Two weeks into the Obama era and there are upsetting trends with do suggest business as usual.. Despite the campaign calling for change from the old, we have had not only a return of the "Clinton Washington" but three of Obama's nominees had decided that they did not need to pay taxes.
Obama said he would not tolerate lobbyists yet Daschle made over 5 million work on behalf of health care corporations . Yes Daschle did withdraw his name as did Killefer but neither should ever have been proposed. Granted that killifer's reported transgression was minor compared to Daschle's and Treasury Secretary Geither's, there is a suspicion that there is more. Failure to pay state workers compensation levies for domestic help is probably a common fault for about 90% of households.
In Obama's defense a President ,even if his party controls both houses can be rendered ineffectual by self centered legislators leadership. This is already apparent. However the President has showed an intent to stick to a bipartisan approach. He will need the Republicans and surely will be listening to their demands.
Carter was the only President in my memory who tried to bring in non Washington advisers (Cabinet Members and White House Staff). This resulted in a antagonistic Congress and a wasted 4 years.
The stimulus package as past by the house contains no specifics. That does not mean that pork barrel projects will not find the way into approval. The billions granted would not* be wasted however if the majority of the monies are designated for PWA type projects such as rebuilding the infrastructure such as roads, and schools, and upgrading or revitalizing hospital/health care facilities then not only would something useful result but the public will be getting value for their dollars.
Locally, open discussions must be held with municipal employees about wage decreases. Executive Commissioner of Nassau County New York told the County employees that they would have to accept a 7% wage cut or else face drastic layoffs. The Governor of Ohio has told State employees that there will be a 4.5% wage cut, plus a reduction in the work or else a massive reduction in state services and multiple lay offs. week. Mayor Bloomberg has been candid about the choices facing NYC. If other political entities can face reality, should not Plainfield follow suit?
It was nice to read in Jerry's last post that the city is now in a position to seek a buyer for the Muhlenberg Campus. It would be interesting to have clarification whether the city must offer the entire parcel as a single lot, or if the present campus is subdivided according to the 2007 agreement with Solaris. If the latter what portion can Plainfield not deal with?
* correction 2/5/09
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