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Really ready for Spring... |
Friday, March 23, 2018
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Council looks to re-petition Legislature for city charter changes
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Council is set to repetition the Legislature to enact the proposed changes to the city charter. |
In November 2012,
Plainfield voters elected five members to a Charter Study Commission:
Rick Smiley, John Stewart, Mary Burgwinkle, Marie Davis and Jeanette
Criscione.
They worked like beacer for the next several months, studying our charter line-by-line, interviewing professionals from towns with possible forms Plainfield could adopt and holding all its meetings in public, with plenty of opportunity for citizen input. The Commission kept a blog of its activities, which is still online here. Complete minutes of the Commission's meetings are available on the city's website here, and the final version of the Commission's report is here.
By August 2013, the Commission had complete its work and recommended some changes to Plainfield's special charter (see my blog post here). The report was subsequently slightly amended (in December) and an ordinance petitioning the Legislature to make the proposed changes was passed.
The ball then was in the Legislature's court. There has been little word from the Legislature in all the time since, but the Mapp administration opined on Monday evening that it would likely be taken up -- provided the Council petitioned the Legislature once again to do so.
Corporation Counsel David Minchello made clear that the Council had no authority to reopen the study matter or make any changes to the Charter Study Commission's report. Councilor Storch expressed a concern that members of the Council -- most of whom were not on the governing body when the report was adopted -- should be brought up to speed before the April meetings, where the ordinance would face its second reading and adoption.
They worked like beacer for the next several months, studying our charter line-by-line, interviewing professionals from towns with possible forms Plainfield could adopt and holding all its meetings in public, with plenty of opportunity for citizen input. The Commission kept a blog of its activities, which is still online here. Complete minutes of the Commission's meetings are available on the city's website here, and the final version of the Commission's report is here.
By August 2013, the Commission had complete its work and recommended some changes to Plainfield's special charter (see my blog post here). The report was subsequently slightly amended (in December) and an ordinance petitioning the Legislature to make the proposed changes was passed.
The ball then was in the Legislature's court. There has been little word from the Legislature in all the time since, but the Mapp administration opined on Monday evening that it would likely be taken up -- provided the Council petitioned the Legislature once again to do so.
Corporation Counsel David Minchello made clear that the Council had no authority to reopen the study matter or make any changes to the Charter Study Commission's report. Councilor Storch expressed a concern that members of the Council -- most of whom were not on the governing body when the report was adopted -- should be brought up to speed before the April meetings, where the ordinance would face its second reading and adoption.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Mayor gets probation after admitting affair with her bodyguard
 |
Justice has been served, at least partly. |
Now, here's an interesting story.
After admitting to an extra-marital affair with her bodyguard, authorities began looking into matters concerning the 54-year-old mayor and her paramour, a police officer.
When all was said and done, the mayor faced a felony theft charge, to which she pleaded guilty.
Her boyfriend racked up $33,000 in expenses for "official" trips taken with the mayor, in addition to $50,000 in overtime pay during the time they were having the affair.
As part of the plea deal, the mayor received a sentence of three years probation and must reimburse the city $11,000.
Meanwhile, the police officer boyfriend retired with an annual pension of $74,000, though it is possible the retirement board can dock or eliminate his pension if there is a determination of malfeasance on his part.
Oh yes, ... the city? Nashville, Tennessee.
Read more here.
After admitting to an extra-marital affair with her bodyguard, authorities began looking into matters concerning the 54-year-old mayor and her paramour, a police officer.
When all was said and done, the mayor faced a felony theft charge, to which she pleaded guilty.
Her boyfriend racked up $33,000 in expenses for "official" trips taken with the mayor, in addition to $50,000 in overtime pay during the time they were having the affair.
As part of the plea deal, the mayor received a sentence of three years probation and must reimburse the city $11,000.
Meanwhile, the police officer boyfriend retired with an annual pension of $74,000, though it is possible the retirement board can dock or eliminate his pension if there is a determination of malfeasance on his part.
Oh yes, ... the city? Nashville, Tennessee.
Read more here.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Shostakovich brings light from the darkness at PSO Saturday
 |
Like Mahler, Bernstein and Gershwin, Shostakovich was a chain smoker. |
If
Americans think they are living
through a dark time now, it would pay to
reflect on the life and work of Dmitri
Shostakovich, the featured composer for Saturday's Plainfield Symphony
program.
Though today revered as the foremost composer of the Soviet Union, Shostakovich was perpetually in hot water with the dictator Josef Stalin. Only in the Soviet Union, the penalty for crossing the boss was to be taken out and shot, not a punitive Tweet.
Originally projected as a gigantic work with chorus and soloists to celebrate the victory of Soviet forces over the Nazis, when finally premiered in November 1945, the Symphony No. 9 turned out to be a much lighter work -- even referencing Mozart.
