It is not the ferocity of the storm
but the strength of the people that determines destinies.

Dear Friends,

I am proud to update you on our administrations accomplishments and more importantly our plans for the future of Allentown. Allentown’s future is extremely bright. But to reach that shining point and emerge from this dark economic tunnel this country now faces with a robust post-recession economy, we must maintain our current course and commit ourselves to what I call an Agenda of Opportunity.

We have transformed an $8 million deficit, inherited from the previous administration, into a multi-million dollar cash reserve, which has helped Allentown to weather the unexpected downturn in our nation’s economy. Last year I introduced, and the City Council approved, a budget that absorbed revenue reductions caused by the recession, and began to close the budget gap caused by the excessive pensions and early retirements of police and firemen. This meant less of a burden to the people that have suffered the most in this miserable economy, the unemployed and senior citizens. Despite cutbacks in every department, our City workforce and department heads have truly done a remarkable job of doing more with less. I am so proud and so grateful for their efforts.

In 2011, I remain committed to leading our city down a path of fiscal restraint making tough decisions about what to spend money on, just like you do everyday. This year we will look for more ways to consolidate services and cut costs.

We must also continue to improve the quality of life for the residents of Allentown. The first and most important obligation of government is its commitment to public safety. It’s the cornerstone of our city’s foundation and the key component for everything we are trying to build.

Over the past four years crime has decreased by over 26%, violent crime by over 19%. In 2010 almost every major area of crime decreased. This is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and hard work of Allentown police officers in partnership with our community organizations and the neighborhoods they serve. 
 
Last, but not least is creating economic growth, development and jobs for the future which is probably the most important.

Last year I stated that I believe the role of government is to provide the common ground where all people and businesses can prosper, and that is what we have seen with the opening of a large variety of business throughout the city.

The goal of a better Allentown will not be realized completely until every resident -every man, every woman and every child- has been given the opportunity to share in the very best we as a community have to offer.
Finally, it is important for me to know what other ways you think we can improve our services. What do you think the City can do to improve services?

Through Difficulties Come Opportunities

Albert Einstein once commented that in the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. When reflecting upon this past year and the year ahead, this statement has profound truth.

This was no ordinary year, 2009 began and continued under the cloud of a sluggish economy and we confronted one of the greatest economic crises this country has seen in almost 70 years.

I recently talked with a family who told me how tough it has become for them to put food on the table. I sat with construction workers who voiced real concern about their prospects for jobs and I ate lunch with small business owners who told me that sales were down and expenses up. I understand how they feel.

Like many of you, the City in 2009 tightened its belt and began to decrease spending levels to compensate for lower revenues. As a result, we now have the lowest staff level in almost 20 years while maintaining and even expanding core city services. We have learned to do more with less, while at the same time improving our communities and quality of life.

This was no ordinary year, but Allentown is no ordinary city and by working together, we have overcome many challenges. Even in this tough economic climate Allentown has turned difficulty into opportunity and there are many reasons to have faith in our city. Right now, through diligent planning and a reduction in the size of government, Allentown residents are seeing their fifth straight year of no property tax increases and our city’s total debt is at the lowest level in ten years.

We added nine new police officers, improved our parks and aggressively tackled blight in our communities. The city has also seen: the opening and announcement of four new downtown restaurants, the sale of the Americus Hotel, the reuse of the Mack Headquarters, the attraction of new industrial employers, the opening of fourteen new businesses on 7th street and the beginning of a redevelopment effort along our riverfront which will ultimately bring minor league hockey to the region and help make Allentown the center of activity in the Lehigh Valley.

The entire region benefits from a strong Allentown. When we work as partners, we weave the fabric of the city and the region together. It is this fabric that will help us not only weather this economic storm, but lead our city and region to new heights.

Make no mistake: As we march into 2010 we will face a host of challenges, from continued budgetary constraints, to the urgent need to increase quality jobs that pay a living wage, to rebuilding our neighborhoods and increasing home ownership. Yet, even through this murkiness of economic uncertainty, there is a light shining on Allentown. President Obama’s recent visit put a spotlight on our city and for a brief moment people across the country looked to Allentown for inspiration.

They looked to us for reassurance and for leadership, and it’s through strong leadership that we will emerge from these challenging times on solid footing.

For us to be successful, we will need to continue to have a bold vision for our city – a city of strong neighborhoods and unlimited opportunity. We already have made important gains on that vision by working together, staying focused on our goals, and maximizing every resource. The tough economy we currently face may slow our advance, but we will not be stopped.

Our commitment to each other has made Allentown the region’s center of diversity and culture, of tolerance and inclusion, and will ultimately make it the center of innovation and forward thinking.

It has been said, when we dare to dream and are willing to work together, our greatest hopes will rise above any walls of uncertainty and doubt. Time after time, we have found new ways to work together unselfishly. Today is such a time. Today, we must renew our core principles. We have to work together to move our city forward.

Allentown’s best days are ahead of us. I pledge to you that I will continue to work tirelessly to make our city great during 2010 and in the years ahead.

~ Mayor Ed Pawlowski