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Sunday, April 6, 2008

McWilliams to run for Council




Annie McWilliams, eldest daughter of the late Mayor Al McWilliams, today announced her intention to run for the citywide at-large Council seat in Plainfield's Democratic primary.

"Plainfield is facing challenging times," Ms. McWilliams said, "with the threatened loss of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, changes to school and school construction funding, and the impact of the deepening recession on the residents and taxpayers of the community. I want to help us face and overcome these challenges successfully."

Hundreds upon hundreds have been drawn into action around the issue of retaining Muhlenberg, and the dissatisfaction voiced with how local elected officials have allowed things to get into such a state is sure to help propel the candidacy of a newcomer like McWilliams.

The announcement caps a day in which McWilliams' father, Al, was remembered at services led by the Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas at Shiloh Baptist Church on the first anniversary of his passing. The McWilliams family are members of Shiloh, and Dr. Thomas referred to Al McWilliams as a "good friend" during his remarks to the congregation, which included members of the Shiloh church family as well as friends and supporters of the late mayor.

McWilliams, 24, is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton School of Business. She works for Citigroup in New York City.

Annie McWilliams will be facing Harold Gibson, who was the Democratic machine's pick to replace the late Ray Blanco.

Petitions must be filed in the City Clerk's office by 4:00 PM Monday. The Democratic primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 3.



-- Dan Damon

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6 comments:

Anonymous said...

How do I sign her petition ????

Anonymous said...

Please keep us updated on Ann's needs for volunteers and ways to help her in her campaign. This is an exciting ray of hope.

Anonymous said...

Could the election of Annie McWilliams be the end of the Jerry Green power-grip on the Queen City?? I for one will stick around for the opportunity to vote for the potential change that the election of Annie McWilliams portends.

Anonymous said...

You go, Annie! Rage against the machine candidate Gibson. We need younger people like you to get involved. I think your dad would be proud of you. This year is the new (representing hope and change) against the tired and outmoded. Think about how Barack Obama has excited the electorate. Gibson is probably supporting Hillary Clinton (tired and old school) like Charlotte told him to. We all know Gibson has nothing to contribute and is just trying to fatten his pension for another few years. Let's stop him now. Glad you're running.

Anonymous said...

good idea-go for it ms williams.

Anonymous said...

Annie, because you are running, you must believe that there is hope for Plainfield. The last time I felt hope for this town was when your Dad threw his hat into the ring. They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! You've got what it takes.