Though initially well enough received (one critic, contrasting the work with earlier, "heavier" symphonies, allowed as how it was OK for the composer to "take a vacation"), it was subsequently banned when Shostakovich was denounced by the regime for a second time in 1948.
The Violin Concerto was composed for violinist David Oistrakh during the same period. It contains references to Beethoven's "fate" motif from the 5th Symphony as well as the "DSCH motif" which Shostakovich uses as a self-reference. After the second denunciation of Shostakovich prevented the work's public premiere, it too was shelved.
The Violin Concerto was finally premiered in 1955, long after the tyrant Stalin's death. In the softening of the cultural climate following the death of Stalin, the 9th Symphony was also once again performed in public.
These two works by the longsuffering composer remind us how important it is to take the long view of history, and to never give up hope for a better world and a better time.
The Plainfield Symphony program begins at 7:00 PM sharp this Saturday, March 10, at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church is at East 7th Street and Watchung Avenue. Parking in the church lot on First Place, on the street, or in the Swain Galleries lot. The building is a handicap accessible facility.
Though today revered as the foremost composer of the Soviet Union, Shostakovich was perpetually in hot water with the dictator Josef Stalin. Only in the Soviet Union, the penalty for crossing the boss was to be taken out and shot, not a punitive Tweet.
Originally projected as a gigantic work with chorus and soloists to celebrate the victory of Soviet forces over the Nazis, when finally premiered in November 1945, the Symphony No. 9 turned out to be a much lighter work -- even referencing Mozart.
Though initially well enough received (one critic, contrasting the work with earlier, "heavier" symphonies, allowed as how it was OK for the composer to "take a vacation"), it was subsequently banned when Shostakovich was denounced by the regime for a second time in 1948.
The Violin Concerto was composed for violinist David Oistrakh during the same period. It contains references to Beethoven's "fate" motif from the 5th Symphony as well as the "DSCH motif" which Shostakovich uses as a self-reference. After the second denunciation of Shostakovich prevented the work's public premiere, it too was shelved.
The Violin Concerto was finally premiered in 1955, long after the tyrant Stalin's death. In the softening of the cultural climate following the death of Stalin, the 9th Symphony was also once again performed in public.
These two works by the longsuffering composer remind us how important it is to take the long view of history, and to never give up hope for a better world and a better time.
The Plainfield Symphony program begins at 7:00 PM sharp this Saturday, March 10, at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church is at East 7th Street and Watchung Avenue. Parking in the church lot on First Place, on the street, or in the Swain Galleries lot. The building is a handicap accessible facility.
LimeBike steals the show at Council
 |
LimeBike's Maggie Gendron demonstrates the company's bike at Monday's Council meeting. |
City Council meetings are dominated by talk and rarely have show-and-tell moments, but Monday's agenda-setting session was that rare exception.
When the Council got to the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the city and LimeBike to establish their bike-sharing service in the city of Plainfield, company representative Maggie Gendron and Economic Development employee Jeanette Aparicio wheeled one of the lime green bicycles down the aisle to the front and made a brief presentation.
The agreement is for a year, and LimeBike will initially supply between 200 and 250 bikes for use citywide (the number could grow if demand increases).
Customer will use a smartphone app to locate, unlock and pay for a trip with the bike. The cost is $1 for each 30 minutes or portion thereof.
The genius of the system is that it is totally driven by GPS.
Unlike Citi Bike which operates in New York and Jersey City and with which many are familiar, LimeBike does not use docking stations.
This means the bike does not need to be returned to a docking station at the end of a trip. The user simply parks the bike and manually locks the rear wheel. Another user can find the nearest bike by its GPS location which is relayed through the smartphone app.
LimeBike will have a small staff responsible for keeping the Plainfield fleet in tip-top shape. These workers will also retrieve bikes that are left in out-of-the-way locations to ensure their constant availability.
For more on LimeBike, see their website here.
Councilor Diane Toliver was not impressed, and said she had concerns about safety since the city does not have dedicated bike lanes.
Resident Timothy Priano also had reservations about the sturdiness of the bike and considered that the tires were too insubstantial for the potholes that riders will encounter.
Notwithstanding Toliver's objection, the resolution will be on next Monday's agenda and is expected to pass handily.
City Council's business meeting will be on Monday, March 12 at 8:00 PM in the Council Chambers/Courthouse at East 4th Street and Watchung Avenue. Parking available on the street and in the lot across from Police Headquarters.
When the Council got to the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the city and LimeBike to establish their bike-sharing service in the city of Plainfield, company representative Maggie Gendron and Economic Development employee Jeanette Aparicio wheeled one of the lime green bicycles down the aisle to the front and made a brief presentation.
