Shotspotter: A Low Cost Opportunity to Empower Plainfield’s Police Force

As has been blogged about, a vote for Shotspotter is coming up on Monday. I plan to support this initiative and urge my colleagues to do the same.

We have been discussing this item for more than a year. When the proposal first came before the Council last summer, it was rejected. The causes of concern were cost and length of commitment. The initial cost would have been nearly one million dollars and would have required agreement to a multi-year contract. Councilmembers suggested that the Administration look for a less expensive alternative or grant funds to subsidize the cost and that City Hall re-negotiate the terms of the agreement. Although unwilling at first, the Administration has done exactly that.

The price is now just $169,000 to lease equipment for one year. In addition, the City has been awarded a $250,000 public safety grant that must be used for technology purposes. Those funds will be used to pay for camera installation and monitoring. We are only contractually obligated for one year. If we find that the equipment is not meeting our needs and expectations, we can end the relationship. If we decide to renew, City funds may be needed to pay for next year’s lease.

There have been questions posed by my colleagues about the efficacy of the technology. While these are legitimate concerns, I have not yet heard from any municipality that the equipment is not effective or not worth the investment. I have seen positive reviews and heard other elected officials speak to how they have implemented this technology in their own municipalities. I don’t see why Plainfield should have to wait.

Additionally, and more importantly, our Public Safety Director and officers have continually made the case that an upgrade in technology would empower our police force. With a rise in crime, and budgetary constraints around police manpower, Shotspotter provides a low cost opportunity for the City.

It is important to keep in mind that a technology upgrade is just one piece of our public safety puzzle. Continued conversations and meaningful solutions have to be considered in other enforcement areas such as manpower and structure. We also have to address preventative measures such as youth programs and re-enty solutions before we will see the results we desire and deserve – a safer Plainfield.

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The Case for 4 More Years

The slogan, “Eight is Enough”, sounds good on paper, but let's really dissect what that means.

8 years ago, during Cory Storch's first term on the City Council, he was working with my father, the late Mayor Al McWilliams. There was a period during the previous Administration when Plainfield made significant and visible strides, and was even cited by NJ Monthly as being one of the Top 10 most Livable Cities. Cory Storch can take credit for many of those advances during that time period. For example, if you have lived in the City long enough, you know that the center of downtown was once a giant brownfield - neither aesthetically pleasing nor economically useful. Cory was able to work with my father to change that by bringing in the most meaningful commercial development we have had in the City to date.

Now let's fast-forward a few years. With the change of Administration, Cory played a different but crucial role. Although he initially attempted to work with the current Administration, wanting to trust their vision, he eventually became the lone voice of reason in City Hall. For several years, he was the only Councilor to vote against poor financial decisions and short-sighted economic development plans.

With the election of Adrian Mapp, Rebecca Williams and I, the Council has morphed into a different entity - one that is more thoughtful, more intent on planning, and certainly more willing to say NO to bad Administrative decisions. This Council has emphasized the need for quality appointments to a variety of positions, has initiated financial reform, and has demanded economic development improvements. This year, for the first time in a long time, the Council has a majority that can reliably serve as a voice for good in City Hall.

The outcome of this election could change that. Without Cory, there simply will no longer be a majority on the Council who care about the economic future of this City and understand the strength that is needed to move Plainfield forward.

So in thinking about the past 8 years, I know that eight is NOT enough. We should reward strong, proven leaders with the privilege of serving again. And we should certainly not stop the momentum that the Council has finally gained.

A vote against Cory Storch is a vote against a strong Council. When I ran for office 3 years ago and asked for your support, my slogan was Positive Change. I still believe that we can accomplish great things over the next few years and I know that Cory Storch is a crucial piece of that future.

I hope you will join me in voting for Column C tomorrow. Please support Cory Storch and DeLois "Dee" Dameron for City Council.

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Why I Support Storch, Dameron

Below is the Letter to the Editor that appeared in yesterday's Courier News. If you'd like to see it online, click here: In Plainfield, vote for Storch, Dameron

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Plainfield is a wonderful community that is full of potential. If we are to put this city on the right track, we must elect dedicated community members whose votes will reflect the diversity of viewpoints that make this city so great.

We need council members who are able to balance the urgent need to enforce financial oversight and foster economic development with the ongoing responsibility of protecting those who are most vulnerable through public safety, job creation and youth development. That's why I support Councilman Cory Storch and candidate DeLois “Dee” Dameron for the Plainfield City Council.

