MAYOR PAWLOWSKI HELPS INTRODUCE CITIZENS FOR PENNSYLVANIA PROGRESS

Earlier this month in Erie, PA, Mayor Ed Pawlowski, along with Erie City Council Controller Caz Kwitowski, hosted a kick-off breakfast to introduce Citizens for Pennsylvania Progress, a Political Action Committee formed in 2012 by a group of progressive citizens who share common beliefs on progressive issues. Some of these issues include fighting for citizen’s voting rights, racial and gender equality, access to affordable health care, and quality education for our children, to name just a few.

Pawlowski discussed how Citizens for Pennsylvania Progress, (CFPP) can work to represent the social, economic and political needs of the citizens of the State of Pennsylvania. With your support of CFPP, the organization can work to get candidates elected into office who will represent these progressive ideals and be the voice of our citizens.
CFPP has now launched a website to educate fellow Pennsylvanians on the importance of progressive action. The site discusses in detail the how the organization can work to represent your concerns on a variety of topics; and it allows people to actively participate by joining in forums on progressive issues and providing donations.

Visit the website to become an active participant in progressive action, receive updates on issues and local events, and most importantly help keep Pennsylvania moving forward, because forward is the only way to go. Visit the website by clicking on the link here: www.citizensforpaprogress.org

STANDING UP TO GOVERNOR CORBETT: SIDEWALK CHALK FOR HEALTH CARE

The recent arrest of health care protester, AJ Marin, for writing ‘derogatory’ comments outside Governor Corbett’s mansion, has spurred public action for healthcare rights. Marin, who was arrested for writing “Corbett Has Healthcare We Should Too” in sidewalk chalk on the governor’s property, has encouraged others to start speaking out for the expansion of Medicaid.

Although expanding Medicaid would not cost the state anything for the first three years, it would create 35,000 jobs and would add $3 billion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product. Despite these benefits, Corbett is still depriving 700,000 Pennsylvanians of healthcare. The Sidewalk Chalk for Healthcare movement created on Facebook is an outlet to gather supporters and show that Pennsylvania needs healthcare expansion.

Sidewalk Chalk for Healthcare encourages citizens to write their own “Corbett Has Healthcare We Should Too” message in chalk on their own sidewalk, take a picture, and then post the pictures to send a message to Harrisburg: Pennsylvanians wants healthcare, just like their Governor. Citizens are outraged that Martin was arrested for this simple act, and has furthered the anger towards Governor Corbett and his stance on Healthcare.

The best way to achieve our goal of providing more Pennsylvanians with healthcare is to work together. Through collective action we can send the message to Harrisburg and move Pennsylvania forward. Visit the Sidewalk Chalk For Healthcare Facebook page and post your picture showing your support for Healthcare for ALL Pennsylvanians by clicking on the link here:  www.facebook.com/SidewalkChalkForHealthcare

A LEADER FOR THE STATE: PAWLOWSKI NAMED PRESIDENT OF THE PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE

Mayor Pawlowski was named the new President of the Pennsylvania Municipal League during the annual business meeting at the PML’s 114th annual convention held recently in State College, PA.
“I am very pleased to have been chosen to fill this important leadership position by representatives of local governments from across Pennsylvania,” Pawlowski said. “I welcome the opportunity to serve and offer the perspective of the state’s municipalities on the issues we face each and every day.”

The PML gathers municipal elected and appointed officials from across the state to discuss issues facing the Commonwealth’s municipalities and established legislative policy for the coming year.

Pawlowski was elected 1st Vice President in June 2012. He led a session on the Mayors’ Council on Pipeline Safety at this year’s convention. He has been a member of the League’s “Core Communities in Crisis” task force.

Convention delegates elected Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter 1st Vice President and Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray 2nd Vice President.

The mission of the Pennsylvania Municipal League is to strengthen, empower and advocate for effective local government. PML is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established in 1900 as an advocate for Pennsylvania’s 3rd class cities. Today, PML represents Pennsylvania’s cities, townships, town, boroughs, and home rule communities that all share the League’s municipal policy interests. The Board of Directors oversees the administration of a wide array of municipal services including legislative advocacy (on both the state and federal level), publications designed to educate and inform, inquiry and research, education and training certification programs, consulting-based programs, and group insurance trusts.