The agreement is for a year, and LimeBike will initially supply between 200 and 250 bikes for use citywide (the number could grow if demand increases).
Customer will use a smartphone app to locate, unlock and pay for a trip with the bike. The cost is $1 for each 30 minutes or portion thereof.
The genius of the system is that it is totally driven by GPS.
Unlike Citi Bike which operates in New York and Jersey City and with which many are familiar, LimeBike does not use docking stations.
This means the bike does not need to be returned to a docking station at the end of a trip. The user simply parks the bike and manually locks the rear wheel. Another user can find the nearest bike by its GPS location which is relayed through the smartphone app.
LimeBike will have a small staff responsible for keeping the Plainfield fleet in tip-top shape. These workers will also retrieve bikes that are left in out-of-the-way locations to ensure their constant availability.
For more on LimeBike, see their website here.
Councilor Diane Toliver was not impressed, and said she had concerns about safety since the city does not have dedicated bike lanes.
Resident Timothy Priano also had reservations about the sturdiness of the bike and considered that the tires were too insubstantial for the potholes that riders will encounter.
Notwithstanding Toliver's objection, the resolution will be on next Monday's agenda and is expected to pass handily.
City Council's business meeting will be on Monday, March 12 at 8:00 PM in the Council Chambers/Courthouse at East 4th Street and Watchung Avenue. Parking available on the street and in the lot across from Police Headquarters.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Jalloh loses Union County Freeholder line
 |
Freeholder Mohamed Jalloh is being dumped. |
Freeholder
Mohamed Jalloh is expected to be dumped by Union County Dems when the
municipal chairs meet as the screening committee this Wednesday evening.
Newly elected UCDC chairperson Nick Scutari sent an email to all municipal chairs today noting his choices for the three Freeholder slots that are open in this year's Democratic primary.
Jalloh -- who supported Fanwood mayor Colleen Mahr in the contest for the county chair last month -- was not on the list. Sources say that Freeholder Bruce Bergen will step down, leaving Alexander Mirabella as the only incumbent to be carried forward.
Bergen and Jalloh are expected to be replaced by former Councilwoman Andrea Straten of Roselle and Kim Palmieri-Mouded of Westfield, both of whom supported Scutari in last month's contest.
Plainfielders have seen this movie before, when Mayor Al McWilliams sought a third term without the blessing of Assemblyman Jerry Green. McWilliams nevertheless went to the screening meeting, where he was the only one of 21 municipal chairs to vote for giving him the line in the 2005 Democratic primary for mayor.
Scutari's move to ice Jalloh is sure to raise eyebrows among those who thought his graciousness in making Mahr his first vice chair signaled a conciliatory approach to leadership of the County Committee.
Newly elected UCDC chairperson Nick Scutari sent an email to all municipal chairs today noting his choices for the three Freeholder slots that are open in this year's Democratic primary.
Jalloh -- who supported Fanwood mayor Colleen Mahr in the contest for the county chair last month -- was not on the list. Sources say that Freeholder Bruce Bergen will step down, leaving Alexander Mirabella as the only incumbent to be carried forward.
Bergen and Jalloh are expected to be replaced by former Councilwoman Andrea Straten of Roselle and Kim Palmieri-Mouded of Westfield, both of whom supported Scutari in last month's contest.
Plainfielders have seen this movie before, when Mayor Al McWilliams sought a third term without the blessing of Assemblyman Jerry Green. McWilliams nevertheless went to the screening meeting, where he was the only one of 21 municipal chairs to vote for giving him the line in the 2005 Democratic primary for mayor.
Scutari's move to ice Jalloh is sure to raise eyebrows among those who thought his graciousness in making Mahr his first vice chair signaled a conciliatory approach to leadership of the County Committee.
Monday, March 5, 2018
Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, more 4-way stops on Council agenda Monday
 |
Encaustic tile medallion in City Hall rotunda had been hidden under layers of battleship grey enamel. |
Making appointments to the 2018 Citizens Budget Advisory Committee is on the Council's to-do list at Monday's agenda-setting session.
The Committee meets throughout the budget season each, casting a sharp eye on proposed spending from a resident's viewpoint and making a series of recommendations to the Council before the budget's final passage.
Though the CBAC has no formal authority, their hard work is appreciated and their recommendations taken seriously.
This year's nominees are (the sponsoring Councilor's name is in parentheses) --
In addition, proposed Ordinance 2018-06 would add some new 4-way stops at busy intersections --
City Council meets for its agend-setting session in the Courthouse/Council Chmbers, East 4th Street at Watchung Avenue. The meeting starts at 7:30 PM. Parking is available on the street and in the lot across from Police Headquarters
The Committee meets throughout the budget season each, casting a sharp eye on proposed spending from a resident's viewpoint and making a series of recommendations to the Council before the budget's final passage.
