Time Out for Dissension

What should be a season of hope and renewal is, on local and global levels, a time of sadness and uncertainty. We can hardly comprehend the multiple disasters facing the Japanese people, even as we admire the character with which they facing massive loss and disruption on personal and national levels.

Here at home, things are in flux at City Hall and our elected leaders are at odds on important matters.

While we can send prayers and help to Japan, is there something we can do here in the Queen City besides take sides in the mounting disputes over how to run city affairs? We hear talk of transparency and collegiality, but if anything positions have hardened and common ground for decision making is becoming more scarce.

Somehow there has to be an increase of engaged citizens who can foster or even insist on thoughtful review of the current problems and a reasoned approach to their solution. The city's reputation and its future hinge in part on the quality of its interactions as a socioeconomic entity.

When people ask, would I want to live there, work there, invest there, those in power are accountable if the answer is "no." But so are those who put them in power.

Now more than ever, residents need to pay attention and reward leaders who are seeking the highest and best for the city. And leaders themselves must not fall prey to apathy or cynicism. Have you ever heard someone say, "That's Plainfield for you," as if the die is cast? Who is rolling the dice and gambling with your future as a Plainfielder? Give it some thought.

--Bernice