Mondays, PLAINFIELD TODAY is a digest of Plainfield-only news from the past week: That Was The Week That Was -- or TW3 -- with links to the online stories.
CRIME
Murder again topped the news in Plainfield this past week, with Murder No. 3 taking place in broad daylight on Friday morning, March 24. Police and EMT units were summoned to Green Brook Park Drive about 10:30 a.m., where Michael Gregory, 41, of Dunellen was lying in the road. He was pronounced dead shortly after being medevaced to University Hospital. An unidentified woman was also shot. The Courier and Ledger both reported in full in Saturday's edition -- though the Ledger scored a scoop with the IDs of the suspects -- Jeremy Watson, 19, of Plainfield was charged with murder and Shariff Raymone, 25, of Roselle as his accomplice. The Courier chimed in with the arrests on Sunday. Police say the crime was drug-related and that the parties knew each other.
The murder occurred just hours after the Elm-West Tenants Association held a public meeting to discuss crime in the area, and to hear from school board candidates.
Union County Crimestoppers had announced earlier in the week a $5000 reward for information about the murder of Robert Cody on March 14, which was the second murder of 2006.
On Thursday, a Union County jury convicted Timyan Carbell, 25, and John Calhoun, 26, of the murder of Paul Lecaros, 17, who was riding home with his parents after closing their bar, La Bamba, on April 3, 2004. The pair will be sentenced May 19.
Lastly, Vonetta Sterling, 25, of 912-914 Putnam Avenue was arrested at her residence for drug possession. A DORA order (Drug Offender Restraining Order) was issued, barring her from being present in the area again.
GOVERNMENT / POLITICS
MIA in Sunday's Ledger: The BIG story on Charlotte DeFilippo, Union County Dem chairperson. Hope we can count on that one being posted online later...but you do want to look at the print edition anyway...most interesting thing, NO minority people pictured at the fabled table....
Council Business: As Bernice pointed out in her Plain Talker piece, the Council had a busy agenda this past week: confirming the Mayor's cabinet, adopting a new Council meetings schedule, providing for domestic partners' medical and pension benefits, new Council rules of order, and two youth-related measures -- one providing liaisons to boards and commission for community service credtits, the other to advise the Council on youth-related issues. A full plate indeed, and passed without much fuss, as Bernice also noted -- except for the new rules of order, which drew comment from long-time activists Joe and Dottie Gutenkauf and Sandy Gurshman.
Bernice also quotes resident Mike Robbins as speaking out sharply about the tendency to think that legislation is the answer to problems of crime and violence, after comments by resident Ruby Wyatt, who recently lost a nephew to gun violence, drew many speakers to the mike.
The Courier and Ledger, predictably, gave the lead to the domestic partners' benefits actions, with the Courier giving the action a thumbs up in its Saturday roundup editorial. Never a hint it would be a good thing -- on principle -- for other Courier communities to do...
My rant was that the Council, in confirming the cabinet without interviews, had sidestepped the established tradition of interviewing proposed cabinet members in exectuive session as part of their due diligence and obligation to minimize risk to the City of accepting unexamined candidates.
Administration: On Tuesday, Mayor Robinson-Briggs announced a reorganization of the Police Division. The story was picked up by both the Courier and the Ledger, with the Courier editorializing that the 'new' plan should be welcomed in its Thursday edition. As the plan gets a closer look from observers, it is sure to generate more comment.
The new Senior Center was also on people's minds this past week. As Bernice noted, the Administration was to present its proposal to the Seniors' Building Committee in a meeting Friday afternoon. I'm sure more will follow as news from that meeting seeps out. But one reader raised an interesting question to me: Since the Senior Center is funded by the taxpayers, aren't all meetings -- including those of its Building Committee -- subject to sunshine and OPRA requirements? Meaning that the meetings themselves must be open to the public, and that records of discussions and actions taken must be available -- in writing -- to those who request them. It's an interesting question.
On Saturday, a letter from Earl Canady appeared in the Courier, claiming there is 'no money' for a new Senior center. This is the 2nd letter in recent weeks from Mr. Canady. In this one, he is dead-out wrong: As I reported on February 11, the $4.3M is in the bank and the city's account number for the funds is # C-04-55-822-001-901. Inquiring at the Senior Center, I learned that Mr. Canady is not a member or a regular attendee. So..... what's up, Doc?
Schools: The big news as I saw it was the attempt by a slate of candidates -- the CLR team -- to sneak a fundraiser into the Washington Community School without paying rent or the obligatory liability insurance rider. A deal was eventually worked out where they would indeed pay rent for the space and pony up for insurance, but in my opinon 1) the affair doesn't pass the 'smell test' and 2) a City permit should have been required. I say that since it was an advertised event, open to the general public, with an admission price, held in a public building, a circumstance that would require approval from public safety officials: police and fire chiefs, and the public safety director.
