Pawlowski wanted to use this as a springboard to the Governor’s mansion (he never stood a chance, but that doesn’t matter here). So what happens? Any NIZ problems are someone else’s problem, not his.

So I’m not sold on either’s ernestness here.

But your last point, I agree 100% in regard to supporting Allentown. I’ve volunteered in Allentown for over 20 years and also contribute to the extent I can. I agree with you on Hanover – they were reprehensible. But what I also don’t like is politicians getting caught pulling a fast one, then trying to blame the people that caught them.

I guess there’s enough blame to go around on all sides.

But his district is large, and Allentown is only a part of it. He absolutely had a responsibility to inform all his constituents, or at a minimum the elected officials of the townships in his district, because this legislation directly impacts them. He didn’t do that, and in my opinion abrogated his responsibility.

He snuck it in, that’s clear as day. He doesn’t even try to defend that anymore because he knows no one (including most NIZ supporters) believe him.

1. Is the EIT share necessary or not? If Allentown can (nearly) promise it back on an annual basis, that would suggest the EIT is ‘extra’. But if they can’t get funding without it, that suggests that it isn’t ‘extra’. The fact that no one can come up with any kind of numbers makes me wonder how this money led to any sort of rational calculation about assets available.

2. Allentown could have negotiated with the suburbs with the threat of legislation in the back pocket. They may not have got everything they wanted, but they probably wouldn’t have been left with zero either. They could have thought out the EIT issue and devoted it to something truly “regional” (like transportation links) to make it a bit more palatable. Maybe the arena is built in 2014 and not 2013, but at least its built with a quality financing plan and backing by the folks affected. Since the Brooks are getting a nice market and a free arena, and the Flyers get an affiliate 1 hour up the road, I think they can wait.

I don’t think (in all cases) that this is a case of suburbs trying to work over the city. Like it or not, these are existing municipalities that have expenses and budgets too, and having legitimate interests they can be expected to defend them by all legal means. Folks can rail against suburban development, or EIT arrangements, or whatever–but at the end of the day you govern in the world you live in, not the world you want.