Friday, March 7, 2014

Williams Names Running Mate

In a surprise announcement Thursday at the Cedar Brook Block Association meeting, Councilwoman Rebecca Williams introduced Charles McRae as her running mate in the June primary.

Williams, who is seeking re-election to the Second & Third Ward at-large seat, and Councilwoman Gloria Taylor, an appointee running for the unexpired balance of the Third Ward term, both addressed an audience of about 100 residents. Taylor, widow of the late Mayor Richard L. Taylor, spoke first, recalling changes in the community over the years.
Gloria Taylor, Rebecca Williams, Adrian O. Mapp
"I remember the Plainfield after the riots, when we had to build the city," she said, referring to a major shift after 1967 from a predominately white population to one dominated by African-Americans.

Recalling the difficulties, she said, "I still believe in Plainfield."

Taylor now holds the seat vacated by former Third Ward Councilman Adrian O. Mapp after he won the November mayoral election.

""Although we differ, I want him to be a good mayor," Taylor said. "I think we need to re-brand Plainfield," she added, saying she got the term from the city of Newark.

After many years as an educator in Paterson, Taylor said she saw "a lot of division" in Plainfield" when she returned. She said people should be able to work together, "but something happened."

Among other comments, she deplored the recent closing of Suburban Jewelers, a city business since 1961.

"Something is happening in Plainfield," she said, pledging to work with economic director Carlos Sanchez.

She also noted many firefighters and police officers tell her they would not be where they are without the help of her late husband.

"They will not take your children to jail, they will take them to your house," she said.

Taylor spoke against residency requirement waivers for city officials, alluding to "carpetbaggers."

Saying as a retiree she should be "sitting back," she said she brings "skills and ability and commitment" to her service on the council.

"I am old school - I believe in Plainfield," she said.

Williams said she has been on the council for three years and said she hoped her constituents felt they had received service. Running for re-election, she said, "I too am focused on Plainfield, just as you are."

The city budget has been kept stable, she said.

"I knock on doors, I meet you," she added.

"The reason we are here tonight is to discuss Muhlenberg. Six hundred apartments is not what the community wants. We will not stand for it. We need quality medical services," she said.

She then introduced McRae, who is vice president of the block association, as her running mate.
McRae, who has also served as chairman of the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, stood as the room broke into applause..

Talking about his longtime residency in the Third Ward, McRae said, "My neighbors and I get along well."

Regarding the city, he said, "We need to live in the future."

He named cleaning up the community, economic development and working to repurpose the hospital as a medical facility as goals while audience members murmured agreement.

"We need to support our mayor," he said. "The mayor of your city is your salesman."

He urged people to listen and not have their minds made up, saying people don't want to talk to each other. But he said he and his neighbors talk.

"I'm not trying to tell you, I'm trying to sell you," he said. "It is all about who is going to bring you good government, ethical government."

Obviously well-known to the crowd, he got another round of applause.

Candidates must file for the June primary by 4 p.m. on March 31. Williams passed out petitions Thursday and asked Third Ward and Second Ward residents to sign.

Besides the four-year Second & Third Ward at-large seat and the unexpired Third Ward term, the First Ward seat occupied by Councilman William Reid is also up this year. The primary is June 3 and the general election is Nov. 4.

--Bernice

19 comments:

  1. "saying she got the term from the city of Newark" .... oh great just what we need .... to become Newark Junior.

    ReplyDelete
  2. First difference I hear in the candidates -

    1 - Gloria Taylor - talks about her husband, being old school and the way Plainfield used to b

    2 - Charles McRae - We need to live in the future

    I like looking forward.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I was somewhat miffed when an informational meeting and Q&A turned to politics. Third Ward Councilwoman Taylor opened the door first by announcing her candidacy in the June primary to fill the remainder of the term vacated by Mayor Mapp upon his election to higher office. The recently appointed Ms. Taylor was long on love and concern for Plainfield, but short on ideas or information, the typical shallow combination we've become accustomed to. In a few short months in office, Taylor has displayed a lack of understanding of municipal goings-on, or if she does comprehend them, she has come down decisively in favor of corruption and obstruction. (Think PMUA and Legal Shield.)

