but we both know these projects are happening whether you wanted them or not and I believe it is my job to get people prepared to make the best and most of it. We have 2 years to get our residents ready for the future. www.votealfonsotodd.com
Friday, February 15, 2013
SLAVE TO THE RHYTHM....
I knew about this when I first moved here from Miami, FL 8 -10 years ago. There is such a high concentrated amount of non-profits in the area, that if you attempt to apply for a 501c-3, they will give you a "preliminary" status due to the amount of fraud in the area. It's like they have to monitor you first to make sure you don't use it for anything illegal. The real issue is that non-profits don't pay taxes and if 20% of the City doesn't pay legally, that's a big hole in the budget; and PA law dictates non-profits can't be charged taxes. So, now we ask NICELY and hope the larger non-profits will donate/contribute something. I am unsure why we don't just roll up our sleeves and cultivate value within the City instead of always looking elsewhere. Until we find the value within our boundaries, we will always stay a "slave to the rhythm"....
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-allentown-payment-in-lieu-of-taxes-20130214,0,4245823.story
DOING FOR OURSELVES....
This is WHY I have been preaching self sufficiency and empowerment. The builders, contractors, and planners don't owe us anything and they KNOW this and we have to stop thinking that they do. As long as we have the attitude of obtaining a "hand out" instead of a "hand up" then this will be the response we will often get: more bureaucracy while those still in need languish. I say have them tell us what the projects will NEED as far as employee and service-wise so we can teach / train the surrounding residents how to obtain some of the benefits/opportunities. I applaud Mr. Jennings for his work and assistance, but some of us would rather get the info so we can go in, speak, and do for ourselves...
Alfonso Todd
www.votealfonsotodd.com
484.619.6541
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-allentown-hockey-arena-fees-20130214,0,636955.story?fb_action_ids=10151403825431192&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
PERSPECTIVE....
After working tirelessly, for years in Allentown, PA for the good of the people, I have finally seen where I need to be in order to make the best impact, on Allentown City Council. In the coming months, it is going to be a hectic ride. I have to obtain petition signatures, make speeches, meet people, go door to door, obtain money, make more speeches, go door to door, obtain more money, continue to meet people, and on and on it goes until I inevitably reach my goal. The problem is that some people are wary of my ideas. "Empowering the people? Teaching them self-sufficiency? Allowing them to have pride in themselves and the city? Giving them a voice? Allowing them to have a say in the political landscape? Preparing them for the future? That's crazy talk!" It's sad but true. Many would prefer alot of Allentonians to be quiet, be still, and believe they (the powers that be) know what's best for us. Some have even threatened me if I continue to run this race.
They have e-mailed me, sent copies of their letters to the press, posted information about people close to me, and then threatened to reveal "something much worse, regarding your judgment, that could also get out"
and I "really should withdraw from seeking a seat on Allentown City Council." (For the full information see the previous blogs posted on this site)
Now, in my mind, I have a duty to those "whose shoulders I stand on" to move forward; I have a duty to my family, your family, my children, your children, their children, and their children's children to move forward; and I have a duty to every man or woman who felt they had the inclination to represent and create a better city for everyone in Allentown, no matter what the cost, because in reality, there is "nothing to fear but fear itself."
Embarrassment is nothing but a feeling that someone gets when something is revealed that they were trying to keep hidden, but unfortunately for those involved in this game of blackmail and intimidation, it's NOT happening with this man. Apparently, they have me confused with someone else!
They mentioned my lack of judgement regarding parking tickets and citations, which have been paid or are being paid, but while we are on the subject, let's add to the list so we can get it ALL out there:
Have I been late in paying taxes / bills or delinquent ? Sure. In fact, as an entrepreneur there was a time that I didn't know how I was going to pay rent or where my next meal was coming from much less pay on taxes, but I survived and I continue to pay debts and move forward.
Have I voted in every election ? Nope. On some days I worked so hard on my business I actually ran out of time and was unable to reach the polls. Do I regret it? Yes, because I believe voting is a right and a privilege and MANY people have DIED for me to be able to be involved in this political process. Yet, I, also, know MANY have DIED for me to be a businessman and to create the projects that I have in order to educate others and bring them into the fray. So, it is my duty to be the best man I can be, no matter what the cost and sacrifice.
