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Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Ottman, Reid good news

The return of Gary Ottman to the Plainfield schools as business administrator and board secretary is nothing but good news.

With both the district and city hall (where the Chief Financial Officer serves, by law, as the treasurer of the school district) in turmoil, a steady, practiced hand will certainly be most welcome. The Board of Ed should certainly appreciate Ottman's knowledge and skills at negotiating the intricacies of dealing with the state, managing the business side of the operations, and years of experience at understanding the local players and their favorite plays. Consider the Board a winner on this one!

Having Mr. Reid on the Council can only tidy up a somewhat lackadaisical approach to Council matters, as Reid has a reputation as a stickler for competence and diligence. A case in point is the 'koshering' of Reid himself, where the Council felt the need to memorialize his appointment to Council -- which they did without a resolution or roll call vote -- by a non-consent resolution at Monday's special meeting (meaning they rendered a roll call vote, which is what should have happened in the first place).

The Administration should take note of Reid's reputation in this area. Repeated walk-on items and vague responses to Council queries may elicit reactions that might make them think the late Ray Blanco is being channeled.

Though some people fear Assemblyman Green's designation of Reid as Rayland Van Blake's replacement will consolidate Green's sway over the Council even further, my bet is that Mr. Reid will play with the team when it doesn't seem to harm the interests of Plainfield residents and taxpayers greatly -- but will be his own man if any shenanigans are proposed.

It's nice to have reasons for hope in the Christmas season, in which hope and expectation for a better future are traditional themes of those who honor the holiday.


-- Dan Damon

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