Though the CBAC has no formal authority, their hard work is appreciated and their recommendations taken seriously.
This year's nominees are (the sponsoring Councilor's name is in parentheses) --
- Sameerah Provitt (Toliver)
- Elton Armady (Storch)
- Cleveland Burton (McRae)
- Monique Cook (Hockaday)
- Geri Agurs (Goode)
- Valerie Ellis (Mills-Ransome)
- Siddeeq El-Amin (Williams)
In addition, proposed Ordinance 2018-06 would add some new 4-way stops at busy intersections --
- Belvidere Avenue and Ravine Road
- Grant Avenue and Sherman Avenue
- West 8th Street and Spooner Avenue
- West 8th Street and Hobert Avenue
City Council meets for its agend-setting session in the Courthouse/Council Chmbers, East 4th Street at Watchung Avenue. The meeting starts at 7:30 PM. Parking is available on the street and in the lot across from Police Headquarters
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Storm fells tree at Cedar Brook Park
 |
Though there were strong winds, the park saw none of its usual flooding. |
Friday's nor'easter brought down trees and power lines in parts of Plainfield. Among those toppled was this pine tree in Cedar Brook Park.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
United, Plainfield Democrats prep for 2018 Primary
 |
Plainfield Democrats are gearing up for the 2018 Primary elections. |
After a tumultuous month attending to Union County Democratic Committee
business, Plainfield Democrats finally got a chance on Wednesday evening
to tend to their own concerns.
In a meeting of the Plainfield Democratic City Committee called by chairman Adrian O. Mapp, Queen City Dems made plans for the 2018 Primary Election. Nearly two thirds of the group's elected members were present, which is not bad for a mid-week meeting called on rather short notice.
After the bruising campaign for the County chairmanship, the bonhomie in Plainfield was palpable. Like a family, everyone came together and made ready for the next adventure.
After opening the meeting, Chairman Mapp noted that though treasurer Mary Burgwinkle was not present owing to a Shade Tree Commission meeting, what he could say was that the PDCC needs money "to keep the lights on." His remark brought knowing laughter.
The business of the evening was the selection of candidates for the 2018 primary races -- in the First Ward and Wards 2/3 at-large.
Two residents who had expressed interest in the First Ward race -- Gail Smith Alexander and Ashley Davis -- were introduced and, along with Ward 2/3 incumbent Joylette Mills-Ransome were invited to speak to the members present. (Ward 1 incumbent Diane Toliver was not present and did not make a pitch for the nomination.)
Smith Alexander, who recently retired from the Union County Sheriff's Department with the rank of captain, noted that she had been politically active under the late mayor Al McWilliams but had stepped aside while pursuing a career course. Now that she is retired, she has the time and interest in serving the residents of the First Ward on the Council. A lifelong resident and graduate of Plainfield High School, she has a special interest in at-risk youth.
Davis, also a Plainfield native, earned a master's degree in public administration in 2015, and cirrently works in the Division of Recreation. She made an upbeat case for her age group, saying she is "no longer the generation of the future...[but] the generation of now".
As an undergraduate she gained valuable experience as an intern with the North Carolina Democratic Party. She put that experience to good use already in Plainfield, where she defeated the incumbent councilwoman for her seat on the Democratic City Committee. Davis noted she would resign her position with the city if elected.
Chairman Mapp noted that the usual procedure was for a slate to be presented to be voted up or down, but since there was no time for a vetting procedure, the group would vote on the spot.
Mill-Ransome, who is currently serving the balance of an unexpired term, was given the line by a unanimous voice vote.
In voting for the First Ward candidate, chairman Mapp asked voting members to stand and raise their hands until all were tallied. In the end, Davis received 23 votes to 17 for Smith Alexander, so she is the official Democratic candidate for the Ward 1 seat.
Davis and Mills-Ransome began circulating their nominating petitions immediately following the meeting's adjournment. Those petitions are due on Monday, April 2.
In a meeting of the Plainfield Democratic City Committee called by chairman Adrian O. Mapp, Queen City Dems made plans for the 2018 Primary Election. Nearly two thirds of the group's elected members were present, which is not bad for a mid-week meeting called on rather short notice.
After the bruising campaign for the County chairmanship, the bonhomie in Plainfield was palpable. Like a family, everyone came together and made ready for the next adventure.
After opening the meeting, Chairman Mapp noted that though treasurer Mary Burgwinkle was not present owing to a Shade Tree Commission meeting, what he could say was that the PDCC needs money "to keep the lights on." His remark brought knowing laughter.
