The Star Ledger's article on Thursday and its editorial on Friday once more makes the image of Plainfield the laughing stock it seems to want to achieve. The Ledger's editorial is copied below and clicking on it will increase its size to be readable.
The Courier has focused on the PMUA farce. On Thursday it printed what may have been in part a press release from Greens office since it was not written by any single staff reporter and the same article appeared in Jerry's blog verbatim.
Friday's paper carried Mark Spivey report on inte rview with Assemblyman and City Party Chairman Green in which he is now calling for an independent review of the PMUA. He is quoted as saying "From every report I have seen or received, the PMUA is an agency that has been out of control for some time" and "an expeditious review of the PMUA be undertaken by a team of independent experts".
The sad part is that in his role as almost permanent Chairman of the City Democrat Party he has an autocratic role in selecting candidates for Mayor and Council offices. It is true that in several recent primary elections the party line candidate has been defeated. However, it is extremely doubtful that there have been any nominees for Commissars of the PMUA without the tacit approval of the Party Chairman. Many have served in elective office or have been active in the local party.
The PMUA was the subject of a scathing report from an independent citizens committee selected by the Councilors from residents of each ward. Also do to public outcry the DOCA ia investigating the Million dollar award to the former executives. It is possible that this could lead to an in depth review of all PMUA actions over the years.
Assemblyman Green is quoted in his letter to the Mayor and Council "I am of the opinion that the city should not depend on the state of New Jersey or on any other level of government for investigation or review of what has taken place at the PMUA" This is in effect a collaboration of remarks earlier at the special Council meeting.
Add these two items to the Hub Stein field 3 to 5 million dollar revision and yes Plainfield is truly a dysfunctional community which needs outside help to aid the taxpayers and voters regain control. Not only do we have a Mayor whose governing conceptions could equal Bashar al-Assad if armed force were permitted, and a Council that puts personal agenda and party loyalty ahesd of its fiduciary obligations, but we also have a BOE/PSS that believes it has no responsibility to taxpayers or impacted residents.
As well intentioned as Jerry may sound, he is hoping the state doesn't come in and investigate. Who knows... they might find his hand print all over the misuse of funds!
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