Back to Work: My PMUA Proposal for Positive Change

Dear friends,

Now that the spring primary season is over, it is time to get back to work on the issues we have been discussing for several months now. Back in March of this year, I presented a very clear and detailed vision for Plainfield that included reining in the PMUA and providing tax relief to property owners.

As I walked this city and talked with Plainfield residents, the most compelling issue at hand was the issue of the PMUA's outrageous rate increases and insensitivity to the ratepayers as they took expensive trips to conferences completely unrelated to their mission, the last one to the tune of about $25,000.

At that time, I articulated a plan that would bring the PMUA under the city’s umbrella, thus having all PMUA charges included in the property tax bill of Plainfield property owners. In addition, my plan would protect the frontline employees, and rid homeowners of the unfair, revenue-generating "cart fees" that we all have found so onerous.

I continue to receive substantial email from you, the ratepayers, about the wasteful spending and lack of transparency at the PMUA, and I want to assure you that I will be taking action immediately. That means now.

The lack of accountability on the part of the PMUA leadership offended the sensibilities of virtually every resident I met. I spoke with many of you about my intention to draft a resolution to ensure that the Plainfield city council, which has some say in what the PMUA does, takes action. The council has a fiduciary responsibility to the residents of Plainfield to make sure that each commissioner seeking appointment is thoroughly vetted and does not have any conflicts of interest in serving. Further, most companies cut back on conference travel and other questionable expenses as belt-tightening measures during troubled economic times. The PMUA should do the same, so I will follow through on a proposal to cut all travel until the PMUA makes clear its policies on such.

I will be asking my council colleagues to stand with me on this issue and support passage of my resolution. I look forward to your comments.

Regards,

Adrian