POLITICS

Tuesday in Washington DC was notable for (a) a 3 inch snowstorm that as usual created havoc in the city, and (b) the first session of a congress that has the greatest Republican majority since WWII.

With both houses firmly in GOP hands this will not be another “do nothing” Congress. What will be of interest is how much impact the extreme right of the party can have on proposed legislation. The chances are that at least in the House that group the old “Tea Partiers” will block much bipartitism legislation that the Centralist would like pass with an eye on the 2015 Presidential election.

It is true that the first order of business will be passing the Keystone pipeline approval which Obama has said that he will veto. The true indicator will be if the Republicans can override the veto.

About the Presidential race, there  has been one as of yet non-candidate Jeb Bush a favorite of the old liner’s Republican powers who has made all the moves to make an early entry into the race.

This will put pressure on other potential candidates who have expressed interest to commit sooner than they would desire. This list includes of course Christie, as well as former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, outgoing Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, KY Sen. Rand Paul, Sen. Marco Rubio, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. Quite a group!

For the Democrats the question is who will challenge Hillary Clinton. Mass. Sen. Warren has been alluded to as a possible candidate but most likely it will be a male Democrat Governor; perhaps Cuomo.

The national political scene this year will be interesting.

COUNCIL MEETING

2015 has been officially entered into the records with the first and probably most congenial Council Meeting of the year.

Prior to the business of the evening newly elected  Councilwoman Diane Tolliver and reelected Councilwoman Rebecca Williams were sworn in for a full 4 year term, and Councilwoman Gloria  Taylor for the remaining two years  of the unexpired term of the now Mayor Mapp.

Congratulations to Bridget Rivers who was elected for a third year as President of the Council, and to Councilor Tracey Brown who succeeds Bill Reid as Chairman of the Committee as a Whole.

One of President Rivers’ first order of business was appropriately asking for a minute of silence in memory of Rasheed Abdul-Haqq.

Mayor Mapp delivered his annual State of the City report. Among the highlights was commentary on the straightening out of the financial irregularities from the previous administration in which some 653000 of “lost funds” were found.

Other highlights include a significant reduction in crime of all types. This was in part due to again instituting the role of the “beat cop”. There was a 4.5% reduction in the unemployment rate   in the city. New development activity had begun, and the Veteran’s Space was acquired from the developer. 

More will follow late Tuesday.

COUNCIL TONIGHT

Winter is here and   the first Council meeting of the year  is at 8pm tonight. Highlights will be:(1) A farewell to Bill Reid after 7 years on the Council and 3 entertaining years as Chairman of the Committee of the Whole,(2) Election of Council President and Chairman of the Committee, (3) Mayor Mapp's Annual Message of the State of the City.

For a reorganization meeting this one may be worth attending.

Rasheed Abdul-Haqq

With sadness I have learned of Rasheed Abdul-Haqq’s passing.

Plainfield has lost a true citizen and civic servant; interested in its youth and also the general betterment of the city. 

He was the perfect example that youthful indiscretions can be absolved by a lifetime devoted to preventing others from duplicating his mistakes. He was a constant advocate for available after school and evening facilities for the youth

Rasheed was instrumental in forcing the repainting and refurbishing of the railroad bridges in Plainfield.

He was elected to and served diligently on the Board of Education until forced to resign due to legislation sponsored be a local leader that did not take into account that people deserved a second chance; something Rasheed proved was possible.

ANOTHER "BLOGLESS" DAY

Another day without writing a blog. That will change by Monday and we will try to post daily. Meanwhile take bets on who will be elected Council President for 2015. Bridget Rivers has done a credible although at times prejudicial  job the last two years. The two other best potential candidates have no chance because they are not Jerry's people.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2015

Let it be a year of good health, happiness, and prosperity for all

 

 

In Oz let there be positive interaction between Administration and Council.