ARENA COMPLEX AWARDED: RECOGNIZED FOR “SMART GROWTH”

Allentown’s newly developing arena complex received a 2013 Commonwealth Award for its resourceful means of redevelopment on behalf of the state’s leading responsible land use group, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania. Mayor Ed Pawlowski received the award at ceremony recently held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Harrisburg. “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the city,” said Pawlowski. “The arena complex is collaboration between government and business interests. The Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) is bringing unprecedented amount of development to our city and making Allentown a model for redevelopment for cities to emulate.” The downtown complex will consist of restaurants, retail space, the PPL Center Arena, the One City Center office building, a hotel and parking. The development is set to be complete in the fall of 2014. The “Building a Better Community Award” granted to the complex recognizes the impact of smart growth; redevelopment with a compact footprint that conserves land and reduces consumption, use of existing infrastructure including the adaptive reuse of the historic Dime Bank Building, producing neighborhood revitalization, and other criteria. 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania is a statewide organization that works with organizations and public officials to create land use, infrastructure and governance policies and practices that protect the state’s resources, strengthen its economy and improve the quality of life in Pennsylvania. The organization supports local and state government agencies, regional and community leaders, private firms and practitioners working to preserve or build great places. The “Building a Better Community Award” recognizes the renovation of previously existing buildings into new, thriving businesses. The revitalization of these structures helps to preserve the environment, reduce industrial waste, and improve the local economy.

CONTINUING TO MAKE OUR STREETS SAFER: FIVE NEW POLICE OFFICERS SWORN IN

The City of Allentown continues to make the streets safer as five new police officers were sworn in during a ceremony July 3rd in City Council chambers.

Mayor Ed Pawlowski administered the oath of office to officers Laurance Harris, Jordan Smith, Luiz Garcia, Jacoby Glenn and Mark Christenson.
“Being a police officer is a tough job, but it is also extremely rewarding,” said Pawlowski. “You don’t hear it often enough, but please take with you the fact that we appreciate your efforts.”

Glenn and Christenson will be attending the Allentown Police Academy. Harris, Smith and Garcia are already Act 120 certified and will be undergoing in-house training.

Police Chief Roger MacLean welcomed the officers to the department. “You are now members of one of the top police departments in the state,” MacLean said. “To the members of your immediate family and friends, I want you to know that these officers will be provided with the highest level of training and the most advanced tools so that they can be on the job in the safest manner.”

AWARDING ALLENTOWN’S FINEST: COMMENDATIONS FOR THE APD

The Allentown Police Department honored more than 50 officers and members of the public during National Police Week at a commendation and award presentation ceremony and memorial service recently at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. The Police Department also honored residents and businesses for their contributions or donations, elementary school student safety officers and the crossing guard of the year.

The event concluded with Police Chief Roger MacLean and Allentown Fraternal Order of Police President Sergeant Timothy Snyder laying a wreath in front of the Scottish Rite Cathedral to honor former Allentown officers Leo Lichman Sr., Thomas A. Litak, Robert E. Snyder and Anthony Marakovits who died over the past year.

Allentown police officers receiving commendations for valor were: Robert Carbaugh and Ronald Schlegel.

Commendations for Bravery were awarded to Allentown police officers Lieutenant Dwight Steidel, Sergeant John Hill, Stephen Fiorillo, Mark Holubek, Joseph Koury, Jose Lebron, Jay Melber and Erik Ruff.

Four commendations for merit were awarded to Officer Jeffrey Wesneski. Two commendations for merit were awarded to officers Benjamin Iobst and Dale Stokes. Allentown police officers receiving commendations for merit were: sergeants Luis Acevedo, John Hill, Timothy Snyder and Paul Sparling; Andrew Beky, John Brixius, Yamil Castillo, Corey Cole, Thurman D’Argenio, Mark Dean, Matthew Diehl, Jason Ehl, Randy Fey, Stephen Fiorillo, Leonard Fritzinger, Jason Hillis, Joseph Iannetta, Stephen James, Matthew Karnish, Ryan Koons, Jason Krasley, Cory Marsteller, Andrew Moll, Kyle Pammer, James Stanko, Evan Weaver, Johan Wesley Wilcox, William Williams, Michael Yetter and Ed Zucal.

Three commendations for achievement were awarded to Officer Craig Berger. Two commendations for achievement were awarded to officers Joshua Baker and Ryan Koons. Allentown police officers receiving Commendations for Achievement were: Sergeant Peter McAfee, Robert Carbaugh, Stephen Fiorillo, Christopher Hendricks, Nicholas Lerch, Damien Lobach, Michael Lovett, Brian Moore, Todd Swope and Richard Wehr.

