Thursday, April 25, 2013
PROBLEMS and SOLUTIONS..... ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Part I
Years ago, a former City Official asked me what I thought could be done when it came to the lack of businesses in Downtown Allentown; Hamilton Street looked like a row of jack o' lantern teeth with all of the vacant buildings andstorefronts. I answered, matter of factly, that since she was the Executive Director of Economic Development and her office was on the 3rd Floor of City Hall and people applied/obtained business licenses from the 2nd Floor, then I would take a trip down stairs and request a list of all current business applications and have these people contacted and made aware of the empty locations that could, possibly, be a perfect location for their future endeavor. Now, I know that the current administration is being very selective about the type of establishments being placed on Hamilton, especially when they can offer tax-free benefits for buildings in the NIZ Zone, but I am still unsure why they continue to discount the entrepreneurial individuals that reside in Allentown; and please know, that many of them do not have the inclination to go through a non-profit program to teach them how to run a business and get start up capital i.e. loans. People, like myself, use their own resources and developed/implemented their business plan. My only question is WHERE is the support for the self-sufficient? Those who have not asked the local government or agencies for assistance when it comes to their own entrepreneurial projects? I plan, as a City Councilman, to cultivate business from our natural resources in Allentown, the People; and the individuals who need training or a boost will be referred to the available programs, but as for those who have already obtained the needed finances/collateral and have a mind/will to get started, let's make them aware of ALL of the opportunities available in the City. Let's not allow them to to stand alone in the wilderness without support just because they chose not to go through an available program... This is how we can begin to obtain TRUE economic development for ALL residents in the City of Allentown. www.votealfonsotodd.com
Friday, April 12, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Sunday, April 7, 2013
ALLENTOWN CONTINUES TO SHIFT.....
In the past week I have noticed several incidents that have occurred that is further proof that the "times are a-changin' " in Allentown, PA. Yes, we see the obvious differences in the skyline, hear the machinery, see the workers, etc but I am talking about the inner workings of the City. The thoughts, attitudes, and actions of the people/residents/business owners are becoming more and more apparent as they are beginning to see that Allentown is not all about "blue skies and butterflies" as many would have you believe....
1. NATIONAL RECOGNITION
The Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wenonah-hauter/murky-waters-in-allentown_b_2964807.html
I said it before and I'll say it again, Allentown, PA has ALWAYS needed a good PR campaign in order to assist it in getting back on track, but now with national coverage like this, it is imperative we do something soon! In fact, after this story was placed into the blogsphere, Philadelphia ran this one:
http://m.nbcphiladelphia.com/nbcphilly/pm_108049/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=mcIaxQ9O .
People may talk about perspectives and the realities of living in Allentown but either way, the Public will form their own opinion and THEIR decisions are the only ones that really matter in the end.... i.e. they visit our locations, spend the money, and add to our economy.
2. CITY COUNCIL QUESTIONS
It was the day that being a City representative may have seemed more like a burden than a privilege and the name, Rich Fegley, is probably still ringing in their ears.... The public went to voice their opinions about the Water Lease issue which would effect their livelihoods financially for years to come and, well, read and view the following:
http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-lehighvalley/Allentown-City-Council-denies-residents-a-chance-to-speak-on-water-lease/-/132502/19580886/-/item/0/-/cb7hci/-/index.html
This is the video that exposed people to the Realities of Allentown Leadership:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152346674813475
And this is the response the Leadership received:
http://landing.newsinc.com/
Now, to be fair, an Associate of mine predicted that the Allentown City Council event would end as it did, but I was hoping that the "powers that be" would give the public their DUE. He stated earlier , "Well tonight, there can be no discussion unless council decides to suspend the rules and vote on the resolution. I doubt they will. The ordinance must be introduced and go through committee." Around 8pm I spoke to another Associate who messaged, City Council President "Julio Guridy is refusing to let the public ask questions or talk about the water lease! Freedom of speech?!?! Not here in Allentown! Is anyone with the ACLU?" In my opinion, it's not like they DIDN'T know people had planned to be there to speak, and if they didn't, then we have a serious issue with our representatives either purposely or unintentionally not knowing the habits/actions of its residents/people. Either way, it's NOT a good thing....
