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

PToday. A Cold and Timid Soul.

Hello Plainfield. I'll need a few minutes to address the ignorance and arrogance of the "Minister of Information" -- the famous Dan Damon. You are a talented writer indeed but instead of using that tool to bring people together you spend most of your time trying to tear people down.

- To the Man in the Arena-

It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly...who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

--Teddy Roosevelt--

Dan, I really don't what happened in your life for you to become such a pathetic soul. When we met yesterday at the debate you looked real uncomfortable being in such close proximity to someone whose character you had unjustifiably attacked. I will not have my integrity and intelligence questioned by a disgruntled frustrated old man whose biggest contribution to our community is critcizing others. Your recent post not only tries to demean me it also belittles the contributions and comments of Deborah Dowe at the debate. During the debate she exemplified nothing but class and intelligence in my opinion. There are other candidates other than Mr. Storch to be considered here. If you think his record and performance in our community warrants his reelection, vote for him.

The residents of the 2nd ward are entitled to be given a fair representation of all the candidates views. They are tired of yellow journalism. They want results and that's why we have elections to change course and get somebody new into office when they are not satisfied. What are you afraid of? I think all that attended can attest to the fact that all candidates, including your pick Mr. Storch, were insightful and presented themselves well. But to you Tony Rucker was just a babbling idiot and Deborah Dowe was just good for a joke and occasional laugh. Cory could have said he was for building a landfill downtown and he still would have been your pick. So let's cut through the B.S. and ask why is that? Cory is going to have to earn this seat just like the rest of us, based upon his vision and his record. I know he has to be embarrassed by your piece. I hope he publicly comes out and distances himself from your rhetoric. Matter of fact I think that's a good idea, Cory when you read this post issue a statement on your blog condemning this lowering of the bar when it comes to public dialogue. Dan you're one of the reasons people get turned off by the process.

Let's revisit yesterday Dan. After the debate we were talking and I called Cory over to make he knew exactly where I stood on this accusation over his signs disappearing. So all three of us are standing there in a mini-huddle outside the conference room. I turn to you Dan and look you dead in your face then glance toward Cory with my hand on his shoulder and stated man to man I would never dishonor myself by pulling or having someone else pull signs out of someones yard. When Cory turned to you all I heard out of your mouth was a bunch of stammering.

Now let's take a look at your May 31st posting.

First on the Park Hotel. Yes this is Cory's field. Prior to this being an election issue Cory hasn't brought forward any solutions concerning this facility. He said he has been there many times. What suggestion has he ever brought forward for public debate? It doesn't take an expert to suggest something be done about mentally challenged people having to sit on 95 degree pavement in a parking lot. And anyone who has driven by there can see that.

Let's talk about why Cory is a no-brainer pick for council because of his experience on the planning board. Cory is in the very unique position of getting 2 bites at the apple. 1st when he votes as the council's sitting member on the planning board. 2nd when he votes as part of the governing body on the council. With all these development proposals has he once insisted that things like impact fees are part of any deal to ensure that the taxpayers of Plainfield don't get left holding the bag. Or that developers should be required to hire a percentage of Plainfield residents if they are qualified to work on the project. Did you mention that he voted yes to override zoning laws on the books to allow for a variance to place high density housing projects near some of our most treasured neighborhoods?

You were impressed by his insistence that the complete rail corridor needs to be developed. For your information our rail corridor is one of the last bastions of commercially zoned areas in this city. Once we loose it to residential development its gone forever. But the associated costs of that residential housing will be with us until the end of time. Do you know an additional 250 school-aged children costs this city 3.25 Million dollars? Which one of you two are going to pay for that? Siding with developers whose only care is to turn a profit is not what I see as good governance. Slapping the 'in need of development' designation may not be a big deal for you Dan, but for businesses they know that is just another step closer to the words eminent domain.