The business of the evening was the selection of candidates for the 2018 primary races -- in the First Ward and Wards 2/3 at-large.
Two residents who had expressed interest in the First Ward race -- Gail Smith Alexander and Ashley Davis -- were introduced and, along with Ward 2/3 incumbent Joylette Mills-Ransome were invited to speak to the members present. (Ward 1 incumbent Diane Toliver was not present and did not make a pitch for the nomination.)
Smith Alexander, who recently retired from the Union County Sheriff's Department with the rank of captain, noted that she had been politically active under the late mayor Al McWilliams but had stepped aside while pursuing a career course. Now that she is retired, she has the time and interest in serving the residents of the First Ward on the Council. A lifelong resident and graduate of Plainfield High School, she has a special interest in at-risk youth.
Davis, also a Plainfield native, earned a master's degree in public administration in 2015, and cirrently works in the Division of Recreation. She made an upbeat case for her age group, saying she is "no longer the generation of the future...[but] the generation of now".
As an undergraduate she gained valuable experience as an intern with the North Carolina Democratic Party. She put that experience to good use already in Plainfield, where she defeated the incumbent councilwoman for her seat on the Democratic City Committee. Davis noted she would resign her position with the city if elected.
Chairman Mapp noted that the usual procedure was for a slate to be presented to be voted up or down, but since there was no time for a vetting procedure, the group would vote on the spot.
Mill-Ransome, who is currently serving the balance of an unexpired term, was given the line by a unanimous voice vote.
In voting for the First Ward candidate, chairman Mapp asked voting members to stand and raise their hands until all were tallied. In the end, Davis received 23 votes to 17 for Smith Alexander, so she is the official Democratic candidate for the Ward 1 seat.
Davis and Mills-Ransome began circulating their nominating petitions immediately following the meeting's adjournment. Those petitions are due on Monday, April 2.
Friday, February 23, 2018
Black History Month: Choral Evensong at Grace Church Sunday
 |
Vintage postcard of Grace Episcopal Church. |
The Rev. Dr. Joyce Scheyer, priest-in-charge, warmly invites the public to a celebration of Black History Month at Grace Episcopal Church this Sunday afternoon (February 25).
The event begins with a Choral Evensong at 4:00 PM, featuring Gospel music by Ray & Emerson and including a piano recital by Andrew Kilkenny, Grace's organist and choirmaster.
A dinner follows the service in the parish hall, to which all are invited. The guest speaker at the dinner will be the Rev. Ricardo Sheppard. Fr. Sheppard, who was born in Trinidad & Tobago and grew up in Brooklyn, is the priest-in-charge of St. Alban's Episcopal Church in New Brunswick.
Grace Church is located at East 7th Street and Cleveland Avenue. Parking is available on the street or in the public lot across 7th Street. The church is an accessible facility. For more information about Grace Church and its community programs, visit the parish website here.
The event begins with a Choral Evensong at 4:00 PM, featuring Gospel music by Ray & Emerson and including a piano recital by Andrew Kilkenny, Grace's organist and choirmaster.
A dinner follows the service in the parish hall, to which all are invited. The guest speaker at the dinner will be the Rev. Ricardo Sheppard. Fr. Sheppard, who was born in Trinidad & Tobago and grew up in Brooklyn, is the priest-in-charge of St. Alban's Episcopal Church in New Brunswick.
Grace Church is located at East 7th Street and Cleveland Avenue. Parking is available on the street or in the public lot across 7th Street. The church is an accessible facility. For more information about Grace Church and its community programs, visit the parish website here.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Scutari aces Union County Dem chairmanship
 |
Sen. Nick Scutari is the new chair of the Union County Democratic Committee. |
With 54% of the votes cast (412 to 341) at
Wednesday's special Union County Democratic Committee convention in
Clark, Sen. Nick Scutari was elected to succeed Jerry Green as chairman
of the county organization.
The 753 certified committee members who voted represented a 90% turnout of a possible 844 -- very high indeed.
Acting Chair Colleen Mahr, who was in a head-to-head contest with Scutari, marred the event by throwing a representative of the media out (see story here).
Politics is about getting -- and using -- power.
Scutari has reached a peak that could only be dreamed of by predecessors such as Charlotte deFilippo (who was powerful, but only County chair) and Sen. Ray Lesniak (powerful too, but only a Senator).
Scutari now has the County and Linden chairmanships as well as his Senate seat (where he chairs the powerful Judiciary Committee), and has engineered his former chief of staff's selection as the new Union County manager, an enormous source of patronage jobs.
I would not be surprised if Sen. Scutari has his eye on the governor's chair eventually.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves.
The 753 certified committee members who voted represented a 90% turnout of a possible 844 -- very high indeed.
