Editor-in-chief Dhiren Shah sat down with Orange Council candidate Daryl Harrington to talk about the upcoming election.
Dhiren Shah: Welcome to this interview. What made you decide to run as a council candidate?
Daryl Harrington: Originally I thought about it a few years back, but circumstances prevented me. At that time, the competent people were in place. I have always been involved in my community. I started my block association. There are streets and areas in our ward that are not properly represented. So I thought to throw my hat in the ring again. I ran for councilman-at-large in 2004.
DS: How many votes did you receive?
DH: 900.
DS: What do you know about the council procedures?
DH: The purpose is to pass and regulate laws and order and balance the budget.
DS: Why do you think that you are the best candidate in your ward?
DH: Who will listen to people, and be personable in communications? I believe that I am approachable, while others are not. Current councilperson Lisa (Perkins) is a fine