According to 'The Morning Call', "Sara Hailstone, head of Allentown's economic development efforts and executive director of the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority, will leave her position Jan. 22.... In 2013, Hailstone became permanent executive director of the board. ANIZDA reimburses the city for 80 percent of her salary. She made $105,512 this year."
A point worth noting was the fact 80% of what she was paid came from ANIZDA. This didn't make her exactly impartial. Another thought to consider is whether the next person who fills her position will cost city taxpayers far more?
How about this.. why not appoint the next head of Allentown's Department of Community and Economic Development with someone w/o a salary from the business community.
Better yet why not eliminate that department altogether?
If someone can't afford to pay someone or understand for themselves what is necessary "to navigate and understand applications, permits, variances, Boards and Authorities, financial assistance, location needs, and development processes" they probably shouldn't be in business in the first place. Besides I question these positions where Allentown city government gets to pick and choose which business they deem worthy.
I know this seems harsh, but so are the false hopes and promises this city makes with these kind of programs that cost taxpayers a salary of over $100,000 per year. If the city (taxpayers) truly want to help why not divvy that $100k out in $10,000 increments to help 10 new small businesses get started each year instead?
No comments:
Post a Comment
All comments are under moderation. Meaning pending approval. If comments are disrespectful or do not address this specific topic they will not be published