Monday night’s Special Council meeting went just as expected. The three aficionados supported by the Mayor waited about 20 minutes before noting that there was no quorum.
Despite the fact that the other four Councilors had notified that they would not be in attendance, the heavy legal talent from the Corporation Counsel’s office was also present as it has been for the last few Council meetings. The cost of their attendance has never been announced.
It is unfortunate that the many unaffiliated voters in Plainfield and the few Republicans have denied themselves of their citizens rights by not be able to vote. The New Jersey statues read:
No voter, except a newly registered voter at the first primary at which he is eligible to vote, or a voter who has not previously voted in a primary election, may vote in a primary election of a political party unless he was deemed to be a member of that party on the 55th day next preceding such primary election.
Once again this June’s Democrat Primary Election becomes one of prime importance for the city. Will the voters follow the party line, weird as it is, in regards to the Councilor at large and nominate (elect) the Mayor’s friend condoning her would be unbridled personal rule for another year. Or will they select Roni Taylor, who although not officially a “New Democrat” has a similar political philosophy about fiscal controls.
This is why Wednesday’s FOSH Forum at Emerson School is important. There will be a chance to quiz the candidates and hope to get honest answers. For those who have not already adopted a unyielding political mind this is an opportunity to arrive at a decision regarding which one is best for Plainfield.
The other race is the 3rd Ward Council seat held by Council President Adrian Mapp.
His opponent Rasheed Abdul-Haqq is a dedicated public oriented worker who as a result of an ancient conviction for possessing a small amount of an illicit drug lost his seat on the BOE. He had served his time and has been a solid citizen ever since, but was undone as the result of legislation sponsored by our State Assemblyman.
If the two were not contesting for the same seat; I could support both. However Mapp’s experienced and knowledge of State regulations and financial procedures is invaluable to this Council in view of the Mayor’s opinion that she is Plainfield.
Haqq‘s only elected position was twice on the BOE, the second time as a member of the Campbell sponsored slate; which by itself is not a positive recommendation. On the other hand despite his apparent support from the Mayor he has no love for the Chairman of the local party.
What strange bed fellows this year’s slates are. The party line consists of the Mayor’s friend and pastor paired with her detested political opponent. The opposition consists of two former BOE members although at different times. One has been the target of Jerry Green’s antagonism yet the Mayor would prefer him on the Council.
The other is now a teacher in the system. She had a no nonsense reputation as a Board member. That should be an admirable quality on the Council.
Our city has not been served well by the political machine that runs this neck of the woods. Tracey Brown, Adrian Mapp, and Rasheed Abdul-Haqq show all indications that they will bend/have already bent to the corruption that is endemic here.
ReplyDeleteThe primary will be a sad day for Plainfield. It's a shame the bar has been set so low. Get ready for an era of thievery, profiteering off the public dime, wasteful spending, and lost opportunity.
This is indeed an important election for 3rd ward council seat and council at large seat, which Tracey Brown is running for. I hope all 3rd ward residents take note that a VOTE FOR TRACEY BROWN MAY BE A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF JFK’S PROPOSAL OF 660 UNIT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. When asked at the NAACP forum on Sunday about JFK’s proposal for the Muhlenberg site, part of what she said was “the city needed affordable housing” she also said she didn’t do her due diligence in reference to JFK‘s proposal nor does she read blogs. I understand that she is a Reverend of a church but she is running for a secular political seat in city government and reading the blogs might shed some insight on what the community want and needs. I also know JFK had a meeting with the Clergy of Plainfield so there was opportunity for her to hear their plan.
ReplyDeleteI question how she would know about the state of the art medical facility JFK is promoting but not the 660 units? With respect that is due, Reverend or not, that just does not sit right with me. Furthermore, JFK and/or the CAG committee which the Mayor chairs, has hosted at least 9 meeting in the city and If I was running for such a key position I would have made it my business to find out all that is to be known about a multi-million dollar proposal on the largest tract of available space in the city. Alone Tracey’s unwillingness to do her due diligence and lack of involvement with the community on this matter would disqualify her from getting my vote.
I am left with the impression that when asked questions on the JFK proposal this Wednesday at the LWV Forum her response may be a little different from the one she gave at the NAACP forum. Let’s hope it’s not a case of different audience different response? The stability of our 3rd ward community is far too important to leave in the hands of someone that admitted to not knowing much about JFK’s proposal, yet feels the city is in need of affordable housing (aka, PROJECTS, just in a nicer neighborhood, maybe ours). 3rd and 2nd ward voters better wake up and get out to vote on June 5th and DO NOT vote blindly by voting the line.
SAY NO TO TRACEY BROWN and SEND those who do not have our best interest in mind A STRONG MESSAGE – YOUR TIME IS UP AND NO 660 UNIT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD!
Robin
For anyone who has paid attention these past years, you can clearly see that the mayor's stooges on the City Council back almost every move, ethical or not. The last thing we need is another person who will turn the balance for the mayor. Few of us want another four years of Shady Sharonda and none of us want Sharon to do even more harm to Plainfield. The choice is plain unless you think Sharon has done a good job in Plainfield. If that is so, I want to know what you are on, as it must be very powerful.
ReplyDeleteBob, your second comment is too accusatory without any facts to post.
ReplyDelete