Great Moments in Local Government

Posts in this category normally mock foolish and wasteful policies by a state or local government, but the target this time is the union representing government employees in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The boss of the union, upset that the town had to get rid of some excess bureaucrats, is threatening to file a grievance to complain about a boy scout who is clearing a walking path in a local park. Heaven forbid that a unionized bureaucrats is being overpaid to do the same job!

In pursuit of an Eagle Scout badge, Kevin Anderson, 17, has toiled for more than 200 hours hours over several weeks to clear a walking path in an east Allentown park. Little did the do-gooder know that his altruistic act would put him in the cross hairs of the city's largest municipal union. Nick Balzano, president of the local Service Employees International Union, told Allentown City Council Tuesday that the union is considering filing a grievance against the city for allowing Anderson to clear a 1,000-foot walking and biking path at Kimmets Lock Park. "We'll be looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails," Balzano told the council. Balzano said Saturday he isn't targeting Boy Scouts. But given the city's decision in July to lay off 39 SEIU members, Balzano said "there's to be no volunteers." No one except union members may pick up a hoe or shovel, plant a flower or clear a walking path.