In your post, when I say something "I'm pitching an idea." When Cory says something he brings a wealth of experience to the table. On my idea of having a technology center downtown excuse me for not bringing the signed agreement with me to the debate last night. I'm currently not the councilperson. I think its a great idea. I've actually worked to create facilities like this while I was a Investment Advisor with Merrill Lynch. This project is something Cory should be a champion for, especially with his 6 years of experience on the school board. So let me get this straight you want me to negotiate with these "possible players" as a private citizen. Wow. What resolutions has Cory sponsored to advance the lives of the children our community during his tenure?

And yes Dan I do understand the budget process thank you. Do you know that the current way our departments determine how much money they have spent is to compare year over year numbers? Do you know that the city has no way of producing real-time line item expenditure costs on a ongoing basis? Because of this it make monitoring fiscal year spending almost impossible.

When it comes to 'outsiders' I made it perfectly clear at the debate that I thought it was a conflict of interest to have Jennifer Wenson-Maier at the position of Director of Economic Development for Plainfield considering he role as President of the Rahway City Council. Nothing personal against her. If you or Mr. Storch think that is a good idea for Plainfield you have the right to that opinion.

Dan, as far Plainfield's historical position of RCA's (the program where Plainfield received a one time allotment for accepting a affordable housing unit from another city)I advise you to know you facts before you run your mouth. As a matter of fact the Assembly just revisited that legislation earlier this year and for the record I will never waste another second responding to you again.

Plainfield. I'm interested in moving our city forward. I know how to get things done and I'm not afraid to speak the truth and confront the obstacles of stupidity, arrogance and ignorance no matter where it comes from. As your councilman you will know where I stand on the issues. As councilman of the 2nd ward you will see me on a regular basis holding town hall meetings to ensure that your concerns are known and understood. If I think something is bad for our city I'll respectfully vote no. That's every councilpersons responsibility. We have a Latin saying in the Marine Corps called "Sempre Fidelis" always faithful. If I am given the privilege to serve as you Councilman whether you live in the Crescent Historic District or Sleepy Hollow I will never forget my first obligation is to represent the concerns and interests of the residents of the 2nd ward. There are many things that are beyond my control but when it comes to effective leadership, I know I can deliver on that.

--Tony Rucker--

Solutions to our Code enforcement dilema.

Plainfield's housing stock is one of its greatest assets. Code enforcement and the Inspection division although talked about in the same conversation really have two distinct roles. The inspection process is part of selling and buying a home. Most homeowners are required to get an inspection by their financier. Code Enforcement relates more to existing home owners or rental units, apart from the transaction process.

So when it came to improving Plainfield's system I thought it was a good idea to speak with a municipality with a platform that is both efficient and effective. So I made it a point to have a conversation with the Chief inspector of New Brunswick, NJ. I chose New Brunswick because it has suburban and urban parts that make up their town just like Plainfield. In addition, I spoke with many of Plainfield's own inspectors to get their input on the matter. They all agreed that Plainfield needs to change the current code on the books and reduce the multitude of items the seller is required to complete before the certificate of compliance can be issued. The code should require that the subject property is safe to live in and is structurally sound. This would speed up the transaction process and free up our inspectors to go after the real violators of code enforcement. As your councilman, I would push for an ordinance to change the current code on the books, effectively limiting the scope and responsibilities of the inspectors. This solution is good for investors as well as home buyers and sellers.

Last night I stated my support for increasing the numbers of code enforcement inspectors. My opponent thinks we don't need more inspectors. I disagree. I stand behind my position and here's why. When it comes to code enforcement the department is woefully understaffed. When it comes to things like stacking, overcrowding and unauthorized building and maintenance we need more resources to enforce the rules that protect the integrity of our community. We have had multiple fires because of these unchecked violations. Imagine if you live on a quiet street in the Sleepy Hollow area. Your neighbor moves and rents their old house to a very nice family. At first all is well. Then violations begin to mount. Excessive trash makes it obvious that too many people are now occupying that dwelling. Who do you call for this kind of problem? The code enforcement division, but due to their lack of manpower they can't stay on top of things like this and believe me this is occurring all across the city. Cable wires running out of windows supplying Comcast to the multiple dwellings that have been created in one single family home. Sometimes I ask myself does anyone else notice this or is it just me?