On Friday, I had a conversation with City Clerk Laddie Wyatt, who said she had been informed by one of the organizers that since a permit was not required by the school district, a permit was not required from the City either. The Clerk said that that indeed is the arrangement. However, I am sure that it holds for school-sponsored events. Someone has to explain to me how the school district can sponsor a School Board candidate fundraiser. Without Jesuitical casuistry.
Sunday's papers noted per-pupil costs in Central Jersey and Union County schools. Plainfield's spending is noted as above the state average.
Last Friday's Plainfield Today: "H.I.T.S.: Candidate fundraiser: no permit.. Council pokes public in eye.. Chamber eyes biz growth.. PCTV-74...where are you?"
Last Monday's Plainfield Today: "TW3: March 13 - 19, 2006"
..... Jerry Green's 'police chief' bill... Executive raises at City Hall... Cabinet confirmations...Domestic partner benefits... Murder No. 2... more...
CONNECTIONS?
Stories that may bear lessons for Plainfield
..... - Abbott Schools: Ledger Editorial: "Better-off parents should pay for child care"
..... - Bond Refi: "Middlesex County refinances bonds for $680,000 savings over 20 years"
..... - Budget issues: "Auditors releases findings on E. Orange school budget irregularities"
..... - Commerce Bank: "Plan board OKs drive-in branch, despite condo owners objections"
..... - Development: "Gritty Hoboken neighborhood yields 1000 new homes, visions of more"
..... - Eminent Domain: "Long Branch homeowners dig in against threat of eminent domain"
..... - Guns 'n Gangs: "Anti-violence volunteers get results on the street"
..... - Historic Buildings: "Montclair man who razed a piece of history stirs strong opinions"
..... - Historic Districts: "NYC Council Poised to Intervene on Enclave's Landmark Status"
..... - Harassing Goverment Employees: "Angry builder sentenced to jail, probation and fines"
..... - Homeless Prevention: "County official Wheeler-Hicks gets 7 years for swiping aid"
..... - Eminent Domain: "Bloomfield, after legal battles, will postpone building condos"
..... - School Violence: "Montclair 7th-grader arrested in box-cutter incident at school"
..... - Police: "In a Shift, New York Says It Will Add 800 Officers"
..... - Police - Chief without tenure?: "Roseland renews chief's contract"
..... - PSE&G: "State's Expert says if plants are sold, PSEG deal works"
..... - Public Access Cable TV: "Union Twp. changes add to content, quality"
..... - Public Access Cable TV: "Video on Westfield school budget now on local channel"
..... - Public Records - Editorial, CN: "Proposals go too far in name of security"
..... - Public Safety: "Sheriff blasts SA chief for disparaging Newark's safety"
..... - Real Estate 'steering': "Firm Steered Home Buyers, Group Says"
..... - Records: "Judge bars as 'unreasonable' a fee for council minutes on floppy"
..... - Schools: "Los Angeles Mayor Sees Bloomberg School Reforms as Model"
..... - State budget impact - SL: "Local leaders expect property taxes to soar"
.......... - CN: "Local municipalities weigh budget constraints"
..... - Town Clock: "Readington dedicates town clock in front of library"
..... - Tax Revaluation: "North Plainfield tax revaluation to be discussed by GOP"
..... - Televised Council Meetings: Joan Whitlow: "Newark Council: Can the camera"
..... - 'Transit Villages' - CN: "Mayor unveils transit village dream"
............... - "Dunellen envisions downtown transit village"
..... - Videotaped Council meetings: "In West Caldwell, it's 'let's go to the videotape'"
..... - Young Black men: "Plight Deepens for Black Men, Studies Warn"
..... - Zoning Guidebook: "New Book Breaks the Code (That's the Zoning Code)"
COMMUNITY
Long-time community activist Phyllis Mason passed away early Saturday morning. I am told a memorial service is being planned. Will post obituary and details when announced.
