LOCAL POLITICS

One of the results of the Wednesday night fiasco has been voluminous correspondence to the blogs. Most have been directed to Plaintalker II (Bernice’s blog) as they should be since it is the most widely read.
 
A recurrent theme concerns the meaning of getting the “line” for local candidates. The consensus expressed by most is that since it is at the goodwill of Jerry Green the lucky person is beholden to him. Too often those that have shown a degree of independence in their elected office do not receive the “party’s line” when they are up for reelection.
 
Robinson-Briggs was promoted as Green’s prodigy when she first ran for mayor. She certainly was not nominated because of her political record. The most noteworthy action in her first term was the elimination of the Police Chief’s position. The lack of administration organization was evident then, but with the only other viable candidate seeking the office was Mapp who although also a Democrat was and is a member of a faction that has challenged Green.  

There are times when the “Party” which in Plainfield is its Chairperson, is faced with supporting the lesser of two evils. After the last three+ years with many negative incidents including the $20000.00 check hearing,, the 2011 4th of July celebration rumors of someone collecting extra fees from merchants, the vacant CFO position and the turnover in City Administrator and Department Directors plus budget gaffs; there was no way Green could support her bid for a third term.
 
THOMAS MANN wrote, “What good would politics be, if it didn’t give everyone the opportunity to make moral compromises. Be it moral or not the apparent reconciliation between Green and Mapp was the only choice. Mapp too is a politician but we will have an organized government.  

The other comments have concerned with the fact that in this one party town there is little choice except the candidate picked by the party leader. Some have advocated turning to nonpartisan elections. That is one of the factors the Charter Study Commission is considering.
My comments on this matter to the Commission as recorded in their minutes: Question 10. What is your opinion of non-partisan local elections (for mayor and council) rather than primaries and partisan local elections?
Dr. Yood believes that there should be no place for political parties at the local level; however, there is no such thing as a non-partisan election. It is too easy for small power groups that can have a greater impact on the makeup of the council to be elected. As a result, he believes that we should retain the party primary election format.”
 
Non Partisan Elections is an oxymoron. We have a perfect negative answer to that question if we consider the BOE elections. For the past few years a slate sponsored by “King Maker” Campbell has won the elections. Green cannot support a slate as the Democrat City Chairman, but as a private citizen who has friends he has backed some losing slates the past three years.  

Does anyone think that we are better off under this system with a board that seems to have pulled a cloak over its operations?