Monday, August 15, 2011

Whatever Happened To ...?

Every so often, one recalls an initiative that sounded worthwhile or necessary, but seems to have dropped off the city's to-do list. One such item is the roster of "shovel-ready" projects for which the city intended to seek American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. It's a couple years later - whatever happened?

Among other things that seem to have dropped off the radar:

-The disputed Dornoch funds for fitting out the senior center. The last we heard, the matter was in mediation.

- The WBLS investigation. It's been a year now since the controversial radio show, which was paid for with city money (or something).

Hiring a director for the Department of Public Works & Urban Development. The City Council will vote tonight on reappointing an acting director.

Appointment of PMUA commissioners. It's been a while.

There are more. What are you wondering about?

--Bernice
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7 comments:

  1. RobAugust 15, 2011 at 3:30 AM

    I think your list is good for now...I assumed they were all quietly swept under the rug.

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  2. olddocAugust 15, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    The three monkeys; hear no evil,see no evil, and above all speak (ask) no evil. Or ask tonight.

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  3. Rebecca WilliamsAugust 15, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    Bernice,

    All the items on your list are also on mine. None have been forgotten about, at least as far as I am concerned.

    I had made a note yesterday regarding the Dornoch issue, to see where the city is in terms of the mediation--I am not prepared to spend one additional thin dime on what was supposed to cost us a "dollar." There is also the unresolved issue of the solar panels, which ARE supposed to be put in--the weak legal parsing about "installation-ready" versus "installation" notwithstanding. Also, the WBLS investigation is underway. Regarding Public Works and Economic Development, the extension of acting appointments was to give the administration additional time to complete the search for a permanent Public Works Director--I am glad that our Acting City Administrator, David Kochel, will remain with us during this search--and that he is assisting with the search and interview process--as his experience and knowledge is very much needed. As far as PMUA Commissioners, no names have been brought before us--we cannot bring names before ourselves--we have to wait on the administration. The city council's PMUA Task force will be beginning its work--that took a bit of extra time, but we have to make sure that this task force is independent and that no one who is appointed has a conflict of interest. Regarding all those "shovel-ready" transportation and recreation projects, I will ask for a comprehensive update on all of them.

    Rebecca

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  4. BobAugust 15, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    Thanks to Rebecca for keeping hope alive. The current administration has gotten away with murder and we need a transparent and honest look at these issues. I've heard that this mayor thinks she'll take Jerry's place in the Assembly when he retires. Fat chance of that. Let's keep the pressure on, since the tax payers in Plainfield have been taken to the cleaners for too many years by inept politicians.

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  5. RobAugust 15, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    I also appreciate Rebecca's commentary...

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  6. AnonymousAugust 15, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    I'm thinking about a new mayor.

    ReplyDelete
  7. GBAugust 19, 2011 at 5:18 PM

    There is also a sign on South Ave in the 500? block proclaiming development !! Atleast repaint the sign.

    ReplyDelete

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