Stay the Course with President Obama

This blog post expresses my grave concern about a threat this country faces from an army of invaders who have surrounded the nation’s capital waiting to launch an invasion after the November 2nd mid-term elections. This army can’t wait to launch its assault on the President from within the halls of congress; we must not allow that to happen.

President Obama’s agenda is under attack from members of this invading army known as the Tea Party, short for right wing Republicans. The stakes are high as the millions of corporate dollars legitimized by the nation’s Supreme Court continue to flood our airwaves with misinformation designed to cast doubt on the President’s progressive agenda. Many of the president’s allies in Congress, such as Congressman Frank Pallone and Senator Harry Reid, the shepherds and guardians of his bold reform agenda, are under severe pressure from a tidal wave of corporate dollars aimed at influencing public opinion and creating a presidential derailment. Why, we must ask ourselves? The answer is simple: It is because the president has been able to make decisions that, though unpopular to some, are in the best interest of the nation as a whole.

President Obama’s agenda is a threat to the status quo and to America’s corporate culture of greed. He has given us comprehensive healthcare reform, with all of its imperfections, something that many presidents before him promised but could not deliver. He has given us Wall Street reform and has halted the downward spiral of an economy that had been behaving as if it had been pushed off of a cliff. It is for these and other reasons that the Tea Party army of malcontents is circling the nation’s capital with its wagons.

I urge you to come out for President Obama on Tuesday as you did on that historic day in November two years ago. The change that he promised is not change that can occur overnight, but that change has already begun. It is still change that we can all believe in. We must stay the course with President Obama; it is not wise to change course mid-stream. The forward thrust, though threatened, must continue. To that end, all of the President’s allies need your support; the Democratic Party needs your support.

Therefore, I urge all of you to show your support for the President by supporting Democratic Party candidates at every level of government. I am casting my vote for Frank Pallone, Linda Carter and the other democratic freeholders, Rebecca Williams for the 2nd and 3rd Ward Council At-large seat, and all of the other candidates in column A. A vote for column A, in Plainfield, and for Democrats around the state of NJ and the nation is a vote for President Obama. If you join with me, together we can defeat the Tea Party army.

Regards,

Adrian

Column A, all the way!

Shared Services: Cost Savings Through Economies of Scale

There has been much talk lately about information technology "shared services" between the Plainfield Board of Education and the City of Plainfield. The last time this was done or attempted, the City paid over $100,000 to the BOE and, to this date, the City has not been able to show the consideration received in exchange for the dollars handed over. As of this writing, I have yet to see an analysis of the benefits derived by the City as a party to that agreement.

Shared services must be more than the signing of an agreement and having one party turn over a check to the other--there must be some tangible measurable benefits derived by all parties to the agreement. There must be savings and or quality improvements!

The New Jersey Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has been, since 2006, encouraging governmental entities to enter into shared services agreements where it makes sense to do so, and it has published a SHARE (SHaring Available Resources Efficiently) "best practices" handbook to guide municipalities interested in exploring shared services with neighboring municipalities, local school districts, or with county government. The theory of sharing services is simple: cost savings through economies of scale. Click below to download:

SHARE BEST PRACTICES HANDBOOK

The DLGS in the Department of Community Affairs has also made grants available as a means of encouraging the pursuit of shared services agreements. Known as "SHARE," this program provides grants for feasibility studies, implementation, and for county and regional coordination.

One thing that is very clear to me: before taking the plunge into shared services there should be “estimates of cost savings and/or quality improvements.” It should not be about stroking egos, or covering up for shortcomings. It must be about the best interests of all parties.

I am opposed to any shared services agreement that simply takes money from one side of the taxpayer’s ledger and moves it to the other side without a clear articulation and demonstration of cost savings and/or quality improvements. I am for shared services agreements that would result in the delivery of services in a more cost-efficient and effective manner.

The attached handbook provides a plethora of ideas for shared services agreements and cost savings. All these ideas should be evaluated with a view towards embracing those that would deliver real savings. Municipalities should approach the shared services waters with cautious optimism and must avoid testing the depth with both feet; it might be more than they bargained for.

The SHARE best practices handbook should be read by all governmental entities before they take the plunge into the shared services waters in search of savings. The savings must be identified before the plunge is taken. Remember the old adage: “Only fools test the depth of the water with both feet.”

Regards,

Adrian

Governor Christie's Tunnel Vision: A Great Stroke of Genius

Most people would agree that Governor Christie's public persona often times takes on the appearance of the proverbial bull in a china shop. On a recent episode of Myth Busters, a popular program seen on the Discovery Channel, two bulls were allowed to run freely through a china shop stocked with the finest china. To everyone's surprise, the bulls carefully navigated the aisles of the china shop without touching any of the shelves, let alone breaking any of the china.

