"Often it reads like you guys are so busy loitering in the gutter that you don’t focus on the good that is happening. I will continue to challenge the naysayers in the blogging community to bring forth their actions… what are you doing to make Plainfield better?"
In an earlier post, he writes:
"There is no mention of the city council members in today’s blog. Are your readers aware that council members are paid $10,000 plus full medical benefits? Are they aware that a majority of the council members don’t do anything at all except show up for their paycheck?"
To the latter, may we point out first that council members took a voluntary cut in their compensation, so they are not paid $10,000. As far as showing up, through December and early January they held eight meetings in a row and their usual meetings run to four and five hours, excluding closed session. They also spend countless hours on aid to constituents and participation in community events.
To the former, speaking just for myself as a blogger, I began writing about redevelopment issues that were not being covered by other media. The blog format also allows for detailed coverage of governmental matters without space limitations. My main goal is to provide Plainfielders with information that they can use to leverage their participation in civic affairs. It is not always evident from a printed agenda what decisions are up for action by the governing body or what is going on in the administration. Legal notices for important hearings may be overlooked in the newspaper, but can be amplified and contextualized on blogs so residents have a better chance of taking part.
I have also highlighted local businesses and attractions in the Queen City, as well as vignettes that convey what makes Plainfield unique. There is now a five-year searchable archive on these topics and more on Plainfield Plaintalker and Plaintalker II.
Personally, I don't think city bloggers in general need to prove themselves to Jerry Green. It is certainly his prerogative to respond or comment on the content of any blog. I just wish the quality of his verbiage would go beyond blanket condemnations and scatter-shot name-calling or labeling. One expects more from the political leader of our corner of the free world.
--Bernice
Actually Bernice, per Jerry Green..people expect less and less of him as each day passes. And I actually do agree with his comment, Rivers, Reid and Greaves do nothing but show up to city council meetings and wait for Jerry or Sharon to tell them what to do.
ReplyDeleteI suggest Sharon's Cheerleading Squad get paid directly by her. That's $30,000 in the bank right there.
The sad thing is Jerry doesn't realize he is as irrelevant as his blog or his presence in Trenton is on the political scene. 3rd Most Powerful Member of the State Assembly...he does have a place in comedy though.
As if bloggers do little more than throw out blanket condemnations. You are a little more covert with yours, i'm guessing that is part of your formal training as a reporter, but it is certainly there.
ReplyDeleteI have very little respect for a public servant who chooses to directly and personally slander members of his community, whether or not they support him - - something Mr. Green has often done.
ReplyDeleteThe way in which he has often chosen to address those who criticize him, usually indicates a couple of things: a lack of class and all around savvy.
Unfortunately, as a public servent, he has put himself at the center of it all for many years, not to be abused; however, he should be accepting of the criticism he receives, either positive or negative, and be able to move forward gracefully, not with the hate and rancor that has continually brought down the morale of this City.
It's very difficult to respect an individual who does not respect himself.
How much longer until election day?
First of all, the council took a cut to I believe around 7K. The mayor, it should be noted, has NEVER even entertained the thought of being a leader and taking a cut in pay.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I believe that Adrian Mapp does not accept benefits. If it is not Adrian, it is someone on the council (or maybe a few of them) do not take benefits. This cannot be said of the PMUA people, who whine that they make a pittance(around 4K plus benefits). Who was instrumental in appointing PMUA commissioners I wonder?
Third, the blogs help us know what is going on because either Jerry doesn't know or can't remember from day to day. Blogs help with the transparency that the administration wishes would go away.
And lastly, if Jerry only reads negatives in the blogs, it is because that is all he knows. My question to Jerry is, what great things do you write about that aren't self serving or lies? I must have missed the blog where you congratulated the Plainfield Boys basketball team for a job well done.
Adrian made the magnanimous public gesture of opting out of the benefits when he went on the council, but he had a full-time job WITH BENEFITS at the time. He subsequently lost that job and I don't know who or what is paying for his health insurance/other benefits at this time. And I may be wrong but I think they all get pension credit for their salary, whatever it is, as council members.
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