Acting Chair Colleen Mahr, who was in a head-to-head contest with Scutari, marred the event by throwing a representative of the media out (see story here).
Politics is about getting -- and using -- power.
Scutari has reached a peak that could only be dreamed of by predecessors such as Charlotte deFilippo (who was powerful, but only County chair) and Sen. Ray Lesniak (powerful too, but only a Senator).
Scutari now has the County and Linden chairmanships as well as his Senate seat (where he chairs the powerful Judiciary Committee), and has engineered his former chief of staff's selection as the new Union County manager, an enormous source of patronage jobs.
I would not be surprised if Sen. Scutari has his eye on the governor's chair eventually.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Will judge's ruling make Scutari Union County Dem chair?
 |
Will Judge Dupuis' ruling make Sen. Nick Scutari the next chair of the Union County Dems? |
Will Judge Katherine Dupuis' ruling that the
Union County Democratic Committee use open
balloting to vote for a new chair make Sen. Nick Scutari the next
chairperson?
While Acting County Chairperson Colleen Mahr advocated using voting machines to guarantee secret balloting, Dupuis spiked that possibility in ruling for Scutari.
Who will win? Hillside's Anthony Salters is sure to siphon some votes from each of the other two candidates. But will either Scutari or Mahr get 50% of the votes plus one on the first ballot?
And will everyone eligible show up to vote, or will some stay away?
My suspicion is that Scutari will win.
The real problem the County organization faces is to heal the hurt that is sure to be generated. That will require real statesmanship of a high order. Will it be forthcoming?
Barring a judicial appeal, the vote is slated to be taken at a convention of the County Committee set for Wednesday, Feruary 21, 7:00 PM, at the Gran Centurion in Clark.
While Acting County Chairperson Colleen Mahr advocated using voting machines to guarantee secret balloting, Dupuis spiked that possibility in ruling for Scutari.
Who will win? Hillside's Anthony Salters is sure to siphon some votes from each of the other two candidates. But will either Scutari or Mahr get 50% of the votes plus one on the first ballot?
And will everyone eligible show up to vote, or will some stay away?
My suspicion is that Scutari will win.
The real problem the County organization faces is to heal the hurt that is sure to be generated. That will require real statesmanship of a high order. Will it be forthcoming?
Barring a judicial appeal, the vote is slated to be taken at a convention of the County Committee set for Wednesday, Feruary 21, 7:00 PM, at the Gran Centurion in Clark.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Court to rule on Union County Dem election Tuesday
 |
Tympanum of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. The motto 'Vox Populi Vox Dei' is not meant to be ironic. |
Judge Katherine Dupuis is set to rule on the Union County Democratic Committee matter Tuesday. The hearing gets under way in her courtroom at 11:000 AM.
At issue is whether the election to replace Assemblyman Jerry Green, who resigned as chair, is to be by "open vote" (raised hands) as Sen. Nick Scutari asserts, citing the organization's bylaws; or by secret ballot (machines) as wanted by Acting Chairperson Colleen Mahr and Hillside chair Anthony Salters, the third candidate.
The vote is slated to be taken at a convention of the County Committee set for Wednesday, Feruary 21, 7:00 PM, at the Gran Centurion in Clark.
Stay tuned.
At issue is whether the election to replace Assemblyman Jerry Green, who resigned as chair, is to be by "open vote" (raised hands) as Sen. Nick Scutari asserts, citing the organization's bylaws; or by secret ballot (machines) as wanted by Acting Chairperson Colleen Mahr and Hillside chair Anthony Salters, the third candidate.
The vote is slated to be taken at a convention of the County Committee set for Wednesday, Feruary 21, 7:00 PM, at the Gran Centurion in Clark.
Stay tuned.
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Is Jerry Green about to resign his Assembly seat?
 |
Assemblyman Green's chief of staff, Maria Del Cid, is leaving. |
As if the turmoil around choosing a successor
for Jerry Green as chair of the Union County
Democratic Committee were not enough,
speculation is now rising as to whether the
Assemblyman will soon give up his seat in the
Legislature.
The speculations come on the heels of news that Green's chief of staff, Maria Del Cid, is leaving.
According to published reports (here and here), Del Cid, who heads the Union County Young Democrats, will become Director of Legislative Services for the NJ Department of Health.
The speculations come on the heels of news that Green's chief of staff, Maria Del Cid, is leaving.
According to published reports (here and here), Del Cid, who heads the Union County Young Democrats, will become Director of Legislative Services for the NJ Department of Health.
Friday, February 16, 2018
'State of the City'? Plainfield shrugs
 |
Seal of the City of Plainfield, settled in 1685 and chartered as a city in 1869. |
On Thursday evening, Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp delivered
the annual 'State of the City' address, as required by the city's special charter.