Chamber of Commerce: "Business group to discuss growth"
Heritage Internet Cafe: "Family aids in realization of business dream"
Hollis Tribute: "Ex-councilwoman to be feted at Richmond Towers Saturday"
Library - Amateur Photo Contest: "Plainfield waiting for its postcard closeup"
..... - Library holds amateur photo contest to add to history-rich postcard collection
Women's Health Fair: "City offers free health screenings to women"
ET CETERA
Letter to Editor, CN: Sandy Spector: "Make a difference with Plainfield GOP"
Obituary: "Robert O. Cody, lifelong resident" - The young man who was gunned own last week on Liberty Street
CRIME
Murder again topped the news in Plainfield this past week, with Murder No. 3 taking place in broad daylight on Friday morning, March 24. Police and EMT units were summoned to Green Brook Park Drive about 10:30 a.m., where Michael Gregory, 41, of Dunellen was lying in the road. He was pronounced dead shortly after being medevaced to University Hospital. An unidentified woman was also shot. The Courier and Ledger both reported in full in Saturday's edition -- though the Ledger scored a scoop with the IDs of the suspects -- Jeremy Watson, 19, of Plainfield was charged with murder and Shariff Raymone, 25, of Roselle as his accomplice. The Courier chimed in with the arrests on Sunday. Police say the crime was drug-related and that the parties knew each other.
The murder occurred just hours after the Elm-West Tenants Association held a public meeting to discuss crime in the area, and to hear from school board candidates.
Union County Crimestoppers had announced earlier in the week a $5000 reward for information about the murder of Robert Cody on March 14, which was the second murder of 2006.
On Thursday, a Union County jury convicted Timyan Carbell, 25, and John Calhoun, 26, of the murder of Paul Lecaros, 17, who was riding home with his parents after closing their bar, La Bamba, on April 3, 2004. The pair will be sentenced May 19.
Lastly, Vonetta Sterling, 25, of 912-914 Putnam Avenue was arrested at her residence for drug possession. A DORA order (Drug Offender Restraining Order) was issued, barring her from being present in the area again.
GOVERNMENT / POLITICS
MIA in Sunday's Ledger: The BIG story on Charlotte DeFilippo, Union County Dem chairperson. Hope we can count on that one being posted online later...but you do want to look at the print edition anyway...most interesting thing, NO minority people pictured at the fabled table....
Council Business: As Bernice pointed out in her Plain Talker piece, the Council had a busy agenda this past week: confirming the Mayor's cabinet, adopting a new Council meetings schedule, providing for domestic partners' medical and pension benefits, new Council rules of order, and two youth-related measures -- one providing liaisons to boards and commission for community service credtits, the other to advise the Council on youth-related issues. A full plate indeed, and passed without much fuss, as Bernice also noted -- except for the new rules of order, which drew comment from long-time activists Joe and Dottie Gutenkauf and Sandy Gurshman.
Bernice also quotes resident Mike Robbins as speaking out sharply about the tendency to think that legislation is the answer to problems of crime and violence, after comments by resident Ruby Wyatt, who recently lost a nephew to gun violence, drew many speakers to the mike.
The Courier and Ledger, predictably, gave the lead to the domestic partners' benefits actions, with the Courier giving the action a thumbs up in its Saturday roundup editorial. Never a hint it would be a good thing -- on principle -- for other Courier communities to do...
My rant was that the Council, in confirming the cabinet without interviews, had sidestepped the established tradition of interviewing proposed cabinet members in exectuive session as part of their due diligence and obligation to minimize risk to the City of accepting unexamined candidates.
Administration: On Tuesday, Mayor Robinson-Briggs announced a reorganization of the Police Division. The story was picked up by both the Courier and the Ledger, with the Courier editorializing that the 'new' plan should be welcomed in its Thursday edition. As the plan gets a closer look from observers, it is sure to generate more comment.
The new Senior Center was also on people's minds this past week. As Bernice noted, the Administration was to present its proposal to the Seniors' Building Committee in a meeting Friday afternoon. I'm sure more will follow as news from that meeting seeps out. But one reader raised an interesting question to me: Since the Senior Center is funded by the taxpayers, aren't all meetings -- including those of its Building Committee -- subject to sunshine and OPRA requirements? Meaning that the meetings themselves must be open to the public, and that records of discussions and actions taken must be available -- in writing -- to those who request them. It's an interesting question.
On Saturday, a letter from Earl Canady appeared in the Courier, claiming there is 'no money' for a new Senior center. This is the 2nd letter in recent weeks from Mr. Canady. In this one, he is dead-out wrong: As I reported on February 11, the $4.3M is in the bank and the city's account number for the funds is # C-04-55-822-001-901. Inquiring at the Senior Center, I learned that Mr. Canady is not a member or a regular attendee. So..... what's up, Doc?
Schools: The big news as I saw it was the attempt by a slate of candidates -- the CLR team -- to sneak a fundraiser into the Washington Community School without paying rent or the obligatory liability insurance rider. A deal was eventually worked out where they would indeed pay rent for the space and pony up for insurance, but in my opinon 1) the affair doesn't pass the 'smell test' and 2) a City permit should have been required. I say that since it was an advertised event, open to the general public, with an admission price, held in a public building, a circumstance that would require approval from public safety officials: police and fire chiefs, and the public safety director.
