Allentown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Allentown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Election Board Structure Referendum
Lehigh County voters are getting a say this November on whether to expand our tiny three-person election board to five members. The big change here would bring independent and third-party voices directly into how local elections are managed.
Mayoral Dispute
Allentown's mayor is dismissing the city council's recent 'no confidence' vote, calling the whole thing a massive waste of time. It's the latest drama in an ongoing feud between local leaders that's stalling actual city progress.
Elected Official Compensation
Allentown voters just signed off on raising salaries for City Council members and the city controller for the first time in years. It's a long-overdue pay bump for the folks running the local government.
Mayoral Leadership
Allentown's first Latino mayor, Matt Tuerk, is starting to get noticed on a national level as a rising political star. His leadership is putting the city on the map and showing that local figures can make a big splash nationwide.
Official Language Policy
Allentown activists are fighting to scrap an old rule that makes English the city's official language, calling it discriminatory. If the city council agrees to look at it, it could mark a huge win for Allentown's fast-growing Latino population.
Official Misconduct
An Allentown city councilwoman is facing criminal charges after allegedly sending a teenager to live in a homeless camp, sparking a massive ethics scandal for local government. This shocking breach of trust puts a major spotlight on the questionable behavior of our elected officials.