Pre-Primary Bad Vibes
What does it mean when even that paragon of positivism, Dr. Steve Gallon III, finds "political prisons" and "nefarious nests of nothingness" hindering Plainfield's progress? Is he channeling his inner William Safire ("nattering nabobs of negativism") or has he put his finger on what a prominent local religious leader once called the "plantation politics" that keep the Queen City stagnant?
Click here to read Dr. Gallon's May letter to the community. Fortunately, Dr. Gallon sees the school district moving forward despite the political pitfalls. But several people have commented on the perceptible malaise that seems to accompany election season. Name-calling, extreme mischaracterizations and flat-out insults cloud the air when we should all be enjoying the beauty of spring.
A month from now, the voters will speak. Meanwhile, take a cue from Dr. Gallon. Stay above the fray. Do what you can to improve Plainfield. Plant a garden. Take a walk in Cedar Brook Park. Volunteer for a good cause.
And, I might add, if you firmly believe a candidate will serve Plainfield well, contribute time and/or money to that person's campaign.
--Bernice Paglia
posted by Bernice at 3:19 AM
10 Comments:
How cool is it that you pulled the speechwriter Safire out of your hat and not the speaker Spiro Agnew? Most people couldn't get Agnew. Awesome!
Bernice,
I read Dr. Gallon's letter not once but three times. The work that is being done by the district under his leadership is commendable. Although I do not have any children in our public schools as a taxpayer I feel confident that things are being done for our kids. I find it interesting in reading his letter that it appears he has as you stated "put his finger" on what ails Plainfield. For an outsider to have come here and quickly recognized what seemingly many of us have not about why Plainfield can't move forward begs the question why? Dr. Gallon appears to be very wise and focused for a relatively young man. I hope he stays strong in his resolve to improve the school district.
Credit must go to the interwebs, not my few remaining brain cells.
Good post, Bernice. Dr. Gallon participated in our Delta Sigma Theta's "Men Who Cook" fundraising event two weeks ago, along with BOE members Joseph Ruffin, Wilma Campbell and Councilman Mapp and other local community leaders. It was glorious to see these men and others giving their best to benefit our children. The barbecue wings Dr. Gallon made were superb!
Sorry to see Dr. Gallon involving himself in Plainfield politics, which is bad enough as it is. I do wish he would be longer on action and shorter on rhetoric. While the rhetoric is entertaining, the Plainfield public schools need a doer, not a preacher.
Bernice,
The greatest distraction to education is any pre-teen/teen watching TV during daylight hours. Walks through Green Brook Park are also good things to do for us West Enders.
GB
My impression is that Dr. Gallon wants to do his job without getting involved in politics.
To 11:08, I read the letter and it clearly shows what is being done in Plainfield schools. In one month alone it seems like a whole lot has been done. Most things mentioned were connected to a strategic plan and had specifics which should be expected from taxpayers. As for preaching, most effective leaders are very good communicators. Dr. Gallon has chosen to inspire us in his messages, while touching on what he sees as holding Plainfield back. I agree with Bernice as I don't see his message as getting involved in Plainfield politics but calling out with conviction what many of us has known for years. I have come to look forward to his monthly letters as they are always full of food for thought. His commentary on politics seems to be making some people uncomfortable. 'Nefarious nests of nothingness". Ouch! I love it. Keep it coming Dr. Gallon.
I agree with you Bernice. But even more than that, I read his letter as a plea for everyone to come together for the schools and community.
His words seem to express hope that Plainfield can be great if we come together, "despite the challenges that we face in our community, state, nation and world, there are none that can withstand the strength of our collective will to unite, fight, rise, and succeed".
I see these as words of hope.
I finally met Dr. Gallon this morning. He attended our church which is Ruth Fellowship and sat unassumingly in the back. He stayed until service was over and pleasantly greeted members of the congregation after first going up to shake the hand and talk to our youth drummer. It is obvious that I was observing him. I found him to be a very pleasant person. I am glad to know he has God in his life.
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