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Improving Lives endorses cece Gerlach
Vote for Cece Gerlach in the special election for Pennsylvania's 22nd House District on February 24, 2026.
We have a clear choice in this election for the PA 22nd House District: repeat the failures of the past or move forward with proven, responsible leadership. Our community cannot afford to go back to politics that looked the other way while residents paid the price.
For years, Julio Guridy sat in office as unethical behavior and bad decisions eroded public trust and harmed the very people he was elected to serve. During former Mayor Ed Pawlowski’s tenure, City Hall became the center of a sweeping federal corruption investigation that led to Pawlowski’s indictment and eventual conviction in a pay‑to‑play scheme involving city contracts and campaign donations. Instead of breaking with that conduct, Julio Guridy defended and aligned himself with that administration, choosing political loyalty over the safety and well‑being of our neighborhoods. That is
the record his son, Julian Guridy, now stands on as he asks for our vote.[1][2]
Today, Julian Guridy is seeking support from many of the same political circles, including allies of current Mayor Matt Tuerk, whose administration is now facing serious discrimination and retaliation lawsuits over how City Hall has handled racism and workplace complaints. Those cases raise new questions about whether city leadership is protecting all workers and residents fairly, or repeating patterns of exclusion and abuse of power.[3][4]
Julian has not shown the independent record, community advocacy, or hard work that would justify trusting him with our future. There is no clear history of him fighting for safer streets, better jobs, or genuine accountability at City Hall. Voters deserve more than a familiar last name and a promise that “this time” things will be different.
Ce‑Ce Gerlach provides a better path. She has demonstrated her dedication to the working-class residents of her district and consistently supports families, tenants, small business owners, and essential workers. Ce‑Ce actively promotes local economic growth and community development, focusing on policies that create good jobs, support neighborhood businesses, and keep resources circulating within our community.
This election is about choosing leaders who will stand with the people, not protect the old political games. If you want a fresh start, honest leadership, and a representative who has already shown real dedication to working families, vote for Ce‑Ce Gerlach. Together, we can turn the page on the past and build a stronger future for every resident. Special Election February 24, 2026
1. https://6abc.com/post/fmr-allentown-mayor-sentenced-to-15-years-in-prison/4540262/
2. https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/allentown-mayor-charged-pay-play-scheme
allentown's former hr director is suing THE city
Turek fired Karen Ocasio when returing to work after BURNING her father
By Lindsay Weber
UPDATED: October 27, 2025, at 6:13 PM ET
Allentown’s former director of human resources, who claims he was forced to quit in 2023 after less than two months on the job, is suing the city in federal court, alleging illegal retaliation and age and religious discrimination.
Allentown hired Nadeem Eli Shahzad in June 2023; before that, Shahzad had served as HR director for other government agencies, including Delaware County and Nassau County, New York. Before Shahzad’s hire, Allentown’s human resources director position had been vacant for more than a year.
Shahzad claims that in August 2023, he was fired from the position “without just cause,” though an Allentown spokesperson disputed that characterization. Shahzad alleges that Mayor Matt Tuerk had called him into a meeting with a city lawyer present and gave him a choice: resign or be terminated and escorted out of the building. Shahzad said he chose to resign.
City spokesperson Genesis Ortega has said Shahzad voluntarily resigned and that the city did not fire him. Reached for comment on the lawsuit, Ortega said the city does not comment on pending litigation.
In a civil lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Shahzad’s lawyer, Marc Weinstein, claims that the city illegally retaliated and discriminated against him.
Weinstein alleges that Tuerk asked Shahzad to fire an employee whom Tuerk deemed a “troublemaker.”
Although the employee is not named in the lawsuit, Shahzad has previously publicly identified her as Karen Ocasio, a former human resources generalist who also claims the city discriminated against her. The city fired Ocasio in November 2024, around four months after Shahzad alleges he was forced out of his job.
However, the lawsuit alleges that Shahzad reviewed Ocasio’s work performance and found no issues, so he refused to fire her. On Aug. 19, 2024,
Tuerk told Shahzad to either sign a letter of resignation or be fired on the spot, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit also claims that Tuerk called Shahzad, 79, a “Muslim old man” on at least three occasions.
After Shahzad left his position, he filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The commission dismissed his case on Aug. 22, noting that investigators did not find sufficient evidence to support the claim, but that Shahzad had the right to sue in federal court.
Shahzad’s resignation came a month after the NAACP's Allentown branch raised concerns about alleged racism in City Hall through a public letter. The letter claimed that Tuerk and city staff ignored racist incidents and listed multiple grievances against city leadership. Shahzad stated at the time that there was “a lot of truth” to the letter’s allegations.
Tuerk has said the city does “not tolerate discrimination of any form in Allentown,” and has thoroughly investigated all official complaints. An outside investigation, approved by City Council and conducted by law firm Duane Morris, found “instances of isolated discriminatory conduct” and a “grossly mismanaged” human resources department, but no “system issue of racial or unlawful discrimination in the city government.” Lawyers declined to release any details of their findings publicly. In his lawsuit, Shahzad requests a jury trial, back pay, and promotions from the date of his dismissal until the jury's verdict, along with compensatory damages for mental suffering.
Reporter Lindsay Weber can be reached at Liweber@mcall.com.
City of Allentown is being sued again
The lawsuit claims Mayor Matt Tuerk told Shahzad to fire an employee he called a “troublemaker.” Shahzad refused, and Tuerk later dismissed the worker, Karen Ocasio, in November 2024 after she returned from bereavement leave.
Toys for Tots at Salvation Army AllentowN
A Joyful Gathering
A Heartfelt Thank You
A Heartfelt Thank You
Spreading Joy: Toys for Tots at the Salvation Army, Allentown Corps.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To everyone who joined us, thank you for your unwavering commitment and kindness. Your efforts have brought hope to families across our community. Together, we are not just packing toys; we are spreading love and warmth, and we look forward to continuing this joyful mission for many years to come.
Looking Ahead
As we packed the last toy bag, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment. Our efforts today were a promise of support to those less fortunate during the holiday season. The members expressed a heartfelt desire to return next year, eager to spread more joy in the community.
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A Heartfelt Thank You
A Heartfelt Thank You
A Heartfelt Thank You
Spreading Joy: Toys for Tots at the Salvation Army, Allentown Corps
As the holiday season nears, a sense of warmth and generosity fills the air at the Salvation Army, Allentown Corps. This year, members of Improving Lives Inc. united to support the cherished Toys for Tots program, driven by joy and gratitude.
A Joyful Gathering
Volunteers from Improving Lives Inc. filled the room with smiles and a shared sense of purpose. Packing toys has evolved from a task into a treasured tradition. Each box became a symbol of hope, reminding us that we were making a difference in the lives of children in need.
"We were so happy to help this year," one member shared, reflecting the collective enthusiasm that filled the air. The laughter and camaraderie among volunteers made the experience even more special—a true celebration of community spirit.
St. James AMEZ Church Services
A. Addison Young II, pastor
Come and be part of our vibrant community at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church! Join Reverend A. Addison Young II every Sunday at 11:30 AM at 410 Union St., Allentown, PA. As the oldest African church in Lehigh County, St. James is a place where love, harmony, and strong connections flourish. We warmly welcome you to experience uplifting worship and the joy of fellowship with us!