Potpourri Ramblings

Responsibility, Accountability , Transparency not Translucency, and CAR (Citizen's Assistance Request, courtesy of Councilman Mapp) are catch phrases that for the past week or so are are appearing on the postings of Plaainfield's blogers and the responding commentaries of readers.

Obviously there is a core of individuals, both elected officials and citizens, who if given the opportunity and framework to act collectively would , no could, try to restore Plainfield once again as the Queen City.

There is a large core of talent and specific expertise living here that has remained hidden and uninvolved because of the psychological slum which Plainfield has become. The once magnet shopping center of Central New Jersey is now a mecca of 99 Cents stores and grocery. Boarded homes are in every ward as are the numerous for sale signs. I need not remark again about our vehicle destroying streets. Access to quality institutional health care is difficult. Confidence in the local government is low, to wit;

Administration has shunned accountability. The lack of a budget after 8 months into the fiscal year is unconscionable. How the state can permit a municipality to function under emergency appropriation resolutions is beyond understanding. "Hand to mouth" operations does not equate with good government.

This years Council professing a dedication to Transparency must also exercise Responsibility. The question remains, will the use of small committees at the expense of customary frequent Council meetings result instead in translucency? Meetings, especially if held electronically, do not generate minutes for public review.

The County union's reaction to planned job loss is understandable. However were there ever any discussions between Freeholders and workers about possible accommodations to arrive at large enough savings so that those jobs if necessary could be saved.

We should have time over this President's Day weekend to belatedly formalize our reachable community goals for the present year. Some financial proposals will be on the upcoming Council meeting's agenda. They will need careful not emotional consideration. It is not too early within the next two weeks to try to start the budget process for FY 2010. July 1 is only a little over four months away.
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