June 26, 2010
Source: www.mycentralnewjersey.com

Public should know response to shootings in Plainfield

Plainfield has some big problems on its hands with a spate of recent gang-related shootings. To her credit, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs last week publicly acknowledged just how serious this has become, turning what had been intended as a news conference to discuss municipal programs into a declaration of a state of emergency in the city.

While it wouldn't be hard to quibble with some of the specific ideas floated at the meeting and their potential value — or lack thereof — in curbing the violence, aggressive action and the willingness to so openly discuss the need for it was certainly welcome.

So why was board of education member Patricia Barksdale trying so hard to keep a lid on this entire discussion, urging Robinson-Briggs to oust the media from the session in which officials were addressing the shootings? The mayor, thankfully, rejected the idea, but that doesn't make Barksdale's attempt any less outrageous. The media represents the community, and it's the community that has so much — literally their lives — at stake here. City government has a responsibility not only to take action, but to inform the public about those actions.

In light of her attempts at secrecy, Barksdale should reassess her own public service. Perhaps it's time for her to step aside and make room for someone with a better understanding of a public official's responsibilities.

x A MISS for Barksdale even asking about excluding the media.

And a HIT for Robinson-Briggs for ignoring her.