Wednesday, June 3, 2015
THOUGHTS ON THE ELCTION
While the outcome of the local Democrat primary election in Plainfield represents an overwhelming defeat for Jerry Green it is unwise to consider it a “ mandate for the Mapp Administration" as Cory Storch wrote today in his blog.
It was rather an expression that finally the electorate in Plainfield are fed up with the character and quality of those that Chairman Green chose to fill elected positions in the city.It was an indication that at last the quiet majority wants to impact on the future of the city.
It was also an expression of disgust at the patronage appointments made with Green’s approval to various authorities, boards and commissions as well as civic jobs. It showed that the masses were fed up with the fiscal irregularities that have been prominent in Plainfield's government.
In his 18 months as Mayor Mapp too has made some very questionable decisions which cause misgivings as to the integrity of his administration. He has intimated that the end justifies the means. In other words he is open to political dealings. With that in mind we must consider this election as a rejection of Green, not an endorsement of Mapp.
Yes Cory’s landslide victory in the 2nd Ward is well deserved and a tribute to his continued fight for good government. His presence on the Council for another 4 years is welcomed.
There will be an “Independent” opposition perhaps supported by the quasi political consortium of John Campbell et al with John Campbell Jr, in the 2nd Ward running under the ‘Young Blood’ slogan and for the At Large 1st/4th Ward seat Norman E. Ortega running under the ‘Change for Plainfield’ slogan.
As politics go there is a possibility that deals will be made which would make these two serious candidates especially in the 1st/4th Ward. I cannot conceive Campbell Jr. defeating Storch in November.
We must understand that nothing is going to change this Year on the Council; it will be 4:2 with one other vote usually siding with the Green majority. In 2016 the best that the Mapp Administration can count on is 3 votes, thus Green will still be able at will to thwart Mapp. The 2016 Democrat Primary with Taylor’s and Brown’s seats up for election will be the true opportunity to change things starting in 2017.
In effect unless a deal is done or Green is defeated at the General election by one of the Republicans running for the Assembly even if he loses the local party chair, he still will be the Plainfield political force although severely wounded.
Until the local party has its committee reorganization there is no assurance that there will be any change as I have previously noted.
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Thanks, Doc for your insightful observations. We need to keep vigilant and not give up. We will need to fight as hard in 2016 to remove the stain of Green on this city and move ourselves and our city forward. In 22 years Jerry could find nothing to campaign on, thus his mud slinging and outright lies. He is very good at these and I'm glad the voters showed their disgust. I doubt Rivers, Taylor, and the rest will notice until we put them out of a job. Of course Jerry will have jobs waiting for them, like he did for Sharon and Bridgett. That's Jerry, still using tax payer money to line his pockets with patronage. Let's keep fighting and never let our guard down.
ReplyDeleteI hope people are not blinded by John's youth. His mother and father were at Mapp's campaign headquarters celebrating and feasting and yet they knew all along they planned to stab him in the back by running their son against a councilman who has shown integrity and has given great effort to promote good government. John Jr. is still in training and may have a bright future in politics but not against one Plainfield's best.
ReplyDeleteThat is how the Campbell's are will use people for their own benefit.You have to admit when they stab you they go for it.You can never trust the Campbell's.
ReplyDeleteDoc, you are such a double minded person.You said in a blog a while ago Tracey Brown was a welcome surprise, and votes her conscience, and now you throw her under the bus and group her with all the rest of Jerry's puppets.She does not deserve your harsh remarks, although she could careless and does not need me to defend her, you are still wrong, and are to old to be influenced by the likes of Bob, Rob, Jim, Tom, and the rest of the haters.D.D.Deans
ReplyDeleteDDD, I don't know how you can think that "I have thrown her under the bus". Read what I wrote" "it will be 4:2 with one other vote usually siding with the Green majority" If you included her in the #4 that would be true, but then who is the other one about whom the statement is true. Yes Brow has been a pleasant surprise because she has been inquisitive and shown at times an open mind.
DeleteSo the apple doesn't fall far from the trees.
ReplyDelete