Guess what happens when we don't have the necessary manpower to enforce our own rules, homeowners get to a point where they can't take it anymore and move. This causes a ripple effect throughout that neighborhood because the property value of the remaining homeowner is now reduced. Now the remaining homeowners either deal with the new eyesore or pack up and leave themselves. Property taxes in some areas of our community are between 10-20k. Even if your not a homeowner code enforcement rules are there to protect the quality of life for those who rent as well. But homeowners are not going to live next to an eyesore paying those kind of taxes. If you think it can't happen in your neighborhood think again. Many of our seniors who can no longer afford to continue to pay our higher than ever taxes are moving and using their old homes for rental income.

In closing, properly staffed divisions is key to unit effectiveness. We need to change the mission of these divisions and redirect them away from homeowners with minor violations and focus on overt violators of the law. We need to incorporate technology to make these divisions both more effective and efficient which was a part of my campaign platform from day one. I think these changes will allow our municipal employees to satisfy the true mission of both the Code and Inspections divisions for the City of Plainfield.

Plainfield. Let's dare to be great!

I would like to thank all who came out and attended the community forum sponsored by the Crescent Avenue Association. I appreciate the time of all who made the event happen. I hope for this to be the start of many more opportunities to get people involved in the process.

Unfortunately I left my camcorder on the night before so to all I promised a youtube of the event I'm sorry, the battery was dead. But I will make your comments and concerns available via youtube very soon. The event was a success in my eyes. I stayed focused on improving our community's economy through investment and education. Bringing all of our residents into the process via proactive leadership was a theme of mine.

During the forum I introduced the idea of establishing an education/technology center in downtown Plainfield. It could be a consortium between Rutgers and other Universities willing to establish a remote site in Plainfield center. It could provide the first new high paying jobs this community has seen in a long time. Surrounded by 7 other cities it would bring dollars back into our economy. It would make Plainfield more competitive especially for those professionals that would like to teach in their community and spend more time closer to home. I think it would do alot to strengthen our community especially for families where stay-at-home Moms could become adjunct professors and still remain close to their children. It would allow our advanced high school students to take college level courses without needing a car. Keeping all the money they spend throughout the day within our community. As part of the concept we would include a business incubator that could be embraced by those who are not interested in higher education.

My vision also includes the use of MEP's Moblie Education Platforms. To bring education vans or platforms into the communities that need them most. It would increase parental involvement and could also be used for things like workshops that are so badly needed in some of our most economically challenged areas. This is an cost effective way of advancing education for our children. Excellence is something we must demand and expect. Education is a great place to start.

Yes, this could be Plainfield. a center of technology and education. Let's dare to be great.


--Tony Rucker--

The following is a link I provided in an earlier post. New concepts in urban development. I think there are a few things we can learn ,yes, even from the Europeans. The event attended by leading economist and social theorist was held at the Hague, The Netherlands in October of 2006 http://www.reurba.org/reports9/film-experts.html

Sorry PToday. I'm Staying on message.

Dan, the residents of Plainfield want problems solved and potholes fixed. They want their leaves taken away and their streets litter free. They want a stronger local economy and effective leadership. But I guess your last post is part of the sizzle that campaign season is made up of.

I fugured that some of my policy positions would be challenged but no its the old ad hominem attack. First why you would try to impinge on my character I have no idea but for the record I have not removed any signs from anyplace. Nor have I instructed my followers to remove any Storch signs. Frankly I doubt Mr. Storch or the people that live in our neighborhood would think I would be capable of such dirty tactics.

For starters you sent me an e-mail stating that Cory Storch indicated his signs were being removed from homeowners yards. Maybe you should have e-mailed those homeowners first.

Tony -- I've been told that Cory signs are being taken down -- including one on the lawn of his longtime treasurer. This is a perennial problem, but I can assure you Cory is not taking any of your signs down. I hope you will check this out with your supporters and put the kibosh on it if any of them are getting carried away. Above-board campaigns don't need this kind of tactic.

