ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Former Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski is two weeks away from freedom.
June 25th Pawlowski will go straight from prison to a halfway house in Philadelphia.
He will need a job in the Lehigh Valley in order to move home.
Former Community Action Executive Director Alan Jennings has made it his mission to help his long time friend and you might be surprised at one of the employers he’s suggesting.
You might say Jennings could win an award for friendship.
“I’ve spent my last several years doing everything I can to try to make Ed’s situation better,” said Jennings.
The well known retired community advocate has supported Pawlowski well before his 2018 federal conviction on 47 counts of corruption in a pay to play scheme.
Jennings is helping Pawlowski find a job so he can return to Allentown after his release, saying Pawlowski is highly qualified for a leadership position of some kind.
“He ran a city, the third largest city in Pennsylvania,” said Jennings. “He has any all the experience of hiring, firing, managing, administering, you know, policies, procedures, all those things.”
Jennings is also trying to find a car that Pawlowski could use to go to whatever job he lands.
Throughout the trial and during his incarceration Pawlowski has maintained his innocence.
But in October he released a letter of contrition to the community.
It reads in part:
“I owe each of you my apology for the foolishness. When I leave the confines of the places where I’ve paid my debts, I recognize that my employment options are limited, but God surely has plans for me, one of which I am sure is to do community service in my beloved Allentown.”
As mayor, Pawlowski played a major role in the revitalization of Allentown’s Hamilton Street.
His prison resume includes teaching GED classes, leading Bible study and training service dogs.
He also played drums in several prison bands.
Jennings has one employment idea that may surprise people.
“The city would do well to hire him, but you know, I don’t know how that would be controversial. But I think it would be good for the city for Ed to go back to City Hall,” said Jennings.
Jennings says there are also a few other possibilities.
Reaction to Pawlowski’s release on line has been mostly positive.
Former FBI Agent Scott Curtis who led the investigation into Pawlowski had this to say about his release.
“Hopefully this is a good thing for not only the Pawlowski family, but for, you know, the Lehigh Valley in general, as somebody that can come out and use the experience of being incarcerated for the last several years to help better themselves, their family, and the community,” said Curtis.
Curtis says he is a big proponent of second chances and hopes Pawlowski reaches out to him for guidance once he is released.
We reached out to Mayor Matt Tuerk about that job idea floated by Jennings, but we didn’t hear back.
In a Corrlinks email to 69 News Reporter, Pawlwoski talked about his release and plans afterward.
“I’m very excited to return to my family and to once again be in the city I love. I’m looking for ways where I can continue to help people and make an impact in the community,” said Pawlowski. “I have learned much during my time away. I want to use my experience to assist others who’ve been incarcerated transition back into society.”
Stay tuned to 69 News for more information on Pawlowski’s release.