The large crowd at Monday's special meeting was quite diverse and included many people who do not usually come out to council meetings. Obviously there was a range of opinions on the matters at hand, but there was sometimes a perceptible air of intolerance.
For example, when Norman Johnson was speaking, his voice rose as he made his points. From the sidelines comes a remark: "Does he have to shout?" The comment itself was loud enough not to be just an aside to a companion, but a general question to the room. So what's wrong with that? Who was the speaker addressing? Certainly not Norman. Maybe some peers of the speaker's same race or class who might agree that "he" - the other - was out of line.
Norman said in response, "That's one reason why Plainfield is not one Plainfield."
And he had a point.
--Bernice
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The days of being expected to stay in ones place is over. Because we all are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Regardless to race, creed or color. Community Activist Norman X Johnson. Organizing for Peace and Progress for all.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what "expected to stay in ones place" has to do with someone making a silly comment. Kind of a leap there. It wasn't right for them to make a comment so loud and it isn't right for you to assume what their intentions were behind the comment.
DeleteNorman was making a good point that the agreement should guarantee more construction jobs for local residents and contractors. The 10% figure that was negotiated was paltry and inadequate in light of the tax abatement being requested. If the City Council had 'shouted' as loudly each time it approved (3X) moving along a plan that included the possibility of long term tax exemptions, maybe we would have been able to negotiate a more favorable deal, instead of getting to this point of ire that has cost all parties a great deal of time, money, and credibility. Mr. Lawrence was out of place and should offer an apology to Mr. Johnson.
ReplyDeleteThe point is a good point and it is a topic that should be brought up earlier and debated etc. It isn't a reason to kill a deal at that stage. At that point people should blame the Administration AND the Council for the framework. Again - good point - sadly just too late.
DeleteThat is too bad that this happened. I am not a particular fan of Mr. Johnson's point of view but he is certainly free to voice his opinion. I think people also forget that most speakers at Council meetings are not used to public speaking so they may not know what volume to use or what they sound like. People need to just relax and lose the drama.
ReplyDeleteDairy Queen Donna Albanese was yelling did anyone say to her to stop yelling come on.
ReplyDeleteIs that to imply it was a race issue? If so, pretty big assumption. Not like Donna has a lot of fans. She usually ends her presentations with how great they are and that they have ice cream cakes.
DeleteNo they did not, certain people are allow to yell or raise their voices and when they do they are perceived as being assertive. When others raise their voice or speak with passion, they are perceived as being aggressive. Plainfield may not have a huge race issue, but we certainly have a class issue. When you consider who the majority of low income earners are in comparison to the higher income earners it could be viewed as a race issue.
DeleteThere is bias all around these council meetings. Certain people are allowed to speak after the meeting has been adjourned, and others are cut off when the council president doesn't like what she hears.
ReplyDeleteIt is the way of politics and Plainfield. Sad, but explains why this city is such a mess.
A lot of people have noticed a bias as to who gets to speak and for how long. This Council President is the most unprofessional person I've seen in the 20 years I've been following Plainfield's City Council. A loss for the citizens of Plainfield and many will be happy to see her go.
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