I'm proud to support Storch for the second ward council seat. Councilman Storch has been a powerful advocate for the residents of the second ward. A vital member of the council's Finance and Administration Committee, he helped to create the Financial Accountability, Integrity & Responsibility (FAIR) legislation package—a set of ordinances and resolutions designed to strengthen financial controls and council oversight. The FAIR package was adopted last year with the help of Councilman Storch, despite veto attempts by the mayor.

Cory has continuously been the lead advocate for most major economic development initiatives in Plainfield. He knows that Plainfield must become a place where people can live, earn and spend. He is the sponsor of the Transit Village Visioning Study, which brought in experts and development leaders to work with residents in designing the Plainfield of tomorrow. He is also the lead advocate and co-sponsor of the Rutgers Economic Development Study which is currently underway. These studies will provide the blueprint for residential development, commercial development and job creation.

As we all know, the economy's collapse halted most major development across the country. Instead of sitting idly by, Councilman Storch devised a plan of action, ensuring that when the market turns around, the Queen City will be prepared to take advantage of new opportunities.

Councilman Storch has many other accomplishments that I could focus on but the most important qualities he has are independence and a servant's heart. You don’t have to guess whether Cory will vote with integrity—he's not beholden to anyone and always has the needs of residents in mind. He's the type of elected official that we need more of on our City Council.

I am also proud to support DeLois “Dee” Dameron for First and Fourth Wards Councilor. Dee understands that residents in the first and fourth wards are concerned about their taxes, safety and quality of life. An active volunteer on the Citizen Budget Advisory Committee, Dee knows the budgetary concerns cities are dealing with and she never lets the council or mayor forget the financial squeeze that residents are feeling. She will fight for the rights of every resident to live in a home they can afford without being suffocated by taxes.

Dedicated to the senior citizens and youth of this city, Dee will be an advocate for those who need a strong voice on the council. She will listen to the needs of her constituents and speak up for all.

Local elections can be difficult because we have to select just one candidate among several friends and neighbors who are on the ballot. We must remember, however, that each seat is held for four years. We can't just elect people we like, but also people who are independent and who are strong enough to vote for what's right.

Vote wisely this June. Vote for Councilman Cory Storch, candidate for Second Ward Councilor, and Dee Dameron, candidate for First and Fourth Wards Councilor.

Storch & Dameron for the Plainfield City Council

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Plainfield over the past few years. As Councilwoman At-Large, representing the entire city, and in my capacity as Council President, I have come to recognize and value the type of leadership that is needed on the Council. We need independent, balanced judgment and honest, ethical representation. That's why I support Councilman Cory Storch and candidate DeLois "Dee" Dameron for the Plainfield City Council.

Councilman Cory Storch is running for the Ward 2 Council seat. DeLois "Dee" Dameron is running for the Wards 1 & 4 At-Large seat. Both are running as New Democrats for Plainfield.

Over the next few weeks, you will hear more from me about why I support these candidates. In the meantime, I hope to see you soon at the New Democrats Headquarters located at 508 Watchung Avenue (across from City Hall, between Blackberry's and City Hall Annex).
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2010 Year in Review

Reflections on 2010

Every Council leaves their mark on the City of Plainfield. I believe the 2010 Council will be remembered for its focus on fiscal policy, movement towards long-term planning and efforts to reconnect elected officials with residents across the City.

The 2010 Council accomplished a number of items and I have highlighted a few below. I must recognize each and every Councilor for their contributions. This was a collective effort. I particularly want to thank Chairman Mapp and each of this year’s Committee Chairs – Storch, Rivers and Carter. Many of the decisions made this year started off as discussion items in Council Committees.

Accomplishments

Town Halls

In the spring, the Council visited each ward and listened to the concerns across the City. We heard concerns about issues ranging from leaf pick-up and safety to taxes and economic development. These town halls gave the Council an opportunity to hear the needs of residents and incorporate your ideas and suggestions into our discussions and decisions.

Fiscal Responsibility

The Fiscal Accountability, Integrity and Responsibility (FAIR) legislation package stands out as one of the most significant achievements of this Council. Three resolutions and two ordinances were approved and enacted that improve the City’s ability to responsibly manage your tax dollars. These Council actions helped fill key financial management positions, increased financial oversight and forced greater vendor competition.

Additionally, the 2010 Council was able to reduce last year’s budget by nearly 1 million dollars. Although the savings were great, the timing was not because the budget was not adopted until February of this year (FY ending June 30th). For this budget year, the Council and Administration were able to introduce, amend and adopt the budget in December. This timing improvement is valuable because any reductions in the budget are felt sooner and for a longer period of time.