Best, Dan

I read your e-mail and immediately called you about this allegation. I left a message asking you to call me back. That was Friday. As of today, which is Wednesday I haven't heard from you. No phone call. No e-mail. I guess no interest in hearing what I have to say on the matter.

Do you know that I was one of the first residents to sign Mr. Storch's petition required for candidacy? I believe in the integrity of the process, so taking down signs... that wouldn't be I.

As far as the Harvest Radio show... I hope all the candidates get a chance to make their views known including Mr. Storch. I think the show would help Plainfield pick the better candidate. Anyway no feelings hurt here, so if you have any questions call me at 908-472-9421.

Now to all Plainfield residents, I encourage you to take few minutes to review the previous posts of each candidates blogs or the various issues that concern our community. Mr. Storch is the incumbent so his record and the impact his tenure has had on the conditions in our community should also be considered. Solutions are the key. Anyone can restate the obvious. At the end of the day its about results and effective leadership. That's what people remember.

Look forward to seeing you this evening. I hope to prove I am worthy of your confidence and ultimately your vote.


Find out more at http://www.tonyrucker.com/

Community Forum Tonight! May 30th

Wednesday. May 30. 7 PM. Ward 2 Council Candidate Forum: Rucker & Storch. Sponsor: Crescent Area Neighborhood Association. At the Plainfield Public Library, 8th Street and Park Avenue. All are invited.

I encourage all to attend. Be sure to tell your friends and neighbors. Come early and submit your questions and concerns about our city. I hope all your questions are answered. If not I will be available to be sure they get answered. I hope to show I have the character, experience and passion to change Plainfield for the better. Strong leadership in the 2nd ward can make a difference.

If you would like to give your opinion or find out more on where I stand on any issue give me a call at 908-472-9421.

Find out more at http://www.tonyrucker.com/

A response to all your comments.

I will be responding to all comments left on my blogsite. Whether they be anonymous or not you deserve to be heard. Look for that after tomorrows debate. If you don't see your comment after a day or so you can always call and remind me to post it. That's with Caller ID blocked of course!

You can reach me at 908-472-9421.

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

The Best and Brightest we have to offer.

This country is at war in Iraq. With each day another life filled with the hopes of the previous generation is cut short. Yesterday morning I attended the Memorial Day Event held at the corner of Watchung & 7th Street in Plainfield. I watched grizzled-old veterans who defended our country pay tribute to those who had made the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial Day to some means the start of the Summer. For others a long 3-day weekend. But when you think that many of the young men and women that have died (and are dying) serving our country were some of the best and brightest America had to offer it should give the holiday real meaning to all of us.

Imagine your son or daughter filled with life's possibilities having that light dimmed forever. Many experts say that the situation in Iraq is at a crisis point. Many including the President call the situation unacceptable. As a former U.S Marine I appreciate and respect the sacrifice of those brave souls, many just barely out of high school.

But Plainfield has a crisis of its own when it comes to its children and young adults and it is just as unacceptable. Too many of our best and brightest can't see success in their future. Too many are growing up without a strong desire to learn. To many have a perception of a future that is fatalistic. This is a crisis. Our crisis. Who crys out for our children? Many have made it their life's work to educate and mold these children into success stories. But we must do more. This community must make improving the lives and opportunities for our children a top priority.

To this end I a proponent of a multi-generational strategy which leverages the talent and experience of our seniors and retired professionals. By creating a platform where mentoring and internships become a regular component of our children's educational experience. Giving children an upclose look at real world professional applications. This connection between children and their elders has been lost almost entirely. It would bring our community back to a place it used to be. When the elders knew the names of the children in their community and had the relationship to make a difference.

My desire as councilman of the 2nd ward would to be to work with others professionals especially the Board of Education to implement new strategies that make programs like this available to our young people. We as a community must appreciate the gravity of the situation for our children and young adults. They look to us for leadership. They look to us for answers to problems they can't solve. Understand this, everything from our property value to our local economy is affected by the the quality of the educational opportunities made available to our young people.