Civilians honored were John Achey, Melissa Alvarez, Jason Forte, Malbert Fritz, Thomas L. Green, Arthur Holmes, Robert Kehm, Kyle Miller, Jorge L. Rivera and Felipe Rosario.

The department also recognized contributions made by Lehigh Valley Kennel Club, Allentown Dog Training Club, Packaging Corporation of America, Indian American Association of Lehigh Valley, Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, Lehigh Valley CART, Chapman Lodge #637, Ronald W. and Mary Martello Miller and Stacy Bruce.

Twelve students were honored as School Safety Patrol of the Year award winners. They are: Rosamaris Jimenez of Central Elementary, Tyrique Pearyer of Cleveland Elementary, Bailey Antipas of Hiram Dodd Elementary, Brian Strawhacker of Jefferson Elementary, Yovany Alvarez of Lehigh Parkway Elementary, Justin Kostenbader of Mosser Elementary, Alex Walters of Muhlenberg Elementary, Itzanett Santiago of Luis A. Ramos Elementary, Emily Ghorm of Ritter Elementary, Evan Favors of Roosevelt Elementary, Rosalyn Pineda of Sheridan Elementary and Brian Nonnemacher of Union Terrace Elementary.

Fred Willenbecher was named the Crossing Guard of the Year.

“I would like to thank all of the recipients for their service to our city,” said Mayor Pawlowski. “We have the best and most dedicated police Department in the country in my opinion, and the support they receive from the public is outstanding. Congratulations to each and every one of them.”

MAIN STREET PROGRAMS ACHIEVE 2013 ACCREDITATION

Two of the City of Allentown’s programs that support the two main thoroughfares in the Downtown area recently received prominent national recognition.
The Seventh Street Development Committee and Hamilton District Main Street Program have been designated as accredited National Main Street Programs for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Main Street Center®, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Each year, the National Main Street Center and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street® programs that have built strong revitalization organizations and demonstrate their ability in using the Main Street Four Point Approach® methodology for strengthening their local economy and protecting their historic buildings.
“I am proud to lead a city that has two thriving Main Street Programs – the 7th Street Development Committee and Hamilton District. The combined successes of each of these programs intersect at 7th and Hamilton – in the heart of Allentown’s new economic development projects,” said Mayor Pawlowski.

“We congratulate this year’s nationally accredited Main Street programs for meeting our established performance standards,” said Valecia Crisafulli, acting director of the National Main Street Center. “Accredited Main Street programs are meeting the challenges of the downtown in the economy head on and are successfully using a focused, comprehensive revitalization strategy to keep their communities vibrant and sustainable.”

Some of the standards that are evaluated for accreditation in the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts include developing a mission, fostering strong public-private partnerships, securing an operating budget, tracking economic progress and preserving historic buildings.

CADC-A was created by the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley in 1993 to promote community and economic development in Allentown’s inner-city neighborhoods. Its Start Your Business Program has assisted more than 20 business start-ups per year. It operates Allentown’s Main Street Program on Seventh Street, guided by the Seventh Street Development Committee (SSDC), an all volunteer group whose commitment is reflected by winning two statewide awards for its work. The agency also oversees comprehensive revitalization efforts in conjunction with Old Allentown Preservation Association in the neighborhood immediately west of Seventh Street and a similar project in conjunction with Jordon Heights Neighborhood Revitalization group in the neighborhood east of Seventh Street.

The Hamilton District Main Street Program was created in 2008 through public-private partnership led by the Allentown Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber, the City of Allentown, and the business community joined forces to create a program that would benefit the small and micro businesses within the city’s Central Business District. This Main Street Program has focused on promotions and marketing through events and public relations initiatives that benefit the businesses and residents within this district, including the Summer in the City; Blues, Brews & Barbecue and First Monday events, over the past few years. More recently, they partnered with the SSDC and private sector companies on a program to improve the facades within the district.

Established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980, the National Main Street Center helps communities of all sizes revitalize their older and historic commercial districts. Working in more than 2,200 downtowns and urban neighborhoods over the last 32 years, the Main Street program has leveraged more than $55.7 billion in new public and private investment. Participating communities have created 473,535 net new jobs and 109,693 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 236,418 buildings, leveraging an average of $18 in new investment for every dollar spent on their Main Street district revitalization efforts.