This is the mayor's annual opportunity to make the Queen City shine -- to tout the achievements of his or her administration in the previous year, and to outline some of the proposals for the coming year.
As long as I have been in Plainfield (35 years) it has always been an exhaustive (and often exhausting) catalog of things done and to be done. And often enough, attendance has been standing-room only.
Plainfielders are well known for being interested in the improvement of their community. They turn out in droves to hear, discuss and work on community improvement projects.
When Plainfield won the arts grant from AT&T and launched the 'New Audiences' project to assess the condition of the arts in Plainfield and lay out a cultural action plan, over 400 people participated.
Later, during Mayor Al McWilliams' first term, more than 500 people turned out to work for months on a long-range strategic plan for the community, with mass meetings at the nursing school at Muhlenberg.
Even a display of a fantasy complex for Park-Madison, including a hotel and banquet hall, proposed by the architect nephew of real estate investor Rose Walker drew hundreds. And it was just a 'concept'!
Mayor Mapp's 'State of the City' addresses have always been well-attended -- until last night.
When elected officials, senior city staffers, and highlighted volunteers -- such as the Vision 2025 Executive Committee -- are subtracted, the total audience was meager indeed.
With all the good news there was to report (you can find both the State of the City address and the Vision2025 report on the city's website here), I was dumbfounded by the poor turnout.
The Mapp administration would be wise to ask what has happened? and why? and what does it mean? and what is to be done?
It was an opportunity to celebrate our progress.
And Plainfield shrugged.
This is the mayor's annual opportunity to make the Queen City shine -- to tout the achievements of his or her administration in the previous year, and to outline some of the proposals for the coming year.
As long as I have been in Plainfield (35 years) it has always been an exhaustive (and often exhausting) catalog of things done and to be done. And often enough, attendance has been standing-room only.
Plainfielders are well known for being interested in the improvement of their community. They turn out in droves to hear, discuss and work on community improvement projects.
When Plainfield won the arts grant from AT&T and launched the 'New Audiences' project to assess the condition of the arts in Plainfield and lay out a cultural action plan, over 400 people participated.
Later, during Mayor Al McWilliams' first term, more than 500 people turned out to work for months on a long-range strategic plan for the community, with mass meetings at the nursing school at Muhlenberg.
Even a display of a fantasy complex for Park-Madison, including a hotel and banquet hall, proposed by the architect nephew of real estate investor Rose Walker drew hundreds. And it was just a 'concept'!
Mayor Mapp's 'State of the City' addresses have always been well-attended -- until last night.
When elected officials, senior city staffers, and highlighted volunteers -- such as the Vision 2025 Executive Committee -- are subtracted, the total audience was meager indeed.
With all the good news there was to report (you can find both the State of the City address and the Vision2025 report on the city's website here), I was dumbfounded by the poor turnout.
The Mapp administration would be wise to ask what has happened? and why? and what does it mean? and what is to be done?
It was an opportunity to celebrate our progress.
And Plainfield shrugged.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Mayor Mapp's 'State of the City' address Thursday at Washington School
 |
Mayor Mapp will present the 'State of the City' address Thursday evening. |
Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp will deliver
the 'State of the City' address on Thursday evening (February 15) at
Washington Community School.
This is the mayor's first survey of the Queen City since his re-election to a second term in November. The evening will focus on a review of 2017 achievements as well as a special presentation on the results of the Vision 2025 Initiative undertaken last summer and fall and involving citizen panels focusing on specific issues and opportunities.
The meeting gets under way at 7:00 PM; doors will open at 6:30 PM.
At Washington Community School, 427 Darrow Avenue (parking available in the Spooner Avenue lot or on the street -- mind not to block neighbors' driveways.
This is the mayor's first survey of the Queen City since his re-election to a second term in November. The evening will focus on a review of 2017 achievements as well as a special presentation on the results of the Vision 2025 Initiative undertaken last summer and fall and involving citizen panels focusing on specific issues and opportunities.
The meeting gets under way at 7:00 PM; doors will open at 6:30 PM.
At Washington Community School, 427 Darrow Avenue (parking available in the Spooner Avenue lot or on the street -- mind not to block neighbors' driveways.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
In Union County Dem race, Scutari blinks, ceding high ground to Mahr
 |
Sen. Nick Scutari is in a 3-way race to replace Jerry Green as chair of the Union County Democrats. |
Plainfield Democratic City Committee members
will gather with others from Union County on Wednesday February 21 to elect a new
county chairperson to replace Assemblyman Jerry Green, who resigned last
week.
Three candidates have emerged: Colleen Mahr, mayor of Fanwood and Acting Chair of the County Committee; Sen. Nick Scutari of Linden, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee; and Anthony Salters, chair of the Hillside Democratic Committee. The tussle is getting rough.
