(photo: Mayor Ed Pawlowski)

“A rising tide lifts all boats.” This was spoken by John F. Kennedy in a 1963 speech at the dedication of a dam in Heber Springs, Arkansas. He explained that the Greers Ferry project, and others like it, were investments not only in Arkansas, but in the nation’s future. After the dam was built and the lake filled, tourism boomed, businesses opened, and Greers Ferry Lake became one of Arkansas’ leading destinations creating a broad economic impact in that region for decades to follow.

I tell this story because as was the case in 1963, I feel that we in the Lehigh Valley are at a similar turning point in the development of our region.

Allentown’s Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ), provides a tremendous opportunity for the entire Lehigh Valley. Some see this legislation in a positive light, others in a negative. Some Lehigh Valley municipalities are concerned about the effects of this new program. While we are trying to attend to those concerns quickly and fairly, I don’t want us to lose sight of the big picture. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has given the Lehigh Valley a chance to reinvigorate our largest urban core. As a region, we can either reap the benefits of this opportunity to renew Allentown or we can bear the burden of squandering it.

Will everyone reap the benefits? My answer is yes, because Allentown’s success is critical to the entire region. It is estimated that over 55,000 people work in the city every day and more than ONE BILLION dollars of annual earned income is generated by individuals who work in Allentown and live elsewhere. Allentown is an economic driver for our regional economy. If Allentown prospers, the entire region prospers, if it declines, the region will decline and our economy will stagnate.

Allentown officials have presented a plan ensuring that our surrounding municipalities and school districts will not lose their current Earned Income Tax (EIT) from their residents working within the NIZ area. The City’s latest proposal not only addresses concerns about current tax income but also shares the city’s success with the surrounding municipalities and school districts. The City will develop a Baseline Payment Fund to assure that every taxing body in the region receives its current EIT payments for the life of the NIZ.

In addition, to make sure the surrounding municipalities share in the upside of future development projects within the zone, all NIZ developers of commercial office projects will be charged $1 per square foot for occupied office space created in the zone. This fee will be assessed on a yearly basis to create a Regional Development Fund. That fund will share revenue with municipalities and school districts annually (much like the casino-revenue-sharing arrangement in Northampton County) and will be distributed according to the percentage of each municipality’s residents working within the NIZ area. The creation of this fund will also help address the concern that there would be an unusual movement of office tenants from neighboring communities. It will apply to all of the municipalities, regardless of their position in or outside of any lawsuit.

Finally, let us remember the main intent of the Neighborhood Improvement Zone is to generate new economic development and increase regional employment opportunities. It is estimated that the arena project alone will create more than 1750 construction jobs and 240 permanent jobs upon completion. Kevin Lott, a construction worker from Hellertown representing 470 Lehigh Valley carpenters, told the Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners last week: “It’s been three years that have been very, very difficult. We really need this work…I have guys losing their homes. It destroys families.” The NIZ offers a tremendous opportunity to help reverse this trend. If we as a region can collaborate and strike a mutually beneficial agreement, we can get down to the business of offering thousands of desperately needed construction jobs to the Valley’s unemployed workers.

Beyond job creation, there are other economic benefits to the Valley if this project succeeds: new commerce, increased tourism, and the ability to attract educated workers as well as new companies to the area. An 8,500 seat multi-purpose arena will improve the quality of life in the region by increasing our options for leisure activities, our pride in the Lehigh Valley and, ultimately all of our property values.

Will the city’s offer of collaboration to share in the benefits of the NIZ be accepted or will the redevelopment of Allentown be delayed indefinitely and the benefits of the NIZ wasted? No one wins if no one is talking. If Allentown declines, many of the downtown jobs held by non-City residents will cease to exist.

If this region is to succeed, we must come together, pursue our common interests, and invoke the necessary changes that will benefit us now and for generations to come.

The Valley’s tide has come in, let us not cling to the shore and miss our opportunity to rise to greater heights as a region.

