On March 14, Taylor called for an investigation of the Police Division in reaction to a controversy over alleged treatment of Lt. Ken Reid. The exact nature of Reid's situation had not been revealed because it was an internal personnel matter, but supporters claimed Reid was being singled out for punishment including demotion and six months without pay. Taylor portrayed Reid's treatment as being racially motivated, although on March 21 Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said of five officers disciplined in the matter, three are white and two, including Reid, are black.
There was nothing on the March 14 agenda related to Reid, but his supporters had prayed outside Municipal Court before the meeting and then several spoke in public comment, though some acknowledged they had no details. Much of the supporters' testimony hinged on Reid's community service and spirituality. Taylor called for a vote on an investigation of the Police Division at the end of the meeting, and although the proposed resolution lacked details such as cost and scope, it passed unanimously.
However, at the March 21 special meeting, the vote to support the Police Division and await results of an accreditation process was split. Council President Cory Storch and members Rebecca Williams and Barry Goode voted "yes," Councilwoman Diane Toliver abstained and Taylor voted "no." Councilwomen Tracey Brown and Bridget Rivers were absent.
Between March 14 and 21, council members had been briefed on the Reid situation, but Taylor stuck to her view that Reid was facing discrimination. Citing the 1967 riots, she said she remembered "a culture of disconnect," and said, "That's why we killed Officer Gleason."
Police Officer John Vincent Gleason Jr. died in the line of duty and is remembered on a memorial erected at police headquarters. His daughter Susan spoke at the dedication of the memorial. His daughter Ann Marie sent a letter dated March 24 to Taylor saying in part, "Your words were reckless and you need to be held accountable." Around midnight, his daughter Elizabeth made several responses to blog comments regarding Taylor's words.
Following Officer Gleason's death at the hands of rioters, his widow appealed to the community to "dedicate your efforts to the pursuit of justice and tolerance" in his memory. Mrs. Gleason died on Feb. 2 and was remembered by Ann Marie Gleason as a "strong and courageous woman" whose words after her husband's death should be heeded.
Taylor came to the City Council in December 2013, filling the Third Ward seat vacated by Mapp after he won the mayoralty in November 2013.
Taylor at Jan. 5, 2015 Reorganization
She had to run in 2014 for the balance of the unexpired term and won. The term expires on Dec. 31.
--Bernice
Why no comments from the PBA against Taylors comments.
ReplyDeleteOh must be working side jobs
Taylor is a disgrace to the community and needs to resign. Her stupidity and race baiting are not needed in this town. Her outlandish comments continue to show how unqualified she is to be representing the people of Plainfield. Since she is willing to take claim to the death of a police officer, she should be arrested and tried. Maybe then she will learn to keep her mouth shut.
ReplyDeleteWow Dee do she work for the city
ReplyDeleteIn 1967, Officer Gleason went against orders and entered the cordoned off area in the 4th ward. He then shot Bobby Lee Williams two times in the stomach. Although Bobby Lee was a victim, he ended up being tried for a variety of crimes and William Kunstler represented him. Officer Gleason's death was harrowing for his family, but he was known for brutal behavior towards members of the community living in the 4th ward, although his family and the police vehemently denied this. Even well respected members of the community, including Marjorie Patterson, were aware of Gleason's brutality. Gloria Taylor, saying, "That's why we killed Officer Gleason," was simply trying to get people to understand that having a police department that is free to wield its power and be disconnected from certain members of the community that it is policing can lead to catastrophic consequences. She has not been the first to state the obvious. What is worrisome is the response to Gloria Taylor by members of the community over her comment.
ReplyDeleteA MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE.
Delete"simply trying to get people to understand that having a police department that is free to wield its power and be disconnected from certain members of the community"
DeleteThe police department damn well better be able to wield its power when certain members of the community are rioting and looting. That's what we pay them to do.
Too bad Elizabeth Faraone is so naive, she wasn't there,she was all of 5 yrs old when the riot happened. Shameful lies. What happened Lizzie?
ReplyDelete2:06pm - I understand the theory of what you are saying, but why say "we". Why associate yourself with that kind of person.
ReplyDeleteFor a white person to say "that's why we kept the black people from voting" would indicate that I was part of that ignorant mentality.
Gloria's words, to me, indicates that not only does she condone that kind of behavior, but would participate in it. Not someone who should be representing the citizens of Plainfield.
Ms. Faraone, if we follow your comments here is the way it went down. Officer Gleason was directed not to enter the cordoned off area. Why do you suppose the area was cordoned off? Ostensibly to keep certain people out and other people contained. It follows that if the people within the cordoned area were contained they could not cause a problem outside of the area. Officer Gleason's superiors obviously saw no reason for police to enter the cordoned zone. An unnecessary intrusion could serve as provocation. So why Ms. Faraone did Officer Gleason willfully disobey oreders? Enter the Wild Ones, a white motorcycle gang of bigoted hulligans arriving for the conspicuous purpose of causing some mischief. Officer Gleason is confronted with the decision to inrevene and prevent mayhem, or follow orders, as you see them, and witness a race riot in which many people would at best be injured and very possibly killed. Beyond that an event of this nature could well serve as a nucleus for expanded disorder. The motorcycle gang acceded to Gleason's order to leave. By your logic Officer Gleason, brute that he was, said to himself , "That was too easy. I really didn't exercise the full power of my authority. I think I will shoot someone." Standing there, innocent as new blown snow was Mr. Williams. Gleason saw something in Williams' countenance that was displeasing to Gleason. So Glason did the logical thing and shot Williams twice. The mob, understandably outraged at this wanton act, stomped Officer Gleason to death. Kunstler did a wonderful job. From recollection about 5 people received jail entences. The maximum I believe was 5 years , the others 2 or 3years. Gleason's sentence was eternity.Yes, Ms. Faraone, Gleason made a mistake. He should have let them go at it.
ReplyDeleteThere is not one bit of truth that Officer Gleason entered because a white motorcycle gang was threatening those in the 4th ward. That story is a complete fabrication published by the Courier News.
DeleteI presented the facts. Your comments are fiction.
DeleteTo Anon at 12:05 p.m. No I don't work for the city. However, when I'm asked to do something to benefit the city I avail myself. As a resident I do my due diligence to make it better.
ReplyDeleteDee Dameron