Information Technology

The movement towards and investment in Information Technology is also an accomplishment. During this year’s budget deliberations the Council proposed a number of questions to each division head that presented. One of those key questions was: How can the Council empower you? The majority of all presenters expressed a real need for IT – either upgrades, software or training. Last year the Council approved the creation of an IT Manager. This year, the Council formally created an IT division within the City’s structure and approved an IT shared services agreement with the Board of Education. This 6-month agreement will allow the City to move into the 21st century in a cost-efficient manner.

Economic Development

The completion of the Rutgers NJIT Visioning Study has provided the Council and Administration with an understanding of development opportunities along the rail corridor - a valuable part of Plainfield’s marketable assets. Additional studies being put in place now will help shape conversations about economic development for years to come.

Thoughts for 2011

I was honored to be selected by my colleagues to serve as the 2010 Council President and look forward to continuing in that capacity for 2011.

As the City faces continued financial challenges, improved fiscal policy must remain a priority. Managing limited funds and resources well is half of the budget battle. The other half of the battle is improving our tax base through redevelopment. Redevelopment as part of a broader economic development discussion must become part of the long-term planning that the City is moving towards.

Just as we focused on a directed a path towards financial responsibility, so too must we make a commitment to understanding and improving the public safety needs facing our community. How can police and fire operate more effectively? What legislation – locally or otherwise – needs to be explored and advocated for? How do we ensure that Plainfield youth grow up in a healthy, safe environment? These questions and others need to be answered.

We must continue to work with colleagues, old and new, as we advance key agenda items for the City of Plainfield. In 2011 the Council will continue to put Plainfield First and work towards Positive Change.

Happy New Year!

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On the Removal of the City Administrator

As has been widely reported, a letter from the Mayor was filed with the Clerk's office shortly before 5:00 pm yesterday advising City Administrator Bibi Taylor of her separation of employment with the City of Plainfield.

The Council's main concern is the efficient and uninterrupted management of Plainfield. The City Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the City. Considering that the recent resignation of the Director of Public Works & Urban Development has left that role vacant and bearing in mind that the recently appointed Director of Administration & Finance and Certified Financial Officer are new in their roles, the City's management team is not yet positioned to run effectively. Furthermore, we have not yet adopted the budget and have relied heavily on the City Administrator's office in moving through this crucial process.

Plainfield needs now, more than ever, consistent and stable management. And we have always deserved the best. Mrs. Taylor has proven to be a true professional, very knowledgeable and thorough. To lose her at all, especially at this time, does not seem to be in the best interest of the City. However, this position is a Mayoral appointment. Understanding that, the Council has invited the Mayor to explain her decision and provide us with a plan of action. We need to understand why this action was taken and how the Mayor plans to meet the needs of residents without Mrs. Taylor as City Administrator. Based on the outcome of that discussion, the Council may consider a resolution disapproving of the Mayor's decision. If that resolution passes with 2/3 majority (5 or 7 Councilors), then Mrs. Taylor will be reinstated as City Administrator.

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Youth Master Plan

Our nation is facing an epidemic - young people are losing their lives to violence at unprecedented rates. Children are living in broken homes and learning in broken school systems. They live in a world that is short on love and long on empty promises. As a result, they are turning to gangs to provide the shelter, sense of belonging and opportunity that our community does not offer. This horrific national trend is being felt in our own backyards with the recent murders of two young men. The tragedy is that two lives were lost, the reality is that even more have been destroyed - as two coffins were made, two jail cells were prepared.

The challenges that our children are facing must be dealt with at a national level. Systemic overhaul is needed to ensure that every child - regardless of their background - has equal access to educational and economic opportunities. President Obama must take on this fight if we are to see large-scale change. However, local government is not powerless. We can take the necessary steps to save our children and the future of this City.

I have proposed that the Council spearhead an initiative to sponsor a Youth Master Plan (YMP). This has been done in communities across the Country and is considered a best practice. The YMP will bring together stakeholders at all levels - government, schools, non-profits, Churches, parents and youth - to set a vision for our City's young people. It will provide an evaluation of our current resources and set a strategy for how the City can best address the needs of our children going forward. In addition, it will arm community organizers and local officials with information on state and national legislation that best addresses those challenges unique to Plainfield. I will be working with the City Council and all of Plainfield's elected officials to pull together a strong team of community members who will lead this effort. In order for this to be successful, the entire community must work together - devoting time and talent for a shared goal. All stakeholders must unite for a worthy cause and invest in our most precious resource - our children.

Several years ago, my mother wrote a song entitled, "The Child Belongs to Me". This title is so timely and I had to share the song here. The words remind me that we can only help our young people if we take responsibility and take action:




Details and deadlines for the YMP will be spelled out soon.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

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