Councilwoman Rebecca Williams
I guess it's sort of flattering in a way that the first thing some folks thought when hearing Rebecca Williams has the Democratic party line for the citywide at-large council seat is that Mayor Mapp might benefit by gaining an extra vote for his initiatives.
Flattering, because it is only February. Those gnashing their teeth are jumping ahead to December, when as chairman of the Plainfield Democratic City Committee, Mapp would have to offer three names to the council for the vacancy in the Second and Third Ward seat. The handwringers apparently anticipate Williams winning the June primary and the November general election for the citywide seat, kind of a slap to the incumbent, who is seeking re-election.
Williams does have a formidable track record in campaigning. Maybe that's why her name was no sooner uttered as the party's choice than the fretting began. Why, Mapp would be able to count to ... how many?
Perhaps the two-fer ploy is just a reflection of the teachings of Councilwoman Gloria Taylor on "pragmatic politics," meaning a mayor needs to be able to "count to four" out of seven possible council votes to get anything accomplished. Gaining a council seat and filling the vacated one by appointment (with council consent) would surely help the administration
Mapp had to count to 48 last June to win the chairmanship of the 68-member city committee. On Saturday, in his first chance to have a say on the line for the June primary, he basically accepted the findings of a seven-member screening committee, with the consensus of the membership.
"This is the way I think we ought to conduct things, to involve as many people as possible. A lot of times we are not used to seeing that, in so many levels of government," he said.
Apparently not, because some commenters see a cabal or conspiracy instead of what Mapp described as "transparency and involvement of people." Never mind that the previous chairman chose candidates for the line by fiat.
If in fact there is a council vacancy to be filled, one hopes Mapp will do better than the previous chairman, who once notoriously offered three names from the same family - mom, dad and junior.
Those who think this is an unprecedented situation must have forgotten vacancies that arose when a council member resigned or became a county freeholder (Linda Carter, Rayland Van Blake). It happens, and then the vacancy is filled and life goes on.
--Bernice
Bernice, Nice indirect endorsement of Rebecca.
ReplyDeleteThe mayor hasn't been transparent in his leading of the City Committee. Youre a fool if you expected him to be, but not as much of a fool as the people who think he is.
ReplyDeleteEndorse whoever you want, Bernice. This is still a free country. The Jerry and Sharon supporters who liked the perks and gifts of employment under them will be very upset, but most of us don't care. Good luck to Rebecca, who has done a great job, even though we haven't agreed all the time. Many people think of Plainfield as an unsafe, dirty ghetto. It isn't! It is my home town and I'm glad we're finally doing something to changes peoples' minds.
ReplyDeleteKudos Bob it takes a concerted effort of like minded people to make a difference along with accountability from our elected officials. I renain optimistic on the future of Plainfield.
ReplyDelete