The end may justify the means as long as there is something
that justifies the end. Leon Trotsky
Actually it was Machiavelli who first proposed “that, given
an ends profitable enough, any means, even a very immoral one, is justifiable”
I have never read "The Prince" but I discovered that Machiavelli's exact words were: “In the actions of
all men, and especially of princes, where there is no court to appeal to, one
looks to the end. So let prince win and maintain his state: the means will
always be judged honorable, and will be praised by everyone.”
That may be true in the despotic society in which he lived. In
that era although people professed a sense of morality, it was in a very
abstract sense. It was an age when all transgressions could be absolved before
death.
In our world today we can no longer accept the truth of such
an aphorism. One has or has not a certain degree of ethical and/or moral
standards and a cynical disregard of what we profess in order to evoke a “Quid
Pro Quo” should evoke universal condemnation.
Monday night a communication from the Mayor to the Council,
and a corresponding Resolution may provide the answer to the inexplicable
appointment of the former Director of the PMUA, Eric Watson” as Acting Director
of Public Works and Urban Development.
In as much as Watson’s appointment is only “Acting Director”
it does not have to come before the Council for approval as “Director” for 90
days.
I am however referring to the Mayor’s attempt once more to
get Council approval of his nominees to fill vacancies on the PMUA Board of
Commissioners.
Past experience has shown that this Council will reject Mapp’s
nominees for the PMUA even those with as meritorious CVs as those of these
three; Carlos Ponton, Thomas J. Crownover, and Michelle Graham-Lyons.
The Council’s actions will once more be a matter of
conjecture. Will they act in the community’s best interests as is their
fiduciary responsibility; or will they vote as JG would say like “Republicans”
against the executive branch.
None the less the Council has been thrown a bone and there
will always be the question if that has influenced their vote.
No matter what the outcome is neither the Mayor nor members
of the Council have the right to expect the respect of Plainfielders who
believe in high moral standards as a way of life.
:.
Speaking of high moral standards, which in your view only appears to apply to the other side of the political spectrum, nominees can't serve in two commissions simultaneously. If Ponton or any of the other nominees are serving in a commission, they can't serve in another. But it's Mapp dictating it, subjects must follow regardless wether the means are lawful or not.
ReplyDelete8:26 am :If you are going to "blast" me especially without justification since it is obvious that you do not understand that I am in this blog critical of BOTH political factions I have not spared either group at any time when I feel they are wrong; it would be nice if I could answer you in person.
ReplyDeleteAs to other commssion that Ponton may be serving on; I believe that (1) the restriction is based on a body of Trustees or Board tha t have an administratib=ve function or oversight.;(2) He may be a member of the PACHA swhich is to advise the Mayor and Council of the “needs, concerns and accomplishments and contributions of the Hispanic community” and to identify the efficacy of carious legislation on the Hispanic population. PACHA also is intended to hold public meetings and work with government agencies that interact with the Hispanic population to facilitate smooth communication and cooperation.
The PACHA was first established under the former Mayor in 2010 and was inactive. It was reorganized and aprroved by the council on April 18, 2014. Its mebers are volunteers although receiving eithe Mator or Council appointments.
Yu should so serve the city..