Commissioner Heather Howard is offering Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs the opportunity to manage the 'Community Advisory Group' (CAG) called for in her letter of July 29, approving the closure of Muhlenberg by Solaris Health System.
The word comes by way of a front-page story in today's Courier (see more here), though the Commissioner's letter is dated September 9 -- two weeks ago today.
Mayor Robinson-Briggs may want to look twice before she leaps.
Keep in mind that Robinson-Briggs never saw fit to involve herself in the affairs of Muhlenberg (though she is, ex-officio, a member of the board) until after Solaris announced last Spring that it would close the 131-year-old hospital. (That's 2+ years for anyone who's counting.)
It's the 'A' in CAG that gives the game away. This is to be an advisory group only.
In other words, a toothless dog. Not exactly the kind you would want guarding your home or your junkyard.
Add to that that managing large groups representing diverse opinions and hewing to strict schedules and timelines are not exactly Robinson-Briggs' strong suit and you have an interesting recipe.
Some might think Commissioner Howard wickedly clever to suggest this role for Robinson-Briggs.
Will the Mayor take the bait?
The word of caution?
'Pride goeth before a fall' -- Proverbs 16:18.
- State Staff Recommendations: "Community Advisory Group" -- See pages 15-16.
- Commissioner Howard's Closure Approval: "Community Advisory Group" -- See pages 9-10.
- Green/Robinson-Briggs: "Green gripes to Commissioner about Solaris"
- Plainfield & Appeal: "City's appeal shows Mayor confused, ill-prepared"
-- Dan Damon
Posts
2 comments:
question then.. is this a good move for the concerned citizens of Plainfield.. this 'toothless' watchdog committee..? is it progress..?
if so, you're in a catch-22.. because you've stated that this committee is powerless, but then who would you have head this comittee..? would their efforts then be in vain..?
I pray you approve this comment AND reply, and yes I do pray, with your appeal to Christian thought in citing a well-known Proverb..
Learned Thinker, you are right. It is a Catch-22 situation. Without any power to oversee how Solaris fulfills its promises, it is a 'toothless dog'.
My advice to the mayor was to look twice before leaping.
I still think she should.
Post a Comment