OUR COMMUNITY #1

In the state of world affairs Plainfield as an entity represent a microcosm of the ills that behest universal societies. Occasionally in the world the problems lead to nationwide upheavals such as the collapse of the Soviet Union, the ethnic war and breakup of Yugoslavia, the present day popular rebellions in the Middle Eastern "Arab" nations.

Plainfield itself has a government that is in drastic need of reformation, not one by violence but through the democratic process of the ballot. For the past two or more decades democracy has been dead in Plainfield. A single party system led by a charismatic leader with the exception of a short interlude has rewarded the faithful with elected and/or appointed positions of importance within the city. Often the same individuals have been recycled from one post to another, all providing health care, pension and other extraordinary benefits Rightly or wrongly, that has been the voters' choice.

For the past three years there has been a conflict between two factions and personalities especially on the City Council that has led to a disorganized economically distressed community. Part is due to an increasing realization by Council members of their fiduciary responsibility and the resistance of an Administration to any interference in its concept of who runs the city. The results is of course a lack of collaboration based on turf protection and not public welfare.

What many will find as controversial is one onlookers opinion of the personalities of the players involved. It may be simple to first address in either order the Councilors and the Administrators.

Despite the fact that Administration starts with a single individual it has a greater impact on the totality of city government.

Plainfield's special charter envisioned the Mayor to be a part time position, more of a coordinator and overseer than a day by day operator. The actual city functions were to be entrusted to a professional City Administrator who reported to the Mayor and followed the broad policies presented by Administration. No Mayor has had the qualifications to fill a City Administrator's role, and until the present Administration the time required for such a post.

For the past six years the present Mayor has functioned as if it were a full time responsibility,as if she was the CEO and not the Chairperson of the Board. She has constantly not filled important Department directorships and fiscal control positions. For example. the CFO, the bastion of financial control, was vacant for years until the State finally threatened to fine all parties involved in the Government. The Directorship of Administration and Finances for a great deal of time has been unfilled. For the Mayor's first Administration the position Director of Public Works was filled by a person who was well connected in County politics. A highly qualified successor left after only a very short tenure. The only constant has been the Director of Public Safety. The Charter's rules on temporary appointments have been ignored more often than complied with.

Prior to 2010 the City Administrator was filled by an individual whose strength was in stonewalling. "I will get back to you"(never) was a routine response to questions from Councilors and Public. There was no transparency.

The present Administrator who is now on three months Maternity leave appeared to be doing a superlative job under most difficult conditions. Although many feel she will soon be back to work, I question, considering that although the Council overrode the Mayor's abrupt action of firing her for unspecified reasons just before the end of last year, that she will resume for any length of time that overwhelming position.

Due to the length of this posting, the role of Corporation Counsel will be dealt with separately along with the Council membership in an immediate forthcoming posting(s). All dealing with this subject should be considered one document.