This is our crisis Plainfield. We must succeed. Failure is not an option. Many of us were blessed with the opportunity of a good education supported by caring adults. Let's make it our mission to make sure the children of this community get that same chance.

--Tony Rucker--

Its feeding time. Again.

Both of my parents are from South Carolina. So when I was little I used to visit my uncle's farm filled with every animal you could imagine. He had lots of hogs and he would often call for them to get in the barn in the evening. But they would ignore him. He would eventually pick up a stick and start beating on their feeding trough. They appeared with a quickness jamming their snouts deep into the cornmeal. Once they had their fill, they were gone.

Sometimes that's how I feel some politicians are. Its only when the campaign season hits our concerns as a community seem to get through. But prior to that you can come and complain and complain about the same thing all to no avail. Resident after resident at council meetings saying this proposal as it is stated is not good for our community, all to no avail. Councilor Votes yes yes yes yes yes. But when a election roles around the soundness and validity of citizen positions are championed. All of a sudden the incumbent candidate becomes outspoken and begins offering solutions and proposals all of which nobody has ever heard proposed before. It's embarrassing. It's a charade and it's not strong leadership. We need consensus builders not consensus seekers on city council. We deserve better. It's time for change.

What is the purpose of Development? What's missing?

A person that I have a great deal of respect for stopped me this morning and asked why am I so hard on development. Which made me think if I had adequately explained my position on the matter. So I pose these questions...Why do towns and cities encourage development? Just what are we trying to accomplish in Plainfield? It appears the strategy is to get enough people within the downtown area to increase demand for businesses. Sounds reasonable enough. Let's dig a little deeper though. Let me ask you, that's right you, when is the last time you've been downtown? I asked someone that this morning and they laughed and said "not recently."

Just what do we want downtown to look like? Who will be the benefactors of this development? Is this driving development?

Will the average citizen of Plainfield see an increase in their standard of living after these projects materialize? I say again who will benefit? Why is it that you can drive around any of the surrounding cities without seeing any obvious areas dilapidation? But in Plainfield you can find it no problem. Let's be real. There are areas in this city that have been underdeveloped for many years. I assure you that this development frenzy will not be focusing on these peoples needs. We have seen these big plans dissapoint before. Let's talk about the Teppers or Park-Madison projects. This version of urban revitalization just doesn't work and will result in our city continuing to have concentrated areas of both poverty and wealth. Is that really the kind of city we want to live in?

When is the last time you and your family took a stroll downtown. Shopped downtown as a family? That's what I thought. Why is this the case? That indeed is the question. Until those issues are addressed it is unlikely that your family stroll through town center will occur any time soon. You see it is not a developers role to worry about socioeconomic prosperity for a community. That is the local government's responsibility and fundamentally its real purpose. As your councilman I know I can provide leadership in this area. I want to invest in the people of this community so they can add to the beauty of this city. In their dreams of owning a house, opening a business or opening a cultural center. There is a certain pride in ownership.

If the current development proposed included reopening our movie theater it would make me happy. If it included the establishment a major eatery it would make me clap. If it included a technical or cultural center it would make proud. That's what missing in all this development, something I hope someone else feels is missing. A soul. A purpose. Something that inspires. The soul of this city is hurting. People want to believe again. They want to feel good about the city that they love, that right now is not giving them any love back. Real economic development will give hope to the hopeless and make us proud.

Whether you're a bleeding-heart liberal or a die-hard conservative investing in the people of our community is simply sound economic strategy. It would improve overall per capita income, quality of life and improve the business environment throughout the city. Isn't this the real purpose of development? Isn't this want we want? So I say to development, YES! Absolutely!! But if we are serious about changing our city, development must include all the people of the community. If it did, that downtown family stroll could be happening sooner than you think. That's my dream for Plainfield. Always putting the priorities of the people before the priorities of the party. I just wonder sometimes if Mr. Storch has lost his way on this. I wonder.

Public Libraries. Never stop growing.

Tonight I will be a featured panelist of the Nubian Union at Plainfield Public Library. Come out as we discuss the issues within our community surrounded the powerful works of Helen M. Stummer. Hope to see you there. Program starts at 6:30PM.

