An Allentown City Council hearing Wednesday rehashed old debates over the purpose and governance of the authority overseeing the Neighborhood Improvement Zone but culminated with a new twist. City Solicitor Matthew Kloiber suggested that the mayor has sole authority to make appointments to the nine-member board of the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority.
Allentown’s new finance director warned of challenging times ahead addressing a structural budget deficit while maintaining municipal services. But Seth O’Neill voiced confidence in his staff’s ability to advise Mayor Ray O’Connell or his potential successor on the best path forward.
Allentown officials are largely in agreement: Recruiting social workers to help city police respond to 911 calls involving mental health crises, substance abuse and homelessness issues is, conceptually, a wise move. But some are reluctant to bring in a consultant to offer some pointers until they ensure Lehigh County officials and one of the regional health networks are on board and prepared to provide funding. Others fear mental health professionals will expropriate, rather than supplement, police resources.
In addition to a competitive mayoral race, four seats on Allentown City Council are up for grabs in this year’s election. With three incumbents running for reelection, the legislative body will welcome at least one new face to four-year term in 2022.