Do I do business with felons, sex offenders, drug dealers, scofflaws and other criminals ? Yes. In fact, I had a partner in a past business called BLURB MEDIA who was a convicted felon. He came looking for opportunity and warned me of his crime which is listed on the PA Megans Law website. My problem is that I have been taught to give ALL people the benefit of the doubt and while most would judge those in a city with a prison in the center of it, I don't. In fact, these men and women have paid their debt to society through years of imprisonment and I have been known to teach them event coordination, basic digital camera photography, promotions, marketing, and some basic computer skills so that they could obtain legal work or even create a legal business. My partner assisted me with great community events that enriched the neighborhoods, networked with Executive Directors, City Officials, the Mayor and his wife, and they all gave him praises for the positive influence he was having on the City. Our projects were seen by thousands and picked up by local television stations and publications. In fact, at this time, he is in the process of starting an organization entitled EX-CONS FOR CHANGE. Another associate has started a photography business in the Lehigh Valley and he recently obtained local office space because his work is in high demand it seems. Have they made mistakes ? Yes. But they are also becoming productive citizens of society which is what we all want and expect.
The reality is that there is NOTHING about me that is going to ever be perceived as part of the status quo when it comes to politics. And I am fine with this. And no matter what the newspapers, internet blogs, or other information sources report, my goal is to assist those who have started the process of raising Allentown from the depths and inspire the residents to help with the process. There are more than enough benefits and opportunities for everyone who choose to be involved and I plan to share as much information as possible so that the city and its people can move forward. The People are the resource and need to be involved if this renaissance is going to truly happen.
Most may see a tired City with people who are tired of being ignored and tolerated or City Officials who may seem to be uncaring to the resident's needs, but I see an opportunity to bring it ALL together and show the world Allentown can be as great as it once was or even greater (a true International City) and that the Leaders of Allentown can be sensitive to the needs of the People....
It's all according to your PERSPECTIVE.
www.votealfonsotodd.com
MORE THREATS AND PROMISES......
QUESTION / COMMENT: Alfonso, the "average person" does not have 36 traffic violations in two counties. And they're not in "the past." Your most serious violation took place in January 2013. There are 3 pages of violations on you at the PA Unified Judicial System website. It's shocking. And all those violations communicate, loudly and clearly, that you think you're above the law, or that you just don't care about laws. For example, "Driving While Operating Privileges are Suspended or Revoked," January 2013. You drove anyway, in blatant disregard of the law, got caught, and now face the possibility of a 6-month jail sentence. All this reflects badly, very badly, on your judgment. How can you expect Allentonians to trust your judgment as a member of Allentown City Council? I certainly can't. Alfonso, you really should withdraw from seeking a seat on Allentown City Council. As you must know, there's something much worse, regarding your judgment, that could also get out. Give me a call Wednesday if you'd like to discuss it.
Bill Villa
610.428.1253
& this, also:
WORTH REPEATING DEPARTMENT
Alfonso, as you must know, there's something much worse, regarding your judgment, that could also get out .
Give me a call Wednesday if you'd like to discuss it, or I can call you.
Bill Villa
610.428.1253
RESPONSE: So, again, my past lessons are just that, lessons. All of my lessons add value to my life which have helped me create the great vision that I have for Allentown - All of my past has everything to do with today.
Now, THIS is BLACK MAIL and a THREAT. So, it only let's me know someone is nervous somewhere about me being in this race. Again, fines were paid and the most recent ticket in January 2013 was because I literally had forgotten about a ticket I had received 3 months earlier. (I had placed it in the glove compartment in a car I had recently sold.) Unsure how I feel "I am above the law" since I have had to deal with the Chief of Police and police officers numerous times with my and my client's events. (I've had to be a chaacter witness several times for friends/associates over the years, also) As far as 6 months in jail, it's only if I didn't pay fines/ restitution. There is no court involved. As far as withdrawing, it's not happening. And as far as ANOTHER item I have done that is WORSE, he even has my curiosity piqued. I didn't even know my life was all that exciting..... In the end, I truly speak TRUTH to power. My life is an open book. Thanks for the support everyone!
www.votealfonsotodd.com
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself....
QUESTIONS: Alfonso, attached are two dozen-plus scofflaw traffic citations on you in Lehigh County and 8 scofflaw traffic citations on you in Northampton County, including one for "Driving While License is Suspended or Revoked" (see "N8") that could (and should) score you 6 months in jail.
Care to comment? (on the record @ LVS)
Bill Villa
610.428.1253
ANSWER: Sure, parking tickets and a forgotten ticket. It happens and as a human (average person) I have made mistakes. I have paid or am paying my fines and i move on. It still has nothing to do with my desire to make Allentown, PA into a better place for my children, your children, and everyone else. My past has nothing to do with the great future I envison for Allentown. Thanks for the information by the way. It's appreciated!
Alfonso Todd
484 619 6541
My past lessons are just that, lessons. All of my lessons add value to my life which have helped me create the great vision that I have for Allentown - All of my past has everything to do with today. Thanks, Ms G. and everyone else for the support.
Q & A for City Council Candidate ALFONSO TODD
QUESTION: How are we supposed to know you're not going to "sell out" to the authorities? Every politician that I've ever seen hailed as a savior has turned out to be a charlatan. How are you any different?
