Quote from Inquirer Article (11/22/06) by Dwight Ott and Elisa Ung on Corzine's announcement:

Local control was slated to return to the city in 2007, and all of Primas' powers would have gone to current Camden Mayor Gwendolyn Faison.

Faison yesterday was incensed that she learned about Corzine's action from a reporter. She said it indicated the state was not consulting elected officials in decisions about the city.

"What'd they think I am, chopped liver?" she asked.


My Comment- This was a very disrespectful action by Corzine's staff to the elected Mayor of Camden. They should have at least called her prior to releasing the news. Overall though, I think she'll change her mind. Problems of the scope of magnitude of Camden need the best and brightest minds from around the country to come and help.

Bringing in outside help should be viewed as a good thing. For example, Venegas who was brought in, after a national search, to turn the police department around and he's doing a great job so far. He's certainly handling the press and media relations better than any leader in Camden in the 8 years I've lived here.