Since coming to Plainfield in September 2011, Eric Jackson has gained a lot of fans here.
As director of Public Works& Urban Development, he guides some of the most important divisions to the city's "quality of life." He comes across as a consummate professional, taking compliments and criticism with equal aplomb, and conveys a genuine interest in citizens' concerns.
His term runs concurrently with the mayor's, and so will end Dec. 31. It is no secret that he is running for mayor of Trenton. He was one of three finalists for the Trenton mayoralty in 2010. The winner, Tony Mack, is now facing a trial on federal corruption charges. It is not surprising that Jackson would want to pursue an attempt to lead Trenton out of a disastrous era.
Trenton has non-partisan elections, so Jackson would not have to file officially until March 2014. There would be an election in May and a runoff in June if no contender got more than 50 percent of the vote. The winner would not take office until July 1.
If Jackson wins, Plainfield would at least have had the benefit of his expertise through what may be a tough transition after eight years of turnover in the cabinet.
There is a precedent for keeping on a cabinet member through a mayoral transition. In 2006, former City Administrator Norton Bonaparte remained as acting director of Administration, Finance, Health & Social Services. He left in March 2006 to become the first city manager of Topeka, Kans., a position he held for five years. He then became city manager of Sanford, Fla., where his official role came to include dealing with worldwide attention following the killing of Trayvon Martin.
It will be up to the next mayor to choose cabinet members and up to Jackson whether he wants to stay on past December if asked, but it could help smooth the transition to have him here for the launch of a new administration. It's just something to think about.
--Bernice
The city must rid all of the Sharon appointees to make this city proud again. Sorry to say but it is necessary.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to living in the City to stay employed? Now those who lost jobs will be able to sue for them back at least and keep the lawyers charge up.
ReplyDeleteEric Jackson is really a gem and I hope Plainfield can keep him!
ReplyDeleteEric Jackson was the ONE thing Sharon got right. And there are oodles of folks working for the city in some capacity who don't live here. Why pick on Jackson? He's not the first.
ReplyDeleteThis is a baby/bathwater situation. Don't throw him out in an effort to get rid of Sharon's mess. He's a good guy, doing good work for city residents.