    Just over a month ago, I was asked to consider a run for the 2nd & 3rd Ward At-large seat on the party line. Though I requested time to consider the opportunity, I shortly told my inquisitor that it would be foolish for me to run against someone I thought was doing a good job, who was responsive to my requests, who understood the issues, and voted as I would have done in most instances. This sort of political maneuvering has been detrimental to the city. Though my ego was stoked momentarily, my ambitions for a vibrant and healthy city easily trumped any personal desire I might harbor for public office. The new administration needed room to sink or swim based on its own actions. I would be the first to criticize it if necessary, but I wouldn't be a party to pulling the rug out from under it because of political power plays. Certainly not after only four weeks in office.

    Although I am still disturbed by the use of this block association venue for political speechifying, little time can be lost against an agenda and persons dead-set on taking us backward one City Council meeting at a time. The team of Williams and McRae would be a positive choice for voters, and one the powers-that-be should get behind foursquare. Find an independent and creative thinker in the 1st Ward to round it out and we might actually get a City Council that is discerning and productive. Or, as is more likely, given the machinations already in evidence, such powers will choose the familiar 'Old School' politics that virtually guarantees four more wasted years. If this sounds like a plea for sanity, it is. In about three weeks we will know if we have a Lion King, or a Lyin' King.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It's odd how the appointed councilwoman says she got the idea of "re-branding" Plainfield from Newark, of all places. That was part of Mapp's campaign theme all last year. Perhaps she wasn't paying attention. More likely, though, is that she doesn't want to give him any credit or support--we all witnessed the embarrassing spectacle of her at this past week's council meeting.

    Regarding my announcement about Charles as my running mate, the councilwoman went around afterward telling the audience that the meeting was "a set-up"--which makes absolutely no sense at all. The focus of the meeting was the future of the Muhlenberg campus. I always go to the Cedarbrook meetings, and it was my intention to make my announcement there.

    Last night was the first time I even heard that council appointee Taylor was even interested in running for the balance of the 3rd Ward term. I guess she thinks it's a "setup" for a resident like Charles, who has been deeply involved in community service, who is smart, level-headed, and open-minded, to want to run for political office. Like me, he wants to promote honest, ethical leadership on the council. If anyone has been paying attention to what has been happening on the council lately, that is sorely needed.

    I also find the term "carpetbaggers," which the councilwoman used, to be divisive, just like the other coded language she uses when discussing race and ethnicity. She admits to being "old school," whatever that means. Perhaps it is tacit acknowledgement that she is, indeed a relic from the past. As Charles said, though, we need to be about the future. I am proud to have him as my running mate--we need leadership that is community-based, ethical, and honest.

    As in all things, though, the people of the 2nd and 3rd Wards of Plainfield will decide whether I have provided the quality of service and level of commitment that they think deserves a second term. The people will decide whether my choice of Charles McRae as my running mate is the choice for them.

    Rebecca

    ReplyDelete
  5. How I wish we had, you, Rebecca, in the 1st Ward instead of Reid!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Taylor just found out about Suburban Jewelers!!!

    Nice to know she is up on things.

    ReplyDelete
  7. For the life of me I can't understand why Gloria Taylor doesn't see how confusing her statements are. She wants Mapp and Plainfield to be successful, yet votes against progress and makes ridiculous speeches about "dirty" politics that doesn't exist. She loves plainfield and can't wait to work hard to take it back in time - just what we need to do - focus Plainfield on yesterday while other municipalities run circles around us with development and growth. She means well I am sure but what this city needs are people that think outside the box, with the drive to dig into the issues and have meaningful dialogue that will result in initiatives that will improve the City of Plainfield. We don't need another council person that just shows up, unprepared and thinks they are just there to hold court and vote with their gut - or in Councilwoman Greaves case how other people tell her to vote.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This sounds like a team that will truly work for Plainfield, no allow someone to "pull their strings". I know I'll work to help them get elected. Plainfield should come first, not politics or personal interests.

    ReplyDelete
  9. My friend brought up a very valid point concerning Ron West. Please know, we will be watching closely to see where his allegiance lies. The Mayor mentioned Ron’s 25 plus years on a board he recently stepped down from. I believe the reason he stepped down is due to public concern but, his employment still gives reason for pause. Loyalty goes a long way and should not be overlooked or ignored.

    I totally understand the Mayors response to my comments about the schedule Muhlenberg meetings being open to the entire city for their input. If I was a politician, of course I would want to include everyone, a vote is a vote. However, to say the desire of 49% of the residence that are renters throughout the city, can determine the outcome of my neighborhood comprised of mostly tax-paying (voting) homeowners is not acceptable. I feel that our elected and now appointed officials have heard our expressed feelings on enough occasions and 4 more rounds of meetings is not only redundant but reeks of an opening for a hidden agenda. No to housing on the Muhlenberg property is a No now, just as it was last year in the series of meeting we had, regardless of the opinion of the city at large.

