Here are some quotes that didn't make it into my post yesterday.
"Can police stop kids walking on the street before curfew?"
A young man asked this question and said teens were being asked for identification. He did mention something about "kids breaking into cars." A police officer explained that often when people see young people stopped and questioned, it is because residents have called police about incidents such as kids trying car door handles on their street. If the callers give descriptions of the youths, police will stop them, talk to them and ask for IDs.
"The orientation of this administration is not the First Ward or the Fourth Ward, it is the Third Ward - South Avenue."
Try not to spit out your beverage of choice while viewing a candidate for City Council who does not know that South Avenue is in the Second Ward. The speaker described South Avenue as "pristine" while other parts of the city are neglected.
"Is it possible that the laws of the city can be put out in English and Spanish?"
Another candidate asked this question. The entire Municipal Code has been posted on the city web site for several years now, in English. The print version may also be seen in the City Clerk's office. It occupies two huge binders and translation could be pricey. However, the Historic Preservation Commission is leading the way by having its Design Guidelines translated into Spanish.
"Our children have nothing to do."
Thirty years ago, people complained that the city no longer had a roller skating rink. Later it was all about the number of youth centers that had closed or refocused on very young children. Sometimes it had to do with volunteer versus paid coaching for sports. Never mind that nearly every church and school has after-school programs, the mantra remains.
"You could walk in and get a job."
Another possible spit take. This was about the Recreation Division under a previous superintendent. Oh really, so why did people say the children had nothing to do then? And how did this division get a bottomless budget?
If your favorite topic was not covered at the Fourth Ward Town Hall Meeting, you will have three more chances to speak at the First, Second and Third Ward meetings. And don't forget, you can contact your elected representatives by email or phone at any time.
--Bernice
Too many candidates don't know much about Plainfield or much about what Plainfield needs to improve. I think many are in this for their own agenda and not for the betterment of Plainfield. Let's hope people look at the candidate's record and vote accordingly.
ReplyDeleteKIDS SHOULD NOT BE WALKING ON THE STREETS.
ReplyDeleteTHE CITY SPEND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON SIDEWALKS. USE THEM
“Our children have nothing to do” That is a phrase that has been my pet peeve for a very long time. It’s as bad as “it’s for the kids”. Neither statement has been proven truthful to me. Here’s a little history. When I came on board with the Recreation Division in 1997, we were deemed “the Dream Team”. We were community life-long residents who were involved with successful youth programs. When we came on we continued with some programs that were already in place, revived some programs that went dormant and started new programs. We reproduced enough flyers to be placed in the teacher mailboxes at all schools, some instructors personally went to the schools and recruited and eventually we had a very colorful newsletter that included cute clip-art for each program that was sent out to all the homes in Plainfield. In that newsletter we also included a list of many private non-profit youth programs along with signup season, contact names and phone numbers. With all that I STILL heard “there’s nothing to do in Plainfield’. Perhaps it would be better if there are people with that thought, they should ask what they are particularly looking for and they can be directed to the probably existing program. If it is new, then it can be reviewed for possible implementation. However, there were some programs we had where there were 2-4 participants enrolled. Is that worth paying staff to have that program just because those 2-4 families want it? And then you have some folks who have an unhealthy penchant for spreading negativity for personal reasons. They really should be careful taking on this kind of activity. I have personally witnessed karma visiting some folks. How about offering productive suggestions that can be considered keeping in mind just because you suggest it doesn’t mean it can or will be done. Or if you can’t get your way and you’re determined, start your own program.
ReplyDeleteThis current Recreation Superintendent has been attacked almost from the time she stepped in the door. No programs were changed but there were some additional features. The programs were reviewed and more changes may occur but the programs will most likely remain. New programs and activities will broaden the scope of what recreation has offered in the past. What could be wrong with that? This is how it should be. But, you will hear complaints without facts to back them up. Any council members that feed into it should be ashamed of themselves if they don’t get their own facts.
Let me also say. I wouldn’t expect Recreation to provide every possible activity requested. The private non-profit programs fill the gaps that Recreation doesn’t provide. Recreation, in my opinion, should only lend support as needed such as field preparation and other assistance deemed feasible and not be a hindrance as was experienced by QCBL. With all the stake holders existing in Plainfield, there’s plenty to do.
Nancy Jordan
AMEN Nancy. Thank you.
DeleteI agree with Nancy. I never hear any Parents say that they would volunteer to help with a program for kids to have " something to do" I would like to see a manners class offered to the youth,as many kids were not taught them at home.
ReplyDeleteIf the parents in the city truly believe it's the City's responsibility to provide their children "with something to do", they've already proven they shouldn't be parents. I grew up in an area where the only thing provided to the youth of the committee was a part time summer arts/crafts activity group at a local community ski area... that's it... no organized sports, no lengthy list of great activities... Parents need to instill personal responsibility into their children. Just because you have idle time doesn't mean you need to choose to do something "bad" and if you do, there are consequences. The city does MORE than enough for the children so the naysayers can pony up their own money and their own time if they feel the Recreation Department isn't raising their children properly.
ReplyDeletePlainfield is the biggest entitlement city I have ever seen. The reason it has not flourished is because people expect things handed to them, instead of working to make it a better place.
ReplyDeleteKudos to all who bring out this point. For a very long time, people were afraid to say what was blazingly evidient, that there are a group of people who just want and have no intention of doing or helping.
I wholeheartedly agree that parenting in this town is wanting. For those who argue that parents are poor and need to work, I say we have churches in this city who are extremely generous in their giving. You just have to make an effort, which is not what I see here.