Potpourri

At one of the Council agenda setting meetings early fall when the subject of allocating funds for finishing this years road resurfacing as part of the 2nd year of the 2004 plan, Kensington Ave was included in the list. , Although the work had not started, we were assured that the it would be finished by the end of November. I questioned if that time of the year was not a proper time to lay down asphalt due to the average temperature range. I was assured that it was no problem.

On Jan 14 I had the occasion to use that street and found it to still be in its "holy" state. Is that why we are now going back to what is to be now known as stage 1 of the six year plan of 2004?

I would like to commend Council President Burney on his assumption of the seat of power. Well it can be if used properly and can have more impact on the future of Plainfield than the Mayor. This can be analogous to Speaker Pelosi influence on President Obama's goals this year. I hope we don't revert to the legal conflicts of several years ago between Council and Administration.
No one knows how much that cost the public.

The Council President's concept of the functioning of committees reflect the legislative function of the State and National bodies. It will work if there is not too much sub rosa deliberations and the transparency promised is enforced. Since these committees are small there may be an over abundance of electronic discussion instead of minute reporting sessions.

FYI: "sub rosa"comes from the practice of medieval councils when debating in private hung a rose on the ceiling and swore not to reveal what they had discussed. In other words a secret session. The rose was also the symbol of the Egyptian God Horas signifying privacy.

"in camera" is most commonly used in legal situations where the parties involved in an action have an "off the record" private meeting in the judge's chambers. Although applicable it is not often used outside of the court room.