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--