The people have spoken.
The Rev. Tracey Brown's decisive primary win means most likely she will emerge in November as the person who represents not only the 2,545 people who voted for her, but also the 1,561 city residents who voted for her opponent, Roni Taylor; not only the 11,978 registered Democrats, but also the 928 registered Republicans and 8,158 unaffiliated voters and even the one Green Party member, two Libertarians and one Conservative Party member; not only the three wards where she prevailed but also the one where she did not; and ultimately as the citywide at-large representative, all those who live within the Queen City's borders.
Can she do it? Some already see her as a person whose world view leans toward seeing things as good or evil. Indeed, upon her victory Tuesday, she said, "What the devil tried to do, God turned it around."
This God-on-our-side belief, when inserted into the very secular matters of municipal government, can thwart the fiscal objectivity that the state demands of elected officials. If one is the mayor's pastor and dear friend, "our side" takes on a meaning that could extinguish discourse on the governing body.
Well, today is only Wednesday. There are many days, weeks and months ahead in which Rev. Brown can observe the workings of municipal government in Plainfield and take into account the worldly imperatives of the state Local Finance Board and Division of Local Government Services when it comes to passing a budget and setting policy for a city. In city government, they are the "higher power" which elected officials must honor while in office.
It has been said that "the devil is in the details." That certainly was true as the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee and the City Council unpacked the 2012 budget and found some very devilish details. If as expected Rev. Brown prevails in November, will she preach fiscal stewardship of the taxpayers' money in 2013 or look to the heavens for justification?
There are still 14 City Council meetings to go this year. From the perspective of a nonagenarian who has attended and commented on these meetings for many years, Rev. Brown's political anointment is tantamount to a death knell for the city's future. Can or will she prove him wrong? One is tempted to say God only knows, but Rev. Brown can demonstrate her ability to serve all the residents of the Queen City by attending these meetings and sharing her perceptions of what takes place. Ten of these meetings will precede the November elections and by then she can show the public her mettle as a prospective member of the governing body.
The divisions in Plainfield are real and do need to be healed, not just to impress a new Congressional representative, but for the purpose of getting the city out of the snare of power plays and personal animosity among its decision-makers. Can it happen? We'll see.
--Bernice
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I don't have any faith in Tracey Brown or her constituents. If Plainfield hasn't seen ghetto yet, get ready now cause here it comes.
ReplyDeleteThis woman will make every effort to turn this City into one big welfare state where they will be coming from near and far to suck the life out of the local tax payers.
Shame on all those who did not take the time to vote yesterday, leaving the future of this City to the likes of Robinson-Briggs, Rivers, Reid, Greaves and now Brown.
God help us all!
Btw - As a Democrat, I'm so disgusted that I'll be voting for the Republican challenger in November and helping the Republican candidates achieve that goal.
ReplyDeleteWe need to thank Jerry Green for Sharon and now Tracy. Plainfield is in deep trouble because of politicians who are only looking for their gain and not the people of Plainfield. Brown lied and put forth a deceptive flyer, so I don't see her as a trustworthy person. I'm glad she's not my minister, as I would be greatly disappointed in her behavior. Plainfield is the loser. When it comes to ideas to help Plainfield, Brown is a dullard and will simply give in to Green and Robinson-Briggs. Perhaps the devil won this one and not God. Rev. Brown needs to remember that she is Rev. in her church, but she's only Tracy Brown in the City Council. We will be watching her closely and I hope she gets some morals, since I didn't see a lot of it in the campaign.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Ms. Paglia, why would Councilwomen Williams try to justify her candidate losing? Roni lost because the VOTER'S of Plainfield thought she was the better candidate, not because it was a Presidential election.
ReplyDeleteCouncilwomen McWilliams won off the line at the time of Presidential election because the residents thought at that time she was the better candidate.
Roni lost the election because of the negativity her campaign portrayed. I was voting for Roni until all the negativity started. Plainfield is tired of the negativity.
My Mother who happens to be a senior citizen picked up one of the pieces of literature and put it right back down and stated here we go again.
Congrats to Tracey Brown, and Councilmen Adrian Mapp.
Renee
Hello, my name is Gloria Henriques, and I want you to know I am running as an independent for the Plainfield City Council at large seat currently held by a woman I admire and hope to emulate, Annie McWilliams.