A GREAT PLACE TO PLAY: ALLENTOWN NAMED PLAYFUL CITY FOR FIFTH TIME

For the fifth consecutive year, The City of Allentown has been designated as a “Playful City USA,” one of 217 cities and towns across the country and one of eight in Pennsylvania to earn the distinction. Allentown is among 23 communities being honored for the fifth time.

The designation comes from KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to promoting and saving playful activities for children.

“We are pleased to be named a Playful City USA community for the fifth straight year,” said Mayor Ed Pawlowski. “Our playground at Cedar Beach is visited by children of all ages. Not a day goes by that I don’t see it being enjoyed by dozens of children.”

According to KaBOOM!, each of the 2013 Playful City USA communities demonstrated creative commitments to addressing the lack of play among children. Playful City USA celebrates and highlights these unique initiatives developed by communities across the country. A primary goal of Playful City USA is to encourage cities and towns to share ideas, concepts and programs in an effort to increase play opportunities for children.

KaBOOM! selected Allentown for its outstanding dedication to play. In 2012, many play spaces were improved in the city through neighborhood cleanups, litter removal and equipment repair, while Franklin Park was completely rebuilt with help from 50 community volunteers, many from the Lehigh Valley Building Trades. Additionally, the Police Athletic League played a critical role in encouraging play by tutoring and engaging with students at each elementary school in the city.

“We are excited to be one of just eight Pennsylvania municipalities to receive this national honor, said Allentown Director of Parks & Recreation John Mikowychok. “It’s our goal to provide as many opportunities as possible to keep our children active. We have a tremendous park system here and people of all ages are enjoying it.”

“Kids need to play actively, every day, at home, in school and in their communities, yet play is disappearing,” said Darell Hammond, Founder and CEO of KaBOOM! and author of The New York Times Best Seller KaBOOM!: A Movement to Save Play. “Children spend nearly eight hours a day in front of a screen; almost half of all poor students are deprived of recess; and to make matters worse, only one in five children live within walking distance of a park. Playful City USA communities like Allentown are creating innovative programs and initiatives and deserve recognition because of their efforts to give kids the childhood they deserve and best prepare them for their future.”

Last year, only seven other Pennsylvania municipalities were honored with this distinction.

SUPPORTING GOOD DEMOCRATS: PAWLOWSKI HOLDS FUNDRAISER FOR DAYLIN LEACH

Mayor Pawlowski introduces Daylin Leach

Mayor Ed Pawlowski recently held a fundraising event for State Senator Daylin Leach (17th District Montgomery/Delaware Counties) who is running for Congress in the 13th District. Leach, a native of Philadelphia who graduated from Temple University and University of Houston Law Center, lived in Allentown for over 20 years.

During his 17 years of practicing law, Daylin taught Constitutional Law, Legal Ethics and First Amendment Law as an adjunct professor at Cedar Crest and Muhlenberg colleges. During this time he also served on the Allentown Zoning Board.

“I drove past my old house on my way here and had a tear in my eye,” said Leach. “I spent 22 years living here, and you become pretty attached to a City. I love Allentown and miss living here, and I wish I could visit more often.”

“Daylin has very strong ties here, he’s been a second Senator to the Lehigh Valley, and he’s the type of Democrat that we need in Congress,” said Pawlowski during the event held at a private home in Allentown. “Daylin has been a champion of Women’s Rights, Civil Rights, Equal Rights for All, Health Care, the Environment and Public Education, all issues that affect each and every one of us. Daylin will serve as a voice in Washington for those that need it the most in the 13th Congressional District.”

The 13th Congressional District comprises of most of Northeast Philadelphia, Norristown and Lansdale.

Leach, who was first elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2002, and then the Pennsylvania Senate in 2008, began his political career at the age of 12 when he volunteered for his first campaign. He later served as President of the Pennsylvania Young Democrats, and co-hosted a weekly political debate show.

Shortly after his election to the PA Senate, Daylin was named the minority chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He also serves as a member on the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure, Education, Environmental Resources & Energy and Policy committees.

“Daylin has brought bold, progressive leadership to Harrisburg and he’ll do the same in Washington,” added Pawlowski. “I’m honored to support him and call him a friend. Let’s work together and send him to Washington where he belongs.”
To learn more about Dylan’s Congressional Campaign, please visit his web site by clicking here:  votedaylin.com.