--Mahatma Gandhi
Those who say they don't like the local politics have a chance every year to try for change.
In 2015 and beyond, there will be at least three school board seats up for election every year. City Council seats follow a pattern, with Ward 1 paired with the 2&3 at-large seat, Ward 2 with the 1&4 at-large seat, Ward 3 with the Citywide at-large seat and Ward 4 with the Mayoral seat Unexpired terms may also be on the ballot.
Democrats and Republicans choose committee members and chairs on alternate years. Plainfield has 34 voting districts, each with a male and female seat for a total of 68 committee seats. This year, Republicans filled only 15 and George Gore was elected chairman. Democrats usually fill all 68 seats and in 2015 will choose a chairperson on the Monday after the June primary.
Anyone who wants to run for a local elected office in 2015 would be well advised to start right about now to line up campaign funds and supporters. In January, the Union County Clerk's office publishes a brochure with all relevant milestones, such as candidate filing and election dates and deadlines for voter registration and making changes. Campaign organizers should also become familiar with the state Division of Elections and the Election Law Enforcement Commission.
Generally, party candidates for the June primary must file by late March or early April. For council seats, a Democratic primary win is regarded as tantamount to success in the November general election, given the highly disproportionate number of Democrats to Republicans. Nine times since 2002, New Democrats have won June primaries and once won enough committee seats to choose the chairman.
Independent candidates for council or mayor may file on the date of the June primary. School board candidates used to file the same day, but this year the filing was moved to the end of July.
Politics in Plainfield can be daunting. Candidates must have thick skins and a strong belief in themselves as well as a commitment to serve for the full term they seek. The New Jersey School Board Association offers a candidates' packet that informs those who seek office of what they will be getting into. Council and mayoral candidates may need a mentor who knows local political history to advise them of the obligations and pitfalls of public service.
Good luck to anyone who is willing to try for elective office and to "be the change you wish to see" in Plainfield.
--Bernice
Thank you for the facts. Now if only the registered voters will take the time to go to the polls and vote and vote for the person and not just the party line then maybe we will have a chance to make Plainfield a better place to live
ReplyDeletethere is a republican running in this year election his name is William h.michelson[attorney at law] he is a certified civil trial attorney and a approved superior curt civil mediator. he will be running for the 2nd and the 3rd city at large council seat. he seem like a great choice to me.a new face a great new voice that can speak for the people of Plainfield as a whole any voter from the 2nd&3rd ward can vote for him a life long plainfielder that care for all of our great city yes you now have the choice that Plainfield have been asking for.
Deleteif and when he win I think this will shake-up the status-que change that our city need on the city council and this will show the voters that their vote can put our city in differential gear. then what it is in regarding the city council.
DeleteI also agree change is healthy and needed in Plainfield. but we must use our vote!
Deletedear anonymous,
DeleteI to agree that our city need a change. we should be rep by both parties if now a better one then what we have I am a democratic but I will vote this year for a better face and voice to rep me I/e us in the 2nd ward someone that seem to care for all of our city people yes it is time for change and I will along with many others in the 2nd ward that I have talk with will vote for a republican this year.
agree, yes agree the time is right and needed!!
DeleteBernice people always talking about patronage but never mention stender or Scutari or other politicians. They love to attack the Blackman but they are only shooting blanks.
ReplyDeleteNeither Stender nor Scutari is running this year and anyway I have never seen anything negative come out of their campaigns. Stender usually gets more votes in Plainfield than the assemblyman who lives here. The Assembly election is next year.
DeleteBernice, I don't see you picking on blacks, but it seems to be an out for politicians in Plainfield and this state to get over when their behavior is poor and their morals poorer. I don't vote for a race, but a person and I wish others would also.
DeleteMapp gets the democratic line then supports the republican Campbell and his slate.
Deletewe sure hope that he will support William H..Michelson as well for the 2nd&3rd at large for the city council seat
DeleteBernice, as you know Plainfield could use a new face and a great voice on the city council. And we think that as long last there is one that could bring about a great change he come with a plus I/e a full practicing lawyer name of William Michelson he can be the Elizabeth warren,type for our city that will hold the city foot to the floor with his knowledge of law's what are your thoughts regarding this candidate?
DeleteI think that the city Mayor, know that Plainfield have many good people that are in the GOP party re;the 2nd&the 3rd wards
DeleteAnd I thought that Mayor Mapp, was a new democratic now? as he have stated after his elected win
DeleteWhen we talk about good government and transparency this is something that is strongly lacking in Plainfield. This is more so with the school board as these meetings are not video recorded or covered by any unbiased entity or individual. Just this past Tuesday Wilma Campbell, board of education president railroad a policy having to do with distributing propaganda without the superintendents approval on school grounds, she convinced the Superintendent to push it through without the proper vetting. When questioned about this by other board members the Superintendent couldn’t justify an answer and Wilma intervene on her behalf. I know I was sitting in the audience. I just received a call this morning that Mrs. Campbell is at cook school passing out flyers for her REPUBLICAN slate of school board candidates. Wilma is in direct violation of ethics by campaigning on school grounds especially when school is in session. Is this the kind of leader we want and need in Plainfield? HER, HER HUSBAND AND ALL HER MINIONS NEED TO GO.
ReplyDeleteThe Campbell's are some of our CITY finest Famlies
DeleteNo one mentions Linda Carter in this mix. While I think Linda is a fine person, we have a Freeholder and Assemblyman who live in Plainfield.
ReplyDeleteWe keep on Jerry for not doing anything in Plainfield, what has Linda brought to Plainfield? No money that I can tell, no services that I can tell, no betterment of Plainfield that I can tell.
what can we do with her? Do she care for her home city it look as if the answer is no but she is jerry's choice for now.
DeleteSo does this mean the rest of the candidate can go on school grounds and pass out flyers?
ReplyDeleteI was at the school board meeting as well and wondered what the ruckus was about in regard to passing out flyers. Mr. Hurtt's response in particular struck me curious. Was this a personal attack?
ReplyDelete