Governor Christie’s threat to kill the ARC project could be a well thought-out and calculated move designed solely for the purpose of gaining the attention of the Obama Administration and the New Jersey congressional delegation. The Governor’s power play has all the markings of a thug who pushes his prey up against the wall, puts a toy gun to his head, and issues a frightening demand - “your money or your life.” The prey, not wanting to lose it all, and mindful of the many people that would suffer as a result of his untimely demise, reluctantly turns over that which the thug demands. By turning over his cash, the prey escapes with his life and prevents the pain and suffering that might have been the outcome.

Any leader who is able to bull rush or navigate his way through the minefield of state politics to ascend to the office of Governor, knows a thing or two about putting himself out there exposed to public scrutiny. He or she must not be averse to taking risk, and Governor Christie has shown that he is not.

Governor Christie knows the importance of the ARC project to New Jersey and to the many municipalities that are awaiting its completion. The potential for development along the miles of rail lines traveling through many of NJ’s depressed municipalities offers hope for tax relief and stabilization through economic renewal and revitalization. The ARC project will provide a jolt to many stalled projects throughout the state of New Jersey.

Governor Christie’s announced “kill” of the ARC project sent shock waves throughout the state that were felt as far away as the White House. His threat appears, on the surface, to be tunnel vision, but in reality I believe it to be a calculated bluff - a great stroke of genius. I am confident that the Governor will reverse his decision and the project will move ahead at an accelerated pace with promises of additional funding from the federal government.

If, by charging through the china shop, the bull is able to clear the aisles for New Jersey to Access Real China, without the incurring of any breakage that would have to be cleaned up by New Jersey tax payers, then the Governor’s announced kill would truly be a great stroke of genius, and the ends will have justified the means.

Regards, Adrian

Plainfield's "School Report Card" by NJ Spotlight

The following letter from William G. Dressel, Jr., Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities, was sent to all New Jersey mayors:

“I’d like to bring to your attention a new electronic tool about to be published on the NJ SPOTLIGHT web site called THE NEW JERSEY SCHOOL REPORT CARD http://reportcard.njspotlight.com Users can retrieve data on any K-12 school in New Jersey and compare its performance against others using a variety of criteria—number of students per class room, student test scores, budget dollars allocated per student and so on. On average since 50 per cent of a municipality’s budget goes to education it might be useful to see how your schools compare to others in the State.”

Plainfield taxpayers and stakeholders should spend some time reviewing this School Report Card to see how Plainfield stacks up against other school districts in the county and state.

Regards,

Adrian

Congratulations to PBA Local No. 19 on Its Memorial Dedication

Photo courtesy of Dan Damon

On the anniversary of a day that will go down in infamy, September 11^th, the Plainfield PBA Local No. 19 held a memorial dedication ceremony in honor of four Plainfield Police Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The weather was perfect, and the sun was shining bright for the occasion, yet the mood was melancholic as those who could, recalled the sadness of the life-altering events of many years ago. It was very emotional for some and bittersweet for all in attendance. The unveiling of the memorial was a lasting monument to the fallen officers, and a celebration of four lives gone too soon.

John Vincent Gleason, Jr. Robert Michael Perry. Frank Buczek. Abigail Powlett.

The memorial is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by Plainfield’s finest each and every day. That it occurred on the ninth anniversary of one of America’s darkest days also reminded us of the many innocent lives that were lost on that day. It is a fitting tribute to four of the City’s finest, who took an oath to honor, serve, and protect the citizens of Plainfield. In so doing, they left home one day never to return to their families and loved ones. All died in the line of duty.

Family members of the fallen officers gave touching reminiscences of the lives of the officers they knew, some barely, as parents or sibling, while others in law enforcement recalled the painful days when four innocent voices were silenced and many lives shattered.

The members of PBA Local No. 19 are to be commended for making the memorial possible and for its high quality. It is my hope and prayer that no additional names will ever be added to the memorial. Congratulations to PBA Local No. 19 for a job well done.

