Transition Process.

Sorry for the brief absence. Toronto. I am in the process of converting both my blog and website. Until then I should be posting on the blog everyday. Look for the process to be completed by June 26th. I should have something worth logging in for by Thursday.

See ya soon.

--Tony--

It's not over.

There are many things I learned during this campaign. More than anything is that the people of this city are passionate about turning this city around. They don't want to leave. They don't want to move. Look for big things to come from the many talented people that want to make a difference in the town we all love.

To this end I will be continuing with my blog and will adjust my website to reflect the efforts of this group of progressive minded individuals. Want to give your take on the future. Stay tuned for your opportunity.

See you soon.

--Tony--

Shoe Leather Campaign.

Shoe leather tour.

It's been a long hard road and the campaign is over. I would like to congratulate Cory Storch on his victory. Campaigns are tough and I'm sure his team worked hard to win. I met Cory's son at a polling station and he was really very nice. Victory is sweet so I am happy for Cory and his family.

Now, to my team. Wow. Unbelievable! You guys and gals were incredible. I had some of the most motivated young people this town has to offer. It made me feel a little funny when they called me Mr. Rucker but it was just another thing that made me proud. They worked hard and were given so many compliments about how they presented themselves. Young people are on the rise in Plainfield and we all need to play a part in their success. Plainfield residents I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my ideas with you. More significantly to listen and understand the things you are concerned with. I learned this one door knock at a time. I just want all that I met to know that I listened to their concerns and will champion those concerns no matter the outcome of this election. I love doing that kind of stuff.

Some people have asked me about running in the future. Maybe. One thing is certain, I will continue to fight for the ideas and ideals that the campaign was based on. I will continue to fight to focus on the needs of our young people. I will continue to be an advocate for using technology to improve municipal efficiency. Keeping taxes in check is mandatory. If not, we will continue to lose more long time residents to other cities with lower taxes and better services. This issue really impacts our seniors and upwardly mobile households. More than anything we need an economic development strategy that lifts all boats. Until we address some of the underlying socioeconomic conditions in our community our city can never be what it should be. A place where all have a real opportunity for success.

My dream for Plainfield is one with a downtown education/technology center that would be a hub of economic activity for years to come. This is something that can truly transform Plainfield. One thing we know based on places like Fordham University in the Bronx and Temple in Philly is that people from all demographics travel into urban areas for education. Plainfield is perfectly positioned to take advantage of being surrounded by 7 different municipalities. With Kean University and Rutgers being the closest Universities Plainfield is a sensible location for this kind of platform. Having a large group of professionals along with college students downtown close to the train station can turn our downtown from what it is into a place with lots of energy and excitement. This could be a real magnet for business and investment. I think UCC can also be an important player. We can do this Plainfield! Let's make Plainfield a center of innovation, ideas and education. See you at the next council meeting.

--Tony--

What a privilege!

To vote. To have the right to vote. To be a part of this thing called democracy. What a privilege. I'm honored to have met the many people along the way. I would like to thank my opponent Cory Storch for his kind words during the debate. I also would be remiss not to thank the countless volunteers especially Plainfield's young people for going door to door all across our community. I am so proud of how they represented the campaign and more importantly themselves. Last but not least you the people for sharing your ideas about Plainfield's future with me. It has been an honor. Thanks to all who pledged their support and offered their prayers. I hope to show how I appreciate your vote with hard work and always doing the right thing no matter how difficult it may be.

But there is still work to do and I am not done yet. So for all those I haven't met as of yet, I hope I still get that chance. Tell your friends, family and neighbors to vote. I would prefer that it be for me but make sure they make their voices heard and give their take on Plainfield's future. My staff will be available all day for all who need a ride to the polls.

A special thanks to John, Melvin, and last but not least my better half Delya without her I wouldn't have been able to do this. Thanks guys.

Talk to everyone around 9:30 tonight! Let's go VOTE Plainfield!

New Expectations! Better Results!

Raising the bar is something we do as a society when we know we can do better. It requires greater focus and a collective consciousness. Just what do we expect out of Plainfield? What are we capable of achieving? I believe great things. Many great things. When will we go from a city of potential to a city of realized dreams? Conditions will never be optimal and the timing never be quite right. We just have to decide that... good enough isn't getting us there quick enough! We want what everybody else seems to have already. An economy where our professionals can find work close to home. Recreational facilities where our children can play. A cinema where we can go see an evening show. Effective government.

Dreams are a beautiful thing. Sometimes that's all some of us had at one time. But our city is full of hard working folks that are more than capable of turning that collective 'dream' into reality. We can and must look beyond our present circumstances and fulfill what some say is an impossible dream. How many times have we been told, "we have to be realistic". But they never would say that in towns like Scotch Plains and Westfield. One thing I have found as I have walked every corner of our community is... you wouldn't believe the level of talent that exists in our beloved city. Behind every door I knocked on was a story of inspiration on how the impossible became reality.

Whether it be my plan for a education/technology center smack in the middle of downtown Plainfield; to whatever blueprints you have for the city, together we can make it happen. My campaign gave me the privilege to listen to some ideas that had been bottled up in people for years. Have we made progress as a city? Absolutely. But it's time to take it to another level. It's time to have a real sense of urgency and excitement about our collective future as a city.

You can't effectively represent people unless you know what their vision for the future is. You hear it while chatting with them on their porches or in their living rooms. You've got to get off your couch go out there and shut your mouth and listen. I feel so honored by having the opportunity to meet and listen to the people that give this city the capacity for greatness. A city where there is a real sense of community and a desire to do better. We can do better and we must. It's a time for a change, bold leadership and new ideas. Why not us? Why not now? "The Queen City", a city where dreams will always be a beautiful thing.

--Tony Rucker--

The most important part of the process is you.

Ever since my very first blog I have tried to be as concise as possible when it came to my positions concerning solutions for Plainfield. No waffling. No ambiguity. I wasn't perfect but I did my best to clearly put forward my ideas and represent my team with honor and integrity. If I have gained your confidence to represent the community of the 2nd ward I urge you to vote and to call all your neighbors, family and friends to vote Rucker for a brighter future for Plainfield. I would be more than willing to chat or visit with them and explain how I want to move our community forward. You can reach me at 908-472-9421. I would like to come and listen to their ideas and concerns.

Have a good one and thanks for your continued support. If you would like a yard sign, call to show your support for positive change in Plainfield.

Thank you

--Tony--

Star Ledger's Take on Plainfield's debate.

We had a great turnout for Wednesday's debate. Plainfield, moving in the right direction! For all those who couldn't attend click on the title of this post to go to Friday's Star Ledger article which describes and contrasts each candidate's vision for Plainfield's future.

Thanks for all the kind words.

Thanks to all that called, stopped by the house or e-mailed me about Wednesday's debate. I really appreciate the encouragement. Feel free to do the same in the future.

Tony