Put Politics Aside, Enjoy Summer

After all candidates have filed and any June primary contests are over, Plainfield normally turns to summer activities and political activity recedes into the background until Fall.

This year we have four mayoral candidates and two for the Fourth Ward City Council seat. The mayoral contest includes Republican Sandy Spector, Democrat Adrian Mapp and two independents, Mustapha Muhammad and D. Scott Belin.

I am currently holding four anonymous comments from people who want to link Belin to one of our city power brokers. Belin has stated publicly that he is his own man. I am deleting these comments and I am also considering requiring that all comments on the mayoral race from here on out be signed with the commenter's name.

Meanwhile, summer is a time for outdoor fun, family gatherings, the July Fourth celebration and festivals of all kinds. My favorite summer activity is gardening and monitoring the progress of our praying mantis population in our back yard on Block 832. Some plants, such as Forget-Me-Not, have already produced seed for me to collect, clean and save for the next crop. I am also hoping to get around as much of the city as I can access on foot and public transit, to take photos.

So if possible let's lay off the political second-guessing and enjoy the season. If you must comment on the mayoral race, how about signing your name? Or at least sticking to issues and not personalities? What do you want to happen in 2014 through 2017 under a new mayor?

The City Council votes approval Monday for the July Fourth fireworks and concert. Don't forget, the parade and the concert and fireworks will all take place on July 6 this year. Mark the date and enjoy the holiday!

--Bernice