Source: Ruth Fellowship Ministries
Former Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs said Tuesday the city had given $8,000 to a "Feed the Children" program sponsored by a local church for 400 to 500 children and suggested the amount be "rounded off" to $10,000 in the 2015 budget.
If this is true, it may not have been a legal use of government funds. It is also a bit presumptuous of a former mayor to try to dictate terms of the next mayor's budget or to expect the governing body to amend the budget in this manner.
The Feed the Children program gave its founder, Larry Jones, an $800,000 settlement after firing him. The charity had revenues in 2012 of over $613 million. Even if it was legal, would $10,000 of the taxpayers' money really be needed?
Too bad that forensic audit was voted down.
ReplyDeleteLet me first start by saying I don't usually read the blog unless I am really bored and in the mood for fiction.Nevertheless this blog really bothered me. For years Ruth Fellowship Ministries have hosted feed the children, this program feeds over 450.00 families during the Thankgiving Holiday. Volunteers from the police dept., Fire Dept.,and Plainfield Action service helped. It was a wonderful time to come together as a city and do something positive.Investors Bank was a big contributor. There was nothing illegal about this program, Jason Williams, former NBA player often provided the turkeys.Bernice, shame on you for trying to dirty this wonderful event. It is evident that you have hatred for Rev. Tracey Brown, and The former Mayor. You walk around looking all innocent but your pen is often poison, except when you defend Mapp or others you like.I am well aware that this is your blog and you can write what ever you want, but it is ashame to try to dirty something that is so positive and needed.Also please note that people in this town know that you help create hatred, bigotry,and confusion, except your supporters in the 2nd ward who will condone whatever is said negative about The Rev, and the former mayor.I know you won't print this but it was for you anyway. Whatever, Sharon Ross.
ReplyDeleteThe issue is not the charitable event, it is the proposed use of public money as a donation.
DeleteSince when has spending public funds illegally been an impediment for the former mayor? Also note that Robinson-Briggs' husband is a trustee of the church, and Tracey Brown is a public official. None of this should deflect from the good-doings of charity or Ruth Fellowship, but there is a line that should not be crossed which both the reverend and the mayor don't see.
DeleteSomeone had a little too much drama with her coffee this morning. No one questioned the actions of the church or its leadership. The question was about a request for a large donation from a governing body which is not allowed. It opens the flood gates from others and can lead to lawsuits for not supporting 1 over another. The idea is a good one, but not the source. Maybe stick with not reading the blog...
DeleteAt least PMEA gave thru their union dues not public money. Folks don't get this administration is trying to correct the financial house.
DeleteBernice, you need to remind yourself... Sharon's fan club take the facts you report and begin beating their chests and wailing on their knees without once letting logic or simple facts sway their rush to idiocy.. You stated nothing regarding the work of the charity, the validity of the charity or anything regarding Rev. Brown... simply stated public funds for charities is not acceptable... they made it all about them and her honor in her own mind, Sharon... I love watching fools make bigger fools of themselves without even having to ask them to do it.
DeleteBernice, The Church hosted the event only.We see what you are trying to do, it won't work. No weapon formed against this house of God will prosper.We are praying for you and recognize an attack by the enemy when we see one. PR Director, Rita Lawson
ReplyDeleteThe issue Is your hatred. Which clouds any objective reporting., Whatever, Sharon Ross
ReplyDeleteplease note during the feed the children event, Rev.Tracy brown was not an elected official. Rita Lawson
ReplyDeleteAppointed or elected, it makes no difference.
DeleteNothing in Bernice's brief article warrants the accusations that she is an enemy attacking a Church of God. This is an unwarranted overreaction. Consider: Why should any Municipality, regardless of the worthiness of the charity, appropriate Municipal funds to that charity. There are scores of worthy charities sponsored by every religious denomination that exists, not to mention the Red Cross, United Way etc. ad infinitum. Where do you draw the line? I am confident that the newly forming mosque on South Avenue would welcome a contribution to assist the millions of displaced Muslims living under horrendous conditions in Syria. The City is not a charitable institution. It can not take money from public revenue and arbitrarily contribute to selected religiously sponsored charities.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all Anon,11:10AM,the attacks are person against Rev.Brown. Public money was not used. This is heresay,but I do agree with the rest of your rant.
ReplyDeleteWas this expenditure - the city donating money to a charity - approved by the council?
ReplyDeleteOne could ask why this charity? By agreeing to this, the council and former mayor opened up the city to get requests/demands from other charities.
Other charities could argue discrimination.
Charitable giving is not what governments do. I believe this was an improper use of government funds. It was for a good cause, but it becomes more and more clear SRB did not understand her fiduciary duties and responsibilities.
Olive, SRB understands.
DeleteThis charity because it feed over 450.00 families at one time,brought the city together.A place where everybody felt welcomed. Rita Lawson, also stop hating
ReplyDeleteRita, are you thinking people are hating because they do not agree with this particular donation.
ReplyDeleteI have several elderly family members who have been afflicted with Altzheimers. Some do not have means to put them in a suitable environment. Can I ask the council to help them? And if you disagree are you hating?
I think not - city funds are used for the city - not for charitable donations. Make YOUR donation to this charity, I'll make mine to my charity. We are both Plainfield citizens. Our taxes should go to supporting us both, not our favorite charity.
I agree with Olive, The City has many homeless,hungry,family's in foreclosure and it not the taxpayers responsibility to fund charities . If you want to help do it on your own. We could also all be more responsible when election time comes around and vote people into office who will not waste our hard earn money and work on making Plainfield a beautiful ,affordable place to live
ReplyDeleteAnd we would pay less taxes and have more money to give to our charity of choice.
DeleteAnon, 3:04PM, If you think Feeding those families was a waste of money, that was not public money anyway your heart is hard.To Anon, 2:10, I think people are hating simply because they choose to hate, not for no other good reason. The mere fact that we are having this discussion indicate that fact.People were blessed over two years ago and the devil is still mad.Rita
ReplyDeleteRita- You need to explain yourself. You said it was not public money. The report says the former mayor said the City paid for it. Is the report incorrect? No one said the money was wasted, only that it was an inappropriate, and perhaps illegal, use of public funds. So, who is correct? Enlighten us, please.
DeleteRita, was there or wasn't there $8,000 given by the City to the charity last year? Did or did not SRB ask for $10,000 to be given this year to the same charity? Are we talking about the same thing? Are you aware that there are several churches that distribute food and food stuffs weekly all year, not just at the holidays, here here in Plainfield. There are no salaries and nobody gets $800,000 settlements. That may be somewhat irrelevant but if the Plainfield City Council wants to start funding all these organizations I would be glad to submit an application for the one I am associated with. We too make the devil unhappy, and I suspect this response will make you unhappy.
DeleteWell i am glad to see all the special friend of Sharons are finally getting their just due. I see at the pd the special friends finally have to work no more cushy jobs. They have responsibility now hahaha
ReplyDeleteSeparation of church and state.......that's all I have to say!!!
ReplyDeleteCome back Sharon I need you back so I can get my cushy job back. Since you left I have to do my job
ReplyDelete