On Friday, I had a conversation with City Clerk Laddie Wyatt, who said she had been informed by one of the organizers that since a permit was not required by the school district, a permit was not required from the City either. The Clerk said that that indeed is the arrangement. However, I am sure that it holds for school-sponsored events. Someone has to explain to me how the school district can sponsor a School Board candidate fundraiser. Without Jesuitical casuistry.
Sunday's papers noted per-pupil costs in Central Jersey and Union County schools. Plainfield's spending is noted as above the state average.
Last Friday's Plainfield Today: "H.I.T.S.: Candidate fundraiser: no permit.. Council pokes public in eye.. Chamber eyes biz growth.. PCTV-74...where are you?"
Last Monday's Plainfield Today: "TW3: March 13 - 19, 2006"
..... Jerry Green's 'police chief' bill... Executive raises at City Hall... Cabinet confirmations...Domestic partner benefits... Murder No. 2... more...
CONNECTIONS?
Stories that may bear lessons for Plainfield
..... - Abbott Schools: Ledger Editorial: "Better-off parents should pay for child care"
..... - Bond Refi: "Middlesex County refinances bonds for $680,000 savings over 20 years"
..... - Budget issues: "Auditors releases findings on E. Orange school budget irregularities"
..... - Commerce Bank: "Plan board OKs drive-in branch, despite condo owners objections"
..... - Development: "Gritty Hoboken neighborhood yields 1000 new homes, visions of more"
..... - Eminent Domain: "Long Branch homeowners dig in against threat of eminent domain"
..... - Guns 'n Gangs: "Anti-violence volunteers get results on the street"
..... - Historic Buildings: "Montclair man who razed a piece of history stirs strong opinions"
..... - Historic Districts: "NYC Council Poised to Intervene on Enclave's Landmark Status"
..... - Harassing Goverment Employees: "Angry builder sentenced to jail, probation and fines"
..... - Homeless Prevention: "County official Wheeler-Hicks gets 7 years for swiping aid"
..... - Eminent Domain: "Bloomfield, after legal battles, will postpone building condos"
..... - School Violence: "Montclair 7th-grader arrested in box-cutter incident at school"
..... - Police: "In a Shift, New York Says It Will Add 800 Officers"
..... - Police - Chief without tenure?: "Roseland renews chief's contract"
..... - PSE&G: "State's Expert says if plants are sold, PSEG deal works"
..... - Public Access Cable TV: "Union Twp. changes add to content, quality"
..... - Public Access Cable TV: "Video on Westfield school budget now on local channel"
..... - Public Records - Editorial, CN: "Proposals go too far in name of security"
..... - Public Safety: "Sheriff blasts SA chief for disparaging Newark's safety"
..... - Real Estate 'steering': "Firm Steered Home Buyers, Group Says"
..... - Records: "Judge bars as 'unreasonable' a fee for council minutes on floppy"
..... - Schools: "Los Angeles Mayor Sees Bloomberg School Reforms as Model"
..... - State budget impact - SL: "Local leaders expect property taxes to soar"
.......... - CN: "Local municipalities weigh budget constraints"
..... - Town Clock: "Readington dedicates town clock in front of library"
..... - Tax Revaluation: "North Plainfield tax revaluation to be discussed by GOP"
..... - Televised Council Meetings: Joan Whitlow: "Newark Council: Can the camera"
..... - 'Transit Villages' - CN: "Mayor unveils transit village dream"
............... - "Dunellen envisions downtown transit village"
..... - Videotaped Council meetings: "In West Caldwell, it's 'let's go to the videotape'"
..... - Young Black men: "Plight Deepens for Black Men, Studies Warn"
..... - Zoning Guidebook: "New Book Breaks the Code (That's the Zoning Code)"
COMMUNITY
Long-time community activist Phyllis Mason passed away early Saturday morning. I am told a memorial service is being planned. Will post obituary and details when announced.
Chamber of Commerce: "Business group to discuss growth"
Heritage Internet Cafe: "Family aids in realization of business dream"
Hollis Tribute: "Ex-councilwoman to be feted at Richmond Towers Saturday"
Library - Amateur Photo Contest: "Plainfield waiting for its postcard closeup"
..... - Library holds amateur photo contest to add to history-rich postcard collection
Women's Health Fair: "City offers free health screenings to women"
ET CETERA
Letter to Editor, CN: Sandy Spector: "Make a difference with Plainfield GOP"
Obituary: "Robert O. Cody, lifelong resident" - The young man who was gunned own last week on Liberty Street
-- Dan Damon
Keywords: TW3 
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