I do not endorse candidates on this blog, but as a Second Ward resident I will say who I am voting for this year, and why.
I have covered City Council meetings since the mid-1980s and have seen all kinds of elected officials, ranging from the most dedicated to what I thought of as placeholders, good for a vote when told what to vote for, but otherwise not bringing much to the table.
Municipal government has become increasingly complex and the budget has grown exponentially. Decision-making skills and collegiality are needed now more than ever, and I believe that Cory Storch demonstrates both.
When he advocates for his point of view, he does not use inflammatory words nor does he characterize others. He says why he intends to vote "yes" or "no" and invites the support of his colleagues. He also actively listens to others' views.
He is not afraid to challenge the administration when he feels it is necessary, as in the case of the proposed outsourcing of the Planning Division.
Perhaps more than anyone else on the council, he understands the redevelopment process and as the governing body's liaison to the Planning Board, brings back updates to his colleagues. Contrast this with the recurrent cry from other council members that they are in the dark or something sneaky is going on, even though they also vote on every step of the process, from authorizing "in need of redevelopment" studies through approval of redevelopment plans. Developers and investors need to know they will get a rational hearing from elected officials.
In my opinion, he has had the ability to refocus as circumstances change. Plainfield is now a designated transit village, with all that entails. He is not mired in the past or hung up on old battles, he lives and acts in the present.
He is not fazed by personal attacks from political operatives at council meetings, but holds his own and avoids the petty exchanges that the public increasingly deplores.
He uses his blog to inform constituents and does not take anonymous comments, on principle (a better person than me).
Overall, I believe he will serve the Second Ward well for another four years and that he has the interest of all four wards at heart when making decisions as a council member.
My vote is only one of 6,499 possible in the Second Ward this year. I hope all voters will think before voting Tuesday as your conscience dictates. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
--Bernice
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A very well thought out post Bernice. It's too bad people vote for a name rather than a person. This is why the city cannot move forward.
ReplyDeleteCharles
Thank you for sharing your voting preference in such a beautifully reasoned and written post. I could not agree more, will vote for Cory Storch on Line B.
ReplyDeleteBernice, your post may not be a formal endorsement for Storch, you do make a good case on why Storch should be re-elected. I agree on everything you wrote for all the same reasons and I will be casting my vote tomorrow for Cory Storch on line B. In my opinion, he does deserve to be on the council. Judging by the last two debates and his speaking at public gatherings, his opponent seems only interested in forging an alliance with Taylor, Brown and Rivers, all Green people. If you have to ask yourself why would Green Support John Campbell a republican, the answer is simple, Green will stoop to any level to harm and stop Mayor Mapp. Unfortunately, he continues to hurt Plainfield in the process. There has been comments on how quiet this election has been, simple, Green’s decision to not run school board candidates was based on his alliance with the Campbell’s and their mutual desire to get rid of Mayor Mapp. In exchange for not running school board candidates, Green gives support to Campbell and Ortega behind the scenes.
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