I didn't lose, people just don't care....

I guess my only question is if only 11% of Allentown's registered Democratic voters voted (the lowest historic turnout was 8%), then did I really lose an election or have people just stopped caring? It has been proven that we have issues with our schools, neighborhoods, leadership, etc. It has been reported, blogged about, gone viral, televised and many people know, somewhat, about the issues Allentown is facing but most are willing to shrug their shoulders and walk away. What caused this sense of indifference or feeling of hopelessness? It didn't happen overnight. It took years of procedures, policies, and decisions being made without the public's rightful input, years of resident non-engagement, and years of Allentown leadership (no matter what organization, group, or title) complacency and only being willing to do "just enough".

The question was, also, asked about why there was such low voter participation even though it seemed the issues had the public riled up and angry? Well, I believe the resident accusations, arguments, and revealed issues regarding City Council were  equivalent to a couple arguing in front of their child. A young person will react one of two ways when he/she is witness to the constant bickering. They will become argumentative and disruptive themselves or they will shut down emotionally and become depressed. We live in a depressed City right now.


 The bigger issue is what can be done to battle the apparent apathy that has over taken Allentown?

I plan on cultivating people with ingenuity, a mind to work, planning skills, a sense of coordination, creativity, etc through out the City of Allentown so that we can become ALLENTOWNIANS AGAINST APATHY. No, this is not another wanna-be non-profit or organization that will be trolling for grants and donations, this is going to be an ever growing self-sufficient group that will be engaging the the City residents and finding out their needs and reporting these issues back to the "powers that be". We will, also, be assisting in the creation of entertaining and educating events that will be held throughout the Lehigh Valley, as well as promoting other events that will expose our residents to positive and informative opportunities.


If it has to start somewhere, let it begin with me...