ANSWER:You don't. I am giving my platform and asking that you do what everyone else does when it comes to politics, BELIEVE and/or have FAITH this person will do as they say. I also ask for you to look at my track record and see that everything I have done is WITHOUT any government assistance and has been for the people. I am different because I am beholden to you and the rest of the Lehigh Valley / Allentown. I have not only shown this in my actions for the past 10 years but continuously do it now. I have a radio station that was created for the PEOPLE and the voice of the PEOPLE; I am sponsoring seminars/workshops, without any government funding, to teach our residents how to become self sufficient; and I am continuously unashamed of saying Allentown's people ARE the resources that need to be involved in order to push the City forward.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.votealfonsotodd.com
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Q & A for Candidate Alfonso Todd
QUESTION: I've been at more the a dozen city council meetings last year alone and I only saw you there once. you say you want to open city hall to EVERYONE yet if you would be a part of it you would know that the home rule charter already makes sure city hall is open to everyone. You also claim you want to make sure the arena benefits everyone but had you been going to city council meetings (or reading about them after the fact in the paper) you would know that the council already approved the lease of the arena, against the many how spoke out against it myself included. The deal is done at this point, $270 million in cost and the brooks group will pay a lease fee of $6.7 million spread out over the 50 years of their lease for a grand loss of $263.3 million to the tax payers. If you really cared about this city where were you when that vote went down and why have you been unwilling to denounce those who voted for it?
ANSWER: I am and have been apart of Allentown's government scene for years, I just never promoted it or believed I had to join any political party to make effective change in the community. I have been asked for my advice, by City Executive Directors, about how I would obtain more business for the city, I created an unofficial Information Dissemination Project for the city, and I was asked to give tours to business men with companies interested in possibly moving to Allentown; and while you say the information in city hall is open to EVERYONE, guess what? Many aren't receiving it and still have no clue and as city leaders, it is our job to bring it to them. Also, if there was such openness then people wouldn't be running around Allentown STILL wondering what the Arena will do for the city and HOW they can benefit from it. Plus, I still get complaints from people who feel they are hitting a brick wall when trying to do something as simple as getting a business license. Recently, I talked to a starting entrepreneur who said he was sent to 3 different places in City hall and still walked out empty handed. It should not be so hard and so confusing to do business in Allentown and, yet, this is the reputation that we have. As far as the arena, I know the situation very well. I helped a client promote a group that was created to fight the eminent domain situation. I was there when there was crying, yelling, and police escorts. My good friend went viral on YOUTUBE because she looked at Council and gave her two cents. She has since relocated. So, just because you don't see me does not mean I am not there. People call me daily and keep me abreast of meetings I am unable to attend and I stay current with City issues. You speak about denouncing people, and if you feel it is productive, then feel free. Me, myself, I prefer to PREPARE the people by giving knowledge and information about what they can do to benefit from this project and not by just waiting on "possible' grants, NIZ benefits, or non-profit monies. Why get scraps when we can create our own businesses and events and be apart of the resurgence of Allentown and not just worker bees / bystanders? www.votealfonsotodd.com
ANSWER: I am and have been apart of Allentown's government scene for years, I just never promoted it or believed I had to join any political party to make effective change in the community. I have been asked for my advice, by City Executive Directors, about how I would obtain more business for the city, I created an unofficial Information Dissemination Project for the city, and I was asked to give tours to business men with companies interested in possibly moving to Allentown; and while you say the information in city hall is open to EVERYONE, guess what? Many aren't receiving it and still have no clue and as city leaders, it is our job to bring it to them. Also, if there was such openness then people wouldn't be running around Allentown STILL wondering what the Arena will do for the city and HOW they can benefit from it. Plus, I still get complaints from people who feel they are hitting a brick wall when trying to do something as simple as getting a business license. Recently, I talked to a starting entrepreneur who said he was sent to 3 different places in City hall and still walked out empty handed. It should not be so hard and so confusing to do business in Allentown and, yet, this is the reputation that we have. As far as the arena, I know the situation very well. I helped a client promote a group that was created to fight the eminent domain situation. I was there when there was crying, yelling, and police escorts. My good friend went viral on YOUTUBE because she looked at Council and gave her two cents. She has since relocated. So, just because you don't see me does not mean I am not there. People call me daily and keep me abreast of meetings I am unable to attend and I stay current with City issues. You speak about denouncing people, and if you feel it is productive, then feel free. Me, myself, I prefer to PREPARE the people by giving knowledge and information about what they can do to benefit from this project and not by just waiting on "possible' grants, NIZ benefits, or non-profit monies. Why get scraps when we can create our own businesses and events and be apart of the resurgence of Allentown and not just worker bees / bystanders? www.votealfonsotodd.com
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