The situation at City Hall recalls the Mel Brooks movie.
Dropped by Plainfield City Hall Monday to pick up the schedule of City Council meetings. The air was thick with anxiety over Mayor Robinson-Briggs' mysteriously non-appearing appointee to succeed Jennifer Wenson Maier as Director of Public Works and Urban Development.
The appointment caused a stir at the Council reorganization on New Year's Day when Her Honor's nominee -- David G. Brown, II -- failed to materialize.
Folks also whispered about the presence of Wenson Maier, who sat quietly in a front row seat (bride's side, as Olddoc would say).
There was speculation among those attending Councilor Bridget Rivers' celebration event at Chez Maree after the Council reorg that Brown may have jilted the Mayor. (It was pointed out that January is prime-time for political appointees as administrations throughout the state set up shop and shuffle cabinets, and that perhaps Robinson-Briggs' nominee had gotten a better offer at the last minute, leaving the bride at the altar, so to speak.)
In the Courier's recap of the reorg, which ran on Saturday (see here) and highlighted the number of top vacancies in the new Robinson-Briggs administration, Councilor Rashid Burney was quoted as saying --
"It's a very, very difficult situation for the city," Burney said. "At this point, we're-- a sentiment shared by many, but probably one that would not excite potential appointees keeping an eye on Plainfield in the news.
just trying to keep the lights on."
Yesterday, things were even more mysterious, as Wenson Maier was in her (former?) office, and City Hall employees were abuzz over the situation.
Mayor Robinson-Briggs, who promised 'improved communications' in a second term in her State of The City Address delivered at the reorg, seems to have forgotten her newest promise.
Not only did employees not know what is going on, the Council appears to be in the dark also.
Councilors I spoke with said they had no knowledge of developments concerning Brown's appointment, nor of Wenson Maier's role at City Hall.
While the Mayor does not need Council approval to make an 'acting' appointment, if she is appointing Wenson Maier as 'acting director' until either Brown takes the job or another candidate is found, she does need to let folks know what's going on.
For an act by the Mayor to be official (such as appointing Wenson Maier to an acting position), the appointment must be made in writing to the Municipal Clerk, who would advise the Council of the Mayor's action.
Unlike the Pope, who may name a Cardinal in secret ('in pectore', or 'in petto', literally 'in his breast'), Plainfield's mayors have no such papal prerogative.
So, as me sees it, Mayor Robinson-Briggs owes everyone an explanation as to what's up, or not up, as the case may be.
Pronto.
- Courier: "Plainfield still seeking administrator" -- 's', actually.
-- Dan Damon [follow]
Posts
7 comments:
Dan - You forget this is Plainfield and her highness - A poisiton she thinks is far higher that the Queen or even the Pope. I did not see any smoke coming from the stack at City Hall so she still reigns on in all her glory.
Were we really thinking events would change because of an administration promise? The "track record" tells us different.
Dan: I can't decide whether your illustrations or copy is (?are) funnier. Brightens my day, whichever it is. Pat
Brown looks like a job-hopper making his way through the maze of political appointments to a cushy retirement.
Brown is the county's pick. How is it that director of DPW and City Administrator are interchangeable? Whatever happened to sending out a job description and ad? Monster.com? An executive headhunter? We can do better than this, but it's clear that the county's hands are all over this one. Why on earth would the city council approve of him? What happened to positive change? Empty words I guess. I though this was supposed to be a better city council. I guess Lesniak and Charlotte are still calling the shots.
If people who complain about this city do not apply for these jobs, shame on them.
I am tired of hearing that they would not be hired because they supported an opposing candidate. So what?? Give it a try again. What would have happened if the bill to allow African Americans to vote was shelved after the first go around? You get my point.
If you want this city to change, you need to change your attitude. Get out there and give them your resume. Are we all so well employed in Plainfield that we do not need to even try to help out in our city?
Why do we even need Wenson Meir's position. It is overhead for 7 divisions that have director's already. Great way to save money - get rid of the position and thank goodness we are getting rid of her.
Post a Comment