Regards,

Adrian

Enhancements to Our Traffic Safety: Portable Speed Humps

A few months ago, I met with Plainfield Department of Public Works Director David G. Brown, II, to discuss concerns raised by some of my constituents in a number of areas, one of which had to do with the installation of speed humps as traffic calming devices. During that conversation, I suggested the utilization of portable speed humps across the city. The Director agreed that portable speed humps were a very good idea and said that he was considering them, with advice from the City’s engineer. Below is the text of an email from Director Brown in response to what we know is a city-wide problem:

“Councilman Mapp:
Please be advised that a joint meeting between the Department of Public Works & Urban Development (DPW&UD) and the Police Department was held today and the following recommendations are being made to deter speeding on various streets:

1. Our research has found the use of temporary speed humps has been somewhat effective in other municipalities, and 4 (one per ward) complete sets should be purchased by the City to deploy at the recommendation of the Police Department. The Police Department has recommended the use of this traffic calming device on Field Avenue as soon as funds (approximately $6,000 - $10,000) can be identified and the devices purchased and received. [The plan is to rotate the 4 complete sets around the City per Ward or if necessary to utilize them all in a concentrated area if recommended by the Police Department.] Please be advised that temporary and/or permanent speed humps will only be utilized on secondary roadways, which is consistent with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration;
2. The deployment of portable speed limit radar signs will be placed at various locations beginning Monday, August 30, 2010 to immediately begin to address speeding concerns and enforcement on the streets identified by residents and recommended by the Police Department. These radar signs will allow us to collect data where they are deployed so that we may analyze that data and other traffic calming and enforcement techniques can be utilized;
3. The City Engineer and the Police Department’s Traffic Officers next week are going to assess various intersections on the streets identified by residents that speeding is occurring and decide if a four way stop sign can be utilized as a traffic calming measure.; and
4. Policy going forward in the City’s Road Improvement Program will be to have the City Engineer analyze on secondary roads in conjunction with the Police Department’s Traffic Officers if permanent speed humps should be utilized and be a part of that specific street design plan.
I hope this is to your satisfaction and I am available via email or by cell phone if you have any questions or concerns about the Administration’s strategy regarding speeding complaints and traffic calming measures.
Thanks,
David G. Brown II
Director of Public Works and Urban Development”

Although the steps outlined above by Director Brown will not satisfy every single one of the specific complaints I received from constituents, these traffic calming measures are welcome ways of improving traffic safety on our roadways. I wish to thank Director Brown, Director Hellwig, and the Plainfield Police Division for being responsive to citizens’ complaints.

Regards,

Adrian

My Colleague, the Honorable Cory Storch, 2nd Ward Councilman

This blog post is in support of my council colleague from the 2^nd Ward, the Honorable Cory Storch, a shining example of good governance. I first served on the Council with Cory back in 2004 before going on to become a Union County Freeholder. Since returning to the council over a year ago, I continue to work very closely with him on a number of good government initiatives that we believe will roll away the shades of darkness from City Hall in order to let the penetrating rays of the sun shine through. Cory takes his job as a councilman very seriously, and he always tries to find common ground, where he and his colleagues can stand in unity as the governing body of the City.

Councilor Storch has represented the people of the 2^nd Ward with a level of commitment and dedication that is expected of every elected official; additionally, he is thoughtful, methodical, and very rational in his approach to the many issues that the council must deal with on a daily basis. Councilor Storch, beyond any doubt, serves his constituents and all of Plainfield with distinction. He is a voice of reason, an advocate for transparency, and a catalyst for change.

Councilor Storch happens to be the Executive Director of Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, an agency that serves the needs of people with mental disabilities. Just a couple years ago, Cory was recognized by his professional colleagues as well as the larger mental healthcare community as Director of the Year, an indication of the high esteem in which he is held and the degree to which he excels in his profession.

Councilor Storch brings the same level of commitment that he is known for in the healthcare profession to his duties and responsibilities as a councilman for the 2^nd Ward. He doesn’t represent any particular class of people, any one ethnic group, or any special interest; he represents the diversity that is Plainfield—its beautiful mosaic, melting pot, salad bowl—all terms to describe the wonderful diversity that we here in the city gladly embrace.

The criticism of Councilor Storch and his well-respected organization have been subject to over the past couple months is not deserved, in fact, it is misplaced, unwarranted, and untrue.

I know better than most the pain that is caused by the deliberate acts of misrepresentation by people who are hell-bent on tearing down or destroying what one has spent years building up. This is one of the reasons I feel compelled to speak out in support of Councilor Storch. The late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “What self-centered men have torn down, other centered men must build up.”

As the leader of the New Democrats, the progressive arm of the Plainfield Democratic Party, I have an obligation to speak out against the poison that has been put out about my well-respected council colleague. Councilor Storch is a good Democrat, a good family man, a good person and dedicated councilman and public servant.

I stand with councilor Storch 100%, and I look forward to continuing working with him to move Plainfield forward.

Regards,

Adrian