Usually the reader is privy to the final result rather than the internal dialogues that occur at the Englewood Report. While Bob and I have different approaches, we share a common concern: citizens who live and work in Englewood deserve to be well served by their government. And at times, there is plenty of room for improvement, transparency, right action and straight talk. This democratic project involves public officials taking risks and, at times, abuse at the hands of special interest operatives. And yes, it also entails the willingness to lose elections and battles on the way to winning the war for good government. Yet, Bob and I considered a recent debate/dialogue we had instructive for the reader on many levels. For that reason, I've decided to share that dialogue with you.

Bob's most recent column is focused on the questionable reasoning and ethics involved in the City's deal with Police Chief David Bowman -- one in a long line that includes similar deals with former City Manager Robert Benecke and that mirror those given to Fourth Ward Councilman Jack Drakeford and former City Manager Cheryl Fuller. Bob feels that such deals damage the City.

Upon initially reading the proposed commentary, I was more focused on public awareness. Is a critical mass of people prepared to seriously consider our critiques? Are we the right messengers? Does the public want to hear from candidates who lost elections and/or does everything we say from that point on become tainted as sour grapes? I also had another concern that weighed heavily on me.

There is one woman presently sitting on the City Council and only one female mayor in Englewood's history. I experienced outright misogyny (woman hating) when I recently ran for the 4th Ward Council seat.  And I got it from women and men, Black and White alike.   I am led to ponder Englewood's capacity to accept that Black women leaders, who clearly don't fit into a comfortable and archetypal model of leadership, have anything to contribute to the public good.

Bob clearly believes that even unsuccessful candidates, men or women, have something to add to the common good. Further, he possesses the strong conviction that, through the Englewood Report, we are able to stimulate public awareness, concern and dialogue. Until last week, however, I remained unsure and my uncertainty was more specific to my role as a Black woman who refuses to let others define me and chooses, quite deliberately, to speak truth to power. Further, my appearance is deceptive.  My petite presentation masks a combative and competitive person. Does Englewood want to hear from me? Am I the right person?

Well, as per usual, I have come to value the common sense in Bob's argument. I now believe that not only should I, but I have a responsibility to speak up and facilitate change. I would like to tell you that it was the power of Bob's argument alone that changed my perspective, but many times events converge. I will share such an event that changed my position. During my campaign, I came across a 14-year old City Affirmative Action ordinance that had never been enforced. I was livid about it because, while the constituents with whom I spoke never mentioned Chief Bowman's return to his position, they routinely mentioned concern for their children's future. They were confronting the fact that those children could no longer realistically expect to make a living in the City where they were born, and they worried about the City leaders (Black and White) helping to push and price them out of Englewood's Fourth Ward altogether.

As a result of listening to their concerns, I took the issue to the Bergen County Central Trades and Labor Council (AFL-CIO). As the ordinance calls for Union apprenticeship programs for City residents, they were very interested. I also took the issue to the State President of the NAACP, James Harris, and the Chief Operating Officer of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, Ellen Brown. While Brown is currently studying the ordinance, Harris was immediately interested in both why the City had failed to enforce it and how he could help me in doing so.

After losing the Fourth Ward Council race, I have continued to work on this project because I believe it will enhance the quality of life for the underserved here in Englewood. Because I was not a sitting Councilperson, Gordon Johnson continued my work by taking the project to Acting City Manager Robert Casey on my behalf. I am grateful to Gordon and Mr. Casey for finding a venue (the Route 4 public access road) through which the ordinance can finally make a difference and fulfill its promise.  After years of inaction, this ordinance will finally be enforced and make a real difference for Englewood's young people.

Hearing the City Council discuss the project's next steps at the March 4th Englewood City Council meeting is further evidence that individuals do make a difference in the fight for transparency and good government. I've come to another realization, as well. Englewood is due for a course correction. Women…and yes, Black women, must play an integral role in that corrective effort.

I don't see the world in either/or terms, so I am not making the claim that women are better at governance than men. We are different, however, and often bring uniquely valuable insights and perspectives to the table. The lives women lead tend to make many of us more focused on the collective good rather than the personal.  And that orientation in government helps us to strive toward community transformation and redemption. Many times, we are more inclined to seek the moral high ground than the personally advantageous position.

For those reasons, Englewood does not need to feel satisfied that it had an majority female Council at one time and a woman mayor many years ago. Englewood needs a government today that can lead it to fulfill its promise as a community of energy, openness, diversity, and talent that others want to emulate. 

Women must be active partners and leaders toward that end.