(What do you think? Should the arena be built? My opinion is yes it should. None of us benefit from an empty hole in the ground, work has already commenced in anticipation of this project and much like we enjoy the Iron Pigs, the arena will add to our entertainment and become a destination as well as job creator for Allentown.)

Photo: LVRG

Lauranimal made her Hissy Fit debut during the July 16th [2011] bout against NHRD Skate Free or Die. She did her team proud by delivering an outstanding performance as one of their Jammers. Anytime she was knocked down she quickly bounced back with the resilience of a cat. Lauranimal took time out of her “9-lives” to discuss her blossoming roller derby career. Here are a few questions from the interview:

So tell us, what was it like playing in your first Hissy Fits’ bout?

Well, to start things off not only was it my first Hissy Fit bout, but it was my first “real” bout ever… I actually think that I was more nervous the week leading up to the bout more so than I was at the bout itself. Throughout the entire bout I had a strong feeling of accomplishment & I was so proud to be representingLVRG. Surprisingly I wasn’t too nervous playing in front of the big crowd. Naturally playing in front of crowd makes you skate harder to impress them & so I did.

Have you always wanted to be a Jammer?

Yes, I have always wanted to be a Jammer from the time I watched my first game to even now when I routinely get pummeled by my lovely teammates. For the most part everyone watches the Jammer during a bout, which is fine with me now, but growing up I did not like to be the center of attention. It’s weird that Ilike to jam sooo much. I just love the challenge that the position requires & now I like the attention… but off track I still prefer not to be in the spotlight. Weird I guess…

And how long have you been playing roller derby?

I have been playing roller derby for about a year now. And I love it! I play for many reasons; first to keep physically fit & to keep busy. My family or friends will tell you that I cannot sit still for a long period of time. Secondly, I wanted to be a part of something. And then lastly to prove to myself that I could do it.

How did you come up with your derby name, Lauranimal?

It is funny how Lauranimal came about. I needed an e-mail address & out of the blue I came up with it because I’m a Veterinary Technician and I love animals, so the e-mail address soon became my skater name.

Before skating for the Lehigh Valley Roller Girls, when was the last time you went roller skating?

A looonnnggg time, I would have to estimate 15-20 years before LVRG that was the last time I had been on skates.

What’s your favorite thing about the Lehigh Valley Roller Girls?

My favorite thing about LVRG is the skaters & how we are like one big family who support each other. Also the skating of course.

What do you attribute to your success?

Let’s see where do I start? First, I would have to say that it’s my determined attitude, doing well under pressure and continuing to really push myself are a few things that I attribute to my success. Honestly, I

am amazed at where I am today. Derby has made me live a healthier life, not only by eating better but also exercising outside of practice to build up my endurance, help strengthen my muscles, etc. I would

not be where I am now if it wasn’t for my talented coaches who continue to provide me with the skills & knowledge to be a great skater. Also, I am grateful for the support of my fellow skaters and family on and

off the track. Finally, I continue to strive to be the best player I can be.

Any lucky rituals or traditions you like to do before you skate?

I wouldn’t say that I have any lucky rituals or traditions before I skate, it is more so like a routine that I start even before the day of the bout. On the day before the bout I have taken some advice from fellow skaters and I double my water intake (sorry to my coworkers) plus I carb up and make sure I eat lean proteins. For the day of the bout I wake up early, take a walk to get my muscles warmed up & calm my

nerves, I follow that up with a nap… then its game time! Oh and I can’t forget to wear my Animal, you know from the Muppets, T-shirt for good luck to the rink.

Is there anything specific you’d like your fans to know about you?

If you didn’t know that Animal from the Muppets is my mascot/derby ego, keep an eye out for the tattoo I have of him on by leg as I skate by.

Photo courtesy of Lauranimal

This interview is courtesy of the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls and was written by Ali Doyle and Meredith Spirk.

Look for our LVRG v. Garden State bout recap coming soon as well as profiles of Hell Raisin’ Hussy and Stone Cold Roxxy Fox.

For the latest information, tickets and news check out the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls website!