ReplyDeleteYou will learn more about me and my plans for the City as the days draw closer to November. However, I do want you to know that I filed my petitions to run for office, petitions circulated by and signed by Democrats, Independents and Republicans, before the polls opened on Tuesday. When I filed I was not running against Bill Amirault, the Rev. Tracey Brown or Roni Taylor.
I am running for the City of Plainfield, and all 50,000 proud residents.
I may have met you through the Democratic City Committee, through volunteer service with Netherwood Heights Neighbors or at the recent FOSH city council debate. It was listening carefully that evening which convinced me to run.
You will hear more from me soon.
Gloria Henriques
Henriques for Plainfield
This "God on our side" is the same pitch that the New Dems have taken for years. They have called Jerry Green evil (until Mapp joined Green).
ReplyDeleteNothing changes in the Queen City.
Will Commissioner Tracy relinquish her position as Commissioner at the PMUA or hold both positions? At least now the Health and other benefits she is collecting at the PMUA will be legitimate as a Councilwoman. If there is a newly appointed PMUA Commissioner to replace her that person will not receive these benefits...a small conciliatory benefit for the citizens.
ReplyDeleteHope I live long enough for the Real Estate market to turn around so we can get out of here.
Brown must relinquish her position. She won't get health bennies any longer! The PMUA still needs to be abolished but with the current and future council we Plainfielders can only hope and appeal for state intervention. Begin calling the DCA ASAP to inform them that we pay $500 per ton for the disposal of trash through the PMUA.
ReplyDeleteCALL Thomas H. Neff, Director
Division of Local Government Services,
Phone: (609) 292-6610
Fax: (609)-633-6243
If Presidnet Obama is as smart as I think he is, he will RUN from any endorsement offered by any member of the City of Plainfield Democratic Party.
ReplyDeleteDoes Gloria have to give up her city committee seat? When you vote in the primary, you cannot vote if you are an independent, only if you are unaffiliated.
ReplyDeleteSince Gloria registered as an independent, didn't she just relingquish her Democratic party affiliation?
I bet Jerry is dancing in the street being able to appoint someone in that area.
This election proved that the people of Plainfield are Clueless (Queen City a/k/a Ghetto City. I will be voting Republican come the November election. The people of Plainfield need to stop being loyal to people that do not care about them. The "Slave Mentality" is alive and well in the City of Plainfield.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the only people that voted during this primary were the senior citizens and former drug addicts (Look at Newark during the Sharp James era). Aren't the people of Plainfield tired of the failing schools and poor representation from City Hall. I just wish for once the citizens of Plainfield STOP being gullible and, go against the grain for once. The City of Plainfield has the potential to become a thriving city with the right leadership. The change we all hoped for, disappeared quickly.
@Renee: Your Mom voted against Taylor because of a flyer…it seems to me that her (your) mind was already made about your vote before the flyer was seen (no justification needed). This is the prime example of why people need to fact check their decisions as to why they're voting for a particular candidate.
Skeet
To Renee,
ReplyDeleteWhere on earth did you get the idea that I tried to "justify" Roni not winning the primary? Here is what I wrote on my blog:
"Congratulations to Pastor Brown and to Council President Mapp. As public servants, our goal is to put the people of Plainfield first. I look forward to the future."
The truth is that I went down to Pastor Brown's headquarters to congratulate her on her win. So did Roni. It is likely that I will be working with her for at least two years (until my term ends in 2014), so I want to let her know that I am ready to work. The city council has a lot of legislative work ahead of us, and it is my responsibility to make sure that all potential councilors know that I am available to talk about my experience and my views on policy issues of importance to the people of Plainfield. I chatted with her about it--she's got my cell number, and I've got hers. A win is a win. I am not a sore loser. We've got to keep it moving.
Rebecca
Thanks Rebecca for your clarification.
ReplyDeleteRenee
I truly wish that these politicians would stop laying their lying, cheating & back room dealings at 'God's" feet, God does not bless in no mess and this City and it's administration, Legislative body, School board and the PMUA are all a big, stinking MESS. The devil is alive and well and our politicians need to use his name in the proclamation of who helped them win this half baked election. I have always been a democrat and voted that way, but will be voting Rep. in November.
ReplyDelete