"It is not sufficient to see and to know the beauty of a work. We must feel and be affected by it."

-Voltaire-

Upcoming Events to hear where I stand on the issues.

The following is a list of scheduled appearances that I will be making in the upcoming weeks prior to the election. If I've never had the chance to meet you please come out and give me your take on issues within your neighborhood and the City as a whole. I want to bring a new energy to our community that produces actual results instead of "future promises." Please come out or listen-in to learn more about the new heights and direction I want to see for Plainfield and the 2nd Ward.

Wednesday. May 23. 8 PM. City Council Business Meeting. City Council Chambers/Courthouse. Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street. Make you voice heard at tonights City Council Meeting.

Thursday. May 24. 6:30 - 8:30 PM. I will be a featured Panelist at the Nubian Union Meeting Sponsored by McDonald's. Plainfield Public Library. 8th Street at Park Avenue. FREE.


Wednesday. May 30. 7PM. Ward 2 Council Candidate Forum: Rucker & Storch. Sponsor: Crescent Area Neighborhood Ass'n. At the Plainfield Public Library, 8th Street and Park Avenue. All invited, regardless of party affiliation or registration status.

Monday. June 4. 1:30-2:30PM. The day before the June 5th election I am an invited guest speaking and broadcasting live on Harvest Radio 1070AM. Please tune in!!

Questions? Please reach me at 908-472-9421.

Thank you for your time and support.

--Tony Rucker--

Downtown Strategy and what is possible.

Challenges and solutions. We can do this Plainfield!

Fact #1-
Plainfield is a beautiful town filled with many beautiful homes--for sale. There are more than 350 houses for sale for under 350K. 350K is also the projected price of units in the so called "Transit Village" strategy. This strategy would cause existing housing prices to fall and keep houses on the market even longer than they already are. We don't need more capacity. We all know that unsold houses eventually become overcrowded rentals. Overcrowded rentals eventually become overcrowded problems.

Solution-- Real economic development will require investment capital coming back into the city. Creating a platform for a major employer is the first step. I don't agree with the idea of tax abatements in most cases but there are exceptions to every rule. The exception would be if a company similar to Lucent or AT&T wanted to set up shop in Plainfield. The abatement would only be for a short span and the economic impact would send ripples through our local economy and housing market for years to come... A major employer would reduce the inventory of homes for sale and increase overall economic activity and reduce taxes on residential property tax owners. First steps investing real Code Enforcement and Technology infrastructure.

Fact #2
The idea that we need to bring in people from outside our community to save downtown Plainfield ignores the current residents in surrounding neighborhoods. The reason why downtown Plainfield has underperformed for many years is because of one simple reason. People who live in the surrounding suburbs for the most part do their shopping elsewhere. Its that simple and its a fact. The reason why so many don't shop downtown is not so simple. Addressing those underlying issues takes political guts and willingness to take criticism. Leaders don't seek consensus they build it.

Solution-- We need to concentrate investment in a specific area to establish area where the best of dining, entertainment and professional businesses can cluster. Mobile vendors that can concentrate in that area with more allowed for special events. It will allow for new products and services to be offered without the typical barriers to entry most businesses face. The key here is new people downtown. Eventually these vendors can go the way of brick and mortar further expanding the cluster.

Fact #3
With a projected job growth rate of a meager 1.4%, Plainfield's local economy isn't creating enough new jobs. Its why on any given day downtown you see too many young adults with seemingly too much time on their hands. This demographic is a key to our local economy because they tend to spend most of their disposable income in the community they live in unlike more affluent adults.

Solution--A downtown community/commercial center can be a hub of economic development. This can act as a place for larger town events we currently don't have the venue for. The technical element can be a cornerstone of continuing education and incubator for small business and entrepreneurs. All done with a visible police force to establish and maintain the business climate.

This is true economic growth. A corporate base, dining and entertainment, a community and technical center. These all add to the quality of life to the community as a whole. If this critical mass existed you wouldn't need to build a transit village you would be creating one with people who already love the city.


-Tony Rucker-