BELATED COMMENTS ON MEETING

For a report on the meeting please read Bernice's report in TAP or Dan Dammon's blog "Plainfield Today"
I cannot write a verbatim report of last night’s Council meeting without asking myself: have we as a nation and as a people lost all concept of morality in favor of crass cynical materialistic self-interest?

That question is most appropriate  tonight, the first night of Hanukkah, a holiday although Jewish  is of the most importance to people of all faiths not only Jews  but also Christians and Muslims as well as others who profess to follow the ethical and moral concepts of Monasticism. Yes Hanukkah represents a triumph of good over evil and an attempt to destroy that concept forever. Perhaps one could refresh their knowledge by reading: https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/features/1.630770

It is a remote possibility that that question can be answered by the Alabamians today. Certainly Plainfield’s Council acted otherwise last night when it approved at least five items despite the public’s plea for reason and for consideration. There was brief moment of light when it voted down any raise for itself, but then reconsidered and approved of a 50 % raise instead of 150 %.

As was pointed out by one speaker (Sol Corrano- my apologies if I have missed spelled his name) that a raise of any amount would be appropriate for those incoming to office the NEXT election, but not for those presently holding office.

Ditto for the Mayor. This is an amoral unjustified action regardless of his wife’s comments that he may be awaken by a call in the middle of the night. That goes with the known territory before he sought the position.

Councilors and Mayors receive compensation not salary for doing a serious and often arduous civic service. The position should never become a salary end unto itself.

At no point last night did any approving member of this Council raise questions about changes in SID,  or the plans for the Muhlenberg Campus which focuses on luxury apartments and plays lip service to the medical needs of the community-the later could take five years.

Also passed was an approved but questionable to the public as excessive payment to Yates Reality. Corporation Counsel said the details as to the settlement could not be discussed because it was in litigation, yet the Council had information to settle it out of litigation!  Where is transparency or do we hide behind it’s a personal matter or “it’s in litigation” ala Trump’s release of his tax statements and a favorite doge of corporations and politician’s.

The Ordinances will take effect in 20 days. According to Corporation Counsel that is for legal papers to be processed and not for potential litigation. I am not a lawyer but I question that there can be no recourse such as an injunction requiring a Court review and possible rejection.

The recent epidemic of Sexual Harassment cases has shown that even members of Congress can be forced to resign if guilty and so accused. City Hall can be fought. Unfortunately it would be a bitter fight which the public would have to wage against those using our own tax money to defend themselves. I am too old to organize such a group that would need pro bono legal help to have a chance. But I would support to the best of my ability.