I don’t have much time this morning to do last night’s Council meeting justice. That will have to be much later or, since the Zoning Board is meeting tonight, tomorrow.
For now, I just want to say that last night’s session – and these reports in the Times by Meir Rinde and the Trentonian by Joey Kulkin simply do not do it justice – demonstrated pretty definitively that this Council as a body is simply not up to the challenge of distinguishing the cosmetics of many important issues from their substance. They are not up to the challenge of standing up to the theatrics and pomposity of a mayor who arrogantly shows up at a Council meeting in mid-session and hijacks the proceedings with a rant that out-Palmered Doug Palmer. And, when pressured, they will disregard facts and cold analysis and just play to the crowd.
City Council last night ratified and validated the Administration’s abuse of the purchasing and contracting process, and granted business to a vendor, Lynx, in violation of its own and the State’s regulations. If either of the two unsuccessful bidders decides to litigate the results, the City will have a very weak position to defend, and will no doubt spend a lot of the City’s money to do so.
But it was Mayor Tony Mack whose appearance will leave a lasting impression on the public and on the course of government for at least the next several months. He has demonstrated that, on the important issues, he has at least four dependable votes for his proposals, if not five. As embattled as he is, Tony Mack has mastered his Council.
And one other unanticipated lesson from last night is that decisions from the State’s Department of Community Affairs on the city’s business will be used as fig leaves by members of Council to justify their votes. I highly doubt that this was the intention of the State when it created the Transitional Aid program. But that marker has been laid down. The State knows best, and if they approve of one of the Mayor’s recommendations, then we can shift the blame to them if that decision goes badly. Is that Leadership? I don’t think so.
Last night was really, really, really disappointing and dispiriting. Bleah!!
Disgusting…utterly and amazingly disgusting!
From our illustrious Mrs. Jackson in the East after being questioned.
I received eight emails in support of ADPC.
(She goes on to list 10 all of which are 1st name and last initial)
I received 25+ emails and phone calls from other city residents in support of Lynx.
(Again first name last initial.)
Yes, I initially rejected the resolution for Lynx due to lack of clarity and visibility into the RFP scoring process and winning bidder’s company profile. Joe Harris, Vice President of ADPC stated misleading and inaccurate information about Lynx’s capabilities of handling the city’s IT and information security systems at the council meeting. Fearing that the systems could crash and the city would come to a complete stoppage, I initially believed him, thus, I voted against the resolution.
After David Elock, and Aric Perminter of Lynx Technologies Partners, gave their informative presentation, I conducted my own investigative research, and listened to community input, I am confident that Lynx is capable of managing the City of Trenton’s IT and Information Security Systems. Lynx not only know technology, they know how to apply technology to our issues, especial our financial circumstances.
Last night, I voted YES, in favor of Lynx Technologies Partners. According the rules and regulations of the NJ Local Agency Procurement Laws; Lynx is the lowest responsible bidder. It is illegal and unethical to change the rules of bidding practices to accommodate ADPC. Lynx Technologies Partners are ready, willing and able to handle the City of Trenton’s IT and Information Security Systems.
Jeff and Lori, It is important that I continue to work on property tax issues for you and all property tax payers. Last night the Mayor talked about narrowing the budget gap. The strategy formulated with Administration was based upon the calculated $12 million budget gap and the following conditions:
Obtaining the SAFER grant, which would generate approximately $3 million for the City during the fiscal year;
The State agreeing to defer the $1.5 million owed by the City to the State; and
The State agreeing to give the City a tax levy cap waiver of $3.5 million.
If these assumptions we/are accurate, the City would need $4 million in concessions from the unions to totally bridge the calculated gap. The discussions with union to create the necessary savings have included the following: wages and increment freezes; early implementation of the statutory 1.5% contribution towards health insurance coverage; overtime payment at straight times; and the furloughs (where applicable and statutorily permissible). I will keep you apprised of my progress. If you have any future concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me.
Aside from the horrendous grammatical and spelling errors, she also has a problem with real facts!
yea Kevin, I sat staring at the blinking cursor on my blog last night for five hours. I did not get to bed until 4am. The newspaper articles and our two blogs combined can not describe what it was like to be there and witness such a shamful display which transpired within a foot of a New Jersey Assemblyman; Wayne De’Angelo.
Wayne was there in the interest of keeping jobs on a proposed contract local, councilman Chester went on for several minutes about how important it is to keep jobs local, then voted yes to send four Mercer county residents to the unemployment line.
Before Mack walked into chambers Chester had quite a bit of aunthority in his voice, after Mack walked in Chester could hardly be heard even with help from his microphone.
I am soooooo glad I got it all on tape!