As most know by now, the Council fell one vote short of overriding the Mayor's vetoes on 2 ordinances that were part of the F.A.I.R. (Fiscal Accountability, Integrity and Responsibility) legislation we had been discussing and carefully advancing for the past 60+ days. Needless to say, I am deeply disappointed in this outcome. I firmly believe that transparency and financial oversight are crucial to stabilizing taxes, improving the operation of the City and repairing our public image. More importantly, I know that this issue matters to residents and taxpayers who want to see Plainfield reach its full potential.
Homeowners from every neighborhood in our City constantly express their concerns about taxes and other local costs. Our taxes have been steadily increasing over the years. This is due in part to costs we can't control (pension, healthcare, etc) and in part because of poor planning and uncontrolled spending. This may not be a pretty truth, but it is the truth. I say this not to incite fear or anger, but to acknowledge the problem so that we can work towards a solution. Financial oversight will help to combat high taxes and allow us to direct funds towards addressing the real, critical needs of Plainfield such as safety and economic development.
The upcoming budget discussions will no doubt be extremely challenging. When the Council received last year's budget, we made the conscious and difficult step to cut extraneous costs in order to alleviate homeowners, saving residents nearly 1 million dollars. We may not be able to cut so much this year. We can, however, ensure that each dollar is being put to its best and highest use and that not a single dime is being wasted. Every resident deserves the right to live in a city they can afford with quality services they can enjoy. Financial oversight can get us to that utopia. Achieving this will continue to be my goal.
I will be placing "fiscal oversight" on the Council's October agenda as a discussion item. I want to revisit the issues raised regarding the ordinances and collectively assess 1) whether or not we have a majority on the Council who is comfortable with and committed to fiscal oversight and 2) what adjustments to the vetoed ordinances can be made or new ideas can be formulated that will garner the necessary support. Plainfield needs a Council that is proactive in handling its fiduciary responsibilities to residents. The solutions don't have to be my ideas or those put forth by the Administration & Finance committee. I am open and eager to hear solutions that other Councilors may have to address this important issue.
If it turns out that the Council has neither the will nor the ideas, I will drop the matter for the rest of this year and focus on other areas of importance. I have asked each Councilor to be prepared to explain their views and ideas so that we can have a meaningful, open discussion. In addition, I have asked the Administration to participate in the conversation. While I don't expect their negative view on oversight to change, we must continue to weigh their concerns in this discussion. It is only right to do so as our City Charter and Code mandate that the Mayor and Administration execute the policies set by the Council.
Financial oversight is a matter that cities, townships and boroughs across the state are grappling with, not just ours. What will set us apart from these other municipalities is the courage to take action. I urge the public to consider their stance on this matter and share their concerns and suggestions with the Council and Mayor. If you believe in financial oversight, contact your representatives and attend our meetings. Everyone's voice matters. This is not a giant that I can slay alone.
I hope that the Administration will see the benefit in being transparent and working with the Council. I expect the entire Council to come together and work towards what's best for the City. I believe that if we put Plainfield First we will not only reap immediate benefits, but will sow seeds of success for our children and grandchildren.
.
5 comments:
Again, a thoughtful overview of what is happening. I must take issue on some points, however.
1 - we can control more spending if we employ competent negotiators who can keep union salaries, benefits and pensions in line with the economic climate. My understanding is that this year many contracts are up. Now is the time to bring that enormous portion of the budget under control
2 - there are enormous inefficiencies in how the administration is handling the money. If you don't believe it, read the audit findings. It will make your hair stand on end. Much of inefficiencies are because we have no CFO or Director of Admin who can help streamline the city's expenses as well as create a true budget.
I am sure all Council members will state that they are for fiscal oversight. And, we can count on who is going to throw the poo and who will be serious. Not only did the last vote show who was serious and who was not (Linda Carter not voting because she was not able to talk - grow up!), it also showed who is thinking about Plainfield and who is thinking about Politics.
If the Council is so concerned about fiscal oversight, why are we still without a CFO and Dir of Admin?
Keep up the good fight, Annie. You have a ton of people behind you.
If the council want to change the way the Mayor is doing things in the City of Plainfield I say change the ordinance to reflect Rashid Burney suggestions. He hit the head on the nail at the council meeting. I feel like the council should get all contracts before they are awarded. There need to be stronger language.
I think you are a real fighter,I have a easy way to fix the budget, just close two fire houses and save more then 5 million dollars a year just a suggestion to think about, other cities are making the same hard decision and it worked,hard times call for somebody like you good luck.
Annie,
Please know that while we do not always make the Council meetings, we, the residents, are watching closely. We applaude your efforts; rest assured change will come.
One issue about getting bills before they are paid is that it would put an undue burden on the administration.
How are we paying our bills? Don't even tell me we are hand writing bills to our vendors. Is the city not using bill pay to schedule their bill payments? Is this illegal? I would suggest that we review the bill paying process if, in this technology age, we are overburdening the people who pay our taxes. Sounds as though we are not very efficient.
Post a Comment