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I've been fighting for working class people and neighborhoods for over a decade. During the last 3 years on City Council, passing affordable housing policies, supporting small businesses and advocating for police reform. I strongly believe that Housing is a human right, that we can prevent crime by investing in people and that systemic problems need systemic solutions.
NEWS
June 23, 2021
Allentown bill aims to give minority-owned businesses a better shot at city contracts
It’s the first in a series of progressive proposals intended to create more employment opportunities for residents in the majority-minority city.
Gerlach repeatedly said Allentown needs to do more to help residents find jobs within city limits. About 4 in 5 residents need to leave the city to find work, and about the same share of city jobs are held by nonresidents.
March 22, 2021
Allentown Council members vow to wage 'war on slumlords'; news conference leads to shouting match with Center City landlord
Tenant Sheria Wells points out feces, and other unsanitary conditions in the building. More than a dozen tenants at 104 N. 8th St. were nearly displaced after Allentown on Friday deemed the apartment building uninhabitable.
December 9, 2022
Allentown to spend $1.5 million on 'credible messengers'. Here's how they can help tackle youth gun violence.
The $1.5 million would fund a “certified credible messengers program,” which would pair adult mentors from Allentown with at-risk youth in the city. Messengers work with local courts to connect with young people in the juvenile justice system to bond, share their stories and help steer them away from gangs, crime and drugs.
Gerlach said she hopes the city will keep funding it in future budgets. The city needs to make a long-term commitment to violence prevention, she said.