Over the weekend, Scutari penned an OpEd on InsiderNJ (see here) in which he cites the county organization's bylaws as calling for an open ballot -- in which electors indicate their choice in public by raising hands or standing to be counted.
That is indeed what the bylaws call for.
Mahr, on the other hand (joined by Salters), wants to use voting machines to allow delegates to cast secret ballots. She argues this will protect delegates from embarrassment and/or retaliation, and simplify the tallying with a verifiable vote trail which would eliminate arguments over the tallies.
Mahr says she has case law on her side and has lawyered up to take the matter to court (see story here).
Whatever the outcome, Scutari has blinked and ceded the high ground to Mahr.
Three candidates have emerged: Colleen Mahr, mayor of Fanwood and Acting Chair of the County Committee; Sen. Nick Scutari of Linden, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee; and Anthony Salters, chair of the Hillside Democratic Committee. The tussle is getting rough.
Over the weekend, Scutari penned an OpEd on InsiderNJ (see here) in which he cites the county organization's bylaws as calling for an open ballot -- in which electors indicate their choice in public by raising hands or standing to be counted.
That is indeed what the bylaws call for.
Mahr, on the other hand (joined by Salters), wants to use voting machines to allow delegates to cast secret ballots. She argues this will protect delegates from embarrassment and/or retaliation, and simplify the tallying with a verifiable vote trail which would eliminate arguments over the tallies.
Mahr says she has case law on her side and has lawyered up to take the matter to court (see story here).
Whatever the outcome, Scutari has blinked and ceded the high ground to Mahr.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Council set to settle pothole accident for $220K Monday
Plainfield City Council meets for its business session Monday (February 12) in the Council Chambers/Courthouse at 8:00 PM.
Among the items are appointments of department heads and Planning Board members, as well as several contracts -- including $54,000 for the remodeling of Dudley House into apartments for homeless veterans.
Also on the agenda is Council approval of a $220,000 settlement in a pothole accident that occurred in 2014.
Among the items are appointments of department heads and Planning Board members, as well as several contracts -- including $54,000 for the remodeling of Dudley House into apartments for homeless veterans.
Also on the agenda is Council approval of a $220,000 settlement in a pothole accident that occurred in 2014.
Monday, February 5, 2018
Nature abhors a [parking] vacuum
 |
A new parking sign appeared in the City Hall lot... |
 |
...in the spot previously taken by the Mayor's Chief of Staff. |
City employees must jockey for parking spots
in the lot behind City Hall. (In all my years,
I seldom parked in the same space two days in
a row.)
Some, however, get designated spots (the mayor and department heads).
I was a little surprised this morning to receive the image above from an unknown reader.
It is a photo of a new sign in the City Hall lot, evidently for the Director of Communications -- though it is the only sign in the lot that says "NO PARKING" and then the job title. Is it supposed to mark the spot FOR the Director, or to warn the Director of Communications NOT to park there?
At any rate, the sign went up Wednesday or Thursday of last week, in the spot which had been regularly occupied by Mayor Mapp's former chief of staff John Stewart.
Nature, as they say, abhors a vacuum.
Some, however, get designated spots (the mayor and department heads).
I was a little surprised this morning to receive the image above from an unknown reader.
It is a photo of a new sign in the City Hall lot, evidently for the Director of Communications -- though it is the only sign in the lot that says "NO PARKING" and then the job title. Is it supposed to mark the spot FOR the Director, or to warn the Director of Communications NOT to park there?
At any rate, the sign went up Wednesday or Thursday of last week, in the spot which had been regularly occupied by Mayor Mapp's former chief of staff John Stewart.
Nature, as they say, abhors a vacuum.
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Move to name Park-Madison office building after Jerry Green
 |
The Park-Madison office building under construction, March 2004. |
 |
...And as the Plaza might appear after the Park Jewelers clock is installed as originally planned. |
Monday nigh'ts Council agenda-setting session
includes an item (Item A) urging the Unionc County Board of Chosen
Freeholders to name the Park-Madison office building for Jerry Green by
designating it the Gerald B. Green County Complex in honor of the
Assemblyman's contributions to the state, to Union County (he served as Freeholder), and to the City of Plainfield.
I had heard the proposal was afoot months ago, and asked Jerry about it during last year's Primary campaign season.
"Shhh...," he cautioned me, "not to mention a word of it." Like a political pro used to not counting his chicks before they're hatched.
Well, now the word is out.
I had heard the proposal was afoot months ago, and asked Jerry about it during last year's Primary campaign season.
"Shhh...," he cautioned me, "not to mention a word of it." Like a political pro used to not counting his chicks before they're hatched.
Well, now the word is out.
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