Government Transparency and Community Empowerment have always been a huge part of my platform and day to day message to people. I am glad to see others are starting to utilize their strength and it is inspiring others to , hopefully, do the same.
It is believed that implementing marches, executing boycotts and other acts of civil disobedience are needed to make change and get the "powers that be" to pay attention. The reality is that Mr. Rich Fegley did what ALL of us should do: "our homework" and researched the guidelines, rules, and regulations, thus, he was able to speak TRUTH to POWER with authority! Many of us calling for change to "the system" should be following his example.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Hear Rich Fegley and other awesome Community Leaders at the "TAKE ACTION & VOTE" EVENT, May 18, 2013 at PITCHERS, 570 Union Blvd, Allentown, PA from Noon - 6pm !
https://www.facebook.com/events/431022060317591/?fref=ts
THE MEET and GREET with CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE
Alfonso Todd, April 10, 2013 at The Hamilton Business Center,
1101 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA from 3pm - 8pm !
https://www.facebook.com/events/122535597935584/
1. NATIONAL RECOGNITION
The Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wenonah-hauter/murky-waters-in-allentown_b_2964807.html
I said it before and I'll say it again, Allentown, PA has ALWAYS needed a good PR campaign in order to assist it in getting back on track, but now with national coverage like this, it is imperative we do something soon! In fact, after this story was placed into the blogsphere, Philadelphia ran this one:
http://m.nbcphiladelphia.com/nbcphilly/pm_108049/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=mcIaxQ9O .
People may talk about perspectives and the realities of living in Allentown but either way, the Public will form their own opinion and THEIR decisions are the only ones that really matter in the end.... i.e. they visit our locations, spend the money, and add to our economy.
2. CITY COUNCIL QUESTIONS
It was the day that being a City representative may have seemed more like a burden than a privilege and the name, Rich Fegley, is probably still ringing in their ears.... The public went to voice their opinions about the Water Lease issue which would effect their livelihoods financially for years to come and, well, read and view the following:
http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-lehighvalley/Allentown-City-Council-denies-residents-a-chance-to-speak-on-water-lease/-/132502/19580886/-/item/0/-/cb7hci/-/index.html
This is the video that exposed people to the Realities of Allentown Leadership:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152346674813475
And this is the response the Leadership received:
http://landing.newsinc.com/
Now, to be fair, an Associate of mine predicted that the Allentown City Council event would end as it did, but I was hoping that the "powers that be" would give the public their DUE. He stated earlier , "Well tonight, there can be no discussion unless council decides to suspend the rules and vote on the resolution. I doubt they will. The ordinance must be introduced and go through committee." Around 8pm I spoke to another Associate who messaged, City Council President "Julio Guridy is refusing to let the public ask questions or talk about the water lease! Freedom of speech?!?! Not here in Allentown! Is anyone with the ACLU?" In my opinion, it's not like they DIDN'T know people had planned to be there to speak, and if they didn't, then we have a serious issue with our representatives either purposely or unintentionally not knowing the habits/actions of its residents/people. Either way, it's NOT a good thing....
Government Transparency and Community Empowerment have always been a huge part of my platform and day to day message to people. I am glad to see others are starting to utilize their strength and it is inspiring others to , hopefully, do the same.
It is believed that implementing marches, executing boycotts and other acts of civil disobedience are needed to make change and get the "powers that be" to pay attention. The reality is that Mr. Rich Fegley did what ALL of us should do: "our homework" and researched the guidelines, rules, and regulations, thus, he was able to speak TRUTH to POWER with authority! Many of us calling for change to "the system" should be following his example.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Hear Rich Fegley and other awesome Community Leaders at the "TAKE ACTION & VOTE" EVENT, May 18, 2013 at PITCHERS, 570 Union Blvd, Allentown, PA from Noon - 6pm !
https://www.facebook.com/events/431022060317591/?fref=ts
THE MEET and GREET with CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE
Alfonso Todd, April 10, 2013 at The Hamilton Business Center,
1101 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA from 3pm - 8pm !
https://www.facebook.com/events/122535597935584/
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