    Congratulations to Charles and Rebecca, this should be a winning team!

    We are holding you accountable.

    Robin Bright

    ReplyDelete
  10. To Anonymous at 8:46 am:

    Don't worry! We have an EXCELLENT candidate for the First Ward who will be a part of our team. That announcement will be forthcoming--stay tuned!

    Rebecca

    ReplyDelete
  11. To Robin,

    I understand your concern about the renters, but here are my thoughts -

    1 - If the 600 luxury apartments do wind up being built (heaven forbid), I believe most of the people in current apartment dwellings will not be able to afford to move there. The rent will be too high

    2 - I would be interested in knowing how many renters are part of this movement. My guess is not many, but I would be curious

    3 - I do not believe that the 49% of renters is an accurate % of those who are involved. I would say 51% of homeowners are engaged and a much lower % of renters.

    I agree with everything you have said regarding what we want for that property. Many thanks to you and those who have not let this drop, not allowed Plainfield to be run over, and not giving up on the fact that there can be a medical facility in Plainfield's future.

    My exasperation is twofold -

    1 - Where is Jerry Green in all this? He will proudly tell you that he is Speaker Pro Tem, Head of the Democratic Party in Union County and Head of the Democratic Party in Plainfield. He is a head of lettuce for all the help is giving us

    2 - Linda Carter is a Freeholder. Can she not be a force to help us? Perhaps she has, but I have not seen nor heard from her other than lending her vocal support - which is welcomed and needed. Can she not help exert pressure on the state?

    Thank you, Robin, and everyone, who is sacrificing your time for this valuable cause.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Regarding the "political campaign" aspect of the meeting, I didn't realize that there would be campaign-style speechifying until Cedarbrook Association President Dan Manson used the word "candidate" as he welcomed us. I was just planning to announce my re-election and then wait until the formal part of the evening was over to get signatures. After the councilwoman spoke and made a direct announcement and pitch for herself, I figured I would do so as well at the top of the meeting. After my announcement, though, my focus remained on the main reason that we were gathering--which was to speak on the future of the Muhlenberg campus--I reiterated that the community had spoken, and that it remains a resounding "NO!" to placing 600 so-called "luxury" apartments in the neighborhood. Charles has been a part of this struggle since it began and, together, we will work hard to ensure that the residents' voices are heard.

    Rebecca

    ReplyDelete
  13. uhhhh... Dear Gloria... take a cue from the ash heap of history.. you've got a reservation and it's waiting for you to check in.. Thanks for your "service" lol

    ReplyDelete
  14. "dominated by African Americans" interesting

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Which of those four words do you find interesting and why?

      Delete
  15. After Frank Lautenberg died the Governor appointed someone to fill his vacant Senate seat until an election could be held. That individual served with distinction, but for whatever reason chose not to run in the special election. As we all know this past fall former Newark Mayor Cory Booker won an election to fill the remainder of that Senate term. A similar situation now exists in the third ward here in Plainfield.

    Soon after third ward Councilman Adrian Mapp won a landslide election victory to become Mayor he gave up his council seat. This only a year after he was re-elected to his four year council seat. As the process dictates the Democratic City (County) Committee, composed of 64 elected residents and chaired by 2nd ward resident Jerry Green, submitted the names of three candidates to the City Council for consideration in filling (temporarily) the vacant council seat. The individual selected would serve until the next general election (Nov 2014), when the residents of the third ward would elect someone to fill the remainder of the term. After only two rounds of votes and without consideration for the third candidate the City Council selected Gloria Taylor.

    Bernice, many of your readers already know this and certainly don't need me to explain it to them, but I am surprised at how many of my friends in the city and residents in my district are not aware of it - and maybe some of your readers aren't either. Hence my lengthy explanation.

    In a comment above Rebecca Williams rightfully describes Councilwoman Taylor as being "appointed". I feel that is an accurate description as she was not elected by the residents of the third ward. I also feel that just because she has served in that position to the best of her ability, much like the Senate seat I described above, she shouldn't be considered a shoo-in to receive the nod from the Democratic Committee.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I described this process when it happened.
    http://ptalker2.blogspot.com/2013/12/gloria-taylor-is-third-ward-appointee.html

    ReplyDelete
  17. Just one correction: the Democratic City Committee consists of 68 Democrats.

    ReplyDelete