BLUE MONDAY

When the Courier prints something on its first page about Plainfield it usually is something belated, truthful and damaging to the city’s image.

Sunday was no exception; the lack of mandatory inspections of all venues that handle food. This is not new and was discussed in various blogs when this Council had at first, in what could only be considered an anti-Mapp action, blocked the appointment of a full time Director of Health.

At that time more than one Councilor objected because the nominee did not live in Plainfield and another said that the arrangement using the County was working well and did not cost much.* Initially, No consideration was given to the fact that the Council had been appraised about the fact that food establishments were not being inspected. Indeed the SRB administration had not bothered to fill that vacancy for almost a year.++

What is important is that this administration is attempting to rectify the deficiencies in code enforcements that were tolerated by the previous administration and council leadership.

Regarding the “New Item” Ordinance for first reading requesting that on the General Election Ballot there be a proposition authorizing Plainfield to establish an Open Space Trust Fund and impose a dedicated property tax for it; I have no idea who proposed it or why it was not properly a subject for discussion last week.

The manner in which it is being introduced should be reason for non-consideration until a proper discussion can be held. This is not an emergency.

*All sit to the left (the viewer's right) of the chair
++ Where did the money allocated for the position go?