Although Rev. Tracey Brown did not stoop to "oppo" tactics in the primary campaign, some of her followers tried everything to discredit Rebecca Williams in the Citywide at-large primary contest.
In opposition research strategy ("oppo" for short), enemies tried to make much of the fact that she does not salute the flag. They actually did not have to do much research, as she has explained her stance many times. Still, foes tried to paint her as un-American and anti-veteran even though religious freedom is one of the freedoms the nation has fought for.
She is the only openly gay councilperson and has been attacked for that, even though LGBT rights are recognized in a presidential proclamation for Pride Month.
As a last resort, some opponents simply declared her to be the devil, which probably pissed off Satan himself. Hey, he has the dark powers, not some councilwoman from Plainfield, NJ!
Opponents dropped research altogether when they took the "mean girls" approach and called her some of the names usually seen scrawled in lipstick on toilet stalls.
The campaign was rough and the outcome was close, but now she is running unopposed in the November general election. Just had to point that out.
--Bernice
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I was appalled at some of the tactics used by them during this campaign. If Brown wants to run again for anything, she would need to rein in her supporters and stick to what she can offer, not demonizing her opponent.
ReplyDeleteIf some of those people were "Christians" from her church, I would never step in there because I would constantly have to look behind me. People, you better step in front of a mirror and take a good and long hard look at yourselves. And by the way, Rev. Brown, haven't you heard of separation of church and state? You should be devoting your entire time ministering to those people who were tearing Ms. Williams apart!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen you cannot rely on intelligence, you resort to ignorance. That is what Brown's supporters did.
ReplyDeleteWhat is especially disheartening, is that Brown's supporters did a terrible disservice to Tracey Brown, herself.
I cannot believe that Tracey would condone such behavior, but her "supporters" have tarnished her. Shame on them! As I said, ignorance.
Newsflash please go in look at the number's. I would not scream victory if I was mayor map I would scream this city is in trouble. Brown won every ward but the 2nd ward and we know why. Plainfield is extremely divided. Did you see the numbers for Senator Clinton what a shame.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous 8:54AM - NEWSFLASH! Your statement contains incorrect information. The Union County Board of Elections website map indicates Williams carried 19 Districts, Brown carried 14 and there was a tie in Ward 3/2.
Deletehttp://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NJ/Union/62412/171202/Web01/en/summary.html
Whereas Williams surged in 3 of the 4 Wards, Brown carried 2, 3 and 4 districts, respectively, outside of Ward 4 - even losing in her home District. That's much more telling than the lack of support for Williams in Ward 4.
As much as you would like foster the narrative of a divided Plainfield, the actual results tell the true story.
I believe both Brown and Williams are African American. So the implication that the Second Ward voted for Ms. Williams because the Second Ward has a large white population is baseless. I didn't count, but there seemed to be an abundance of Williams signs in front of the homes of people of both races. Williams did not win because of an overwhelming white vote. Please consider; only 8 % of the town's population is white. Your unwarranted perception of "a division" is what makes tends to make a division. You are the divider. If the 8% white residents were not comfortable with the 50% African American, 40% Hispanic and 2 % other populations they would leave. They haven't left. White people continue to move into Plainfield. When will you accept that the white people of Plainfield are not your adversaries and stop accusing them of being inimical to your interests? Bill Kruse
DeleteThank you, Bill. I'm white and have lived here over 32 years. Planning on retiring here if I can. I love this town and even more now that we are finally moving forward and the Jerry faction is thinning out.
DeleteCouncilwomen Tracey Brown should hold her head high she won every ward in a presidential primary off the line. The line is done in Plainfield.
ReplyDeleteAlmost doesn't count!She lost. I guess you believe there's no chance Williams could've have won based on her record
DeleteTracy Brown for more votes because of alma Blanco with the Hispanic support without that she would have been trashed of the line.
ReplyDeleteTo 9:22AM and 8:45am - walk me through your logic.
ReplyDeleteIf Tracey won every ward - how did she lose the election?
For some strange reason they must believe the 2nd ward has enough voters to control an election. Hmmm.
DeleteWilliams could have never won head on with rebecca
ReplyDeletewhat?
DeleteAnon 1:58 you should learn how to read. Actually go and get each wards numbers for yourself. She won every ward except the 2nd ward. Go look at the numbers for yourself and if you add add them all up by wards.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you should get the ward numbers before you write a nasty remark. I took your advice and the results are below. So no need to apologize, just learn to do your homework, and remember that there is no need to be rude. We are adults having a conversation - right?
DeleteIn the first ward Tracey lost, not won, the 1-1/3/5/8
In the third ward Tracey lost, not won, the 3-1/3/4/7/9
And actually Tracey won the 2-4 and 2-7.
So thank you for letting me clarify your incorrect remark.
My mistake 3:08 - you said wards - I did districts. Apologies.
DeleteAnon 10:49 if the Hispanic votes pulled tracey then why didn't alma win the 3rd ward Tracey sure won the third ward do the math. We are not going to allow you to try to turn this into a Hispanic against African American thing. This was a presidential election and the numbers Plainfield produced was a disgrace and that's due to the division in this city. We will wake up soon
ReplyDeleteCorrection Williams could have never won head on with Brown.
ReplyDeleteShe beat her one on one, so what are you talking about?
DeleteRebecca had Column A, so why was Jerry Green driving around the polls and only talking to Brown supporters? At Evergreen school Green was openly telling voters to voter for Brown. I guess all the money for Brown's last minute campaign pieces and paid election day workers had to come from somewhere.
ReplyDeleteAt Evergreen School? Jerry really has lost his marbles.
ReplyDelete