Kudos to Wendy Burney for becoming a member of the Union County United Way which has evolved from an umbrella organization as I knew it as a Board Member in the 70s to become the allocation coordinator in the County. It is unfortunate that the National scandal of 1992 did such damage to the local chapters who really are the life blood of the organization.
The concept of the the United Way to have one central charity fund raisers in a community rather than having multiple fund drives by many agencies is a good one. Unfortunately long ago it no longer became the sole fund raiser for the various services on its list, but just another contributor who was sorely needed.
Premature Congratulations to Annie McWilliams as the designated selection as Council President.
If I should be nice to her perhaps the Council will realize that the semi-monthly meeting is not only more efficient, but gives me an extra night or two for something to do.
Perhaps in her revision of the Council working rules; during the Public comment session the citizen will if any of his time remains, have the opportunity to either clarify his statement or ask the responder delineate his response.This can be done without risking "debate" and will satisfy the intent of the the public session rather than just to give the rabble a chance to make some noise that some Councilors pretend to listen. Although the last statement is 90% fallacious, it is a fact that much more than 50% of the answers given did not address the question.
This past year has been notable with the marked increase in individuals' comments on the operations of the three major municipal organizations; The City Government itself, The PSS, and the PMUA. Not only does it seem that many of the leaders in these bodies seem to have forgotten when once in place that they represent the people not their own agenda. The problems that seem to exists with all is mind boggling. However unless there was or is sufficient identifiable malfeasance, nothing will ever come from individual bloggers or responders dissatisfaction.
The citizen's group that formed in response to the Muhlenberg fiasco should be a guide to what is needed. There should be formed an organized non political volunteer citizens watch dog group to collate all gripes and as a group lobby the body in question for corrective action. If there be any hint of misuse of public funds this group could seek proper authority intervention. A sizable even semi cohesive citizen body can go a long ways in correcting Plainfield's ills. The one important thing is that the leadership and the membership remain apolitical., that will be the difficult task.
Who should be the organizers? I could name a few youngsters, anyone under my age, that have the drive and capability to do so. It only takes a few people to put it together and we do have a nucleus in the Restore Muhlenberg faction. There are also a few very focused bloggers who should be among the leadership.
Once in place there should be a regular meeting schedule. If formal "incorporation" papers may be needed that can be part of the organization research, but I have a gut feeling that it may be so to protect individual officers acting for the group. I have not done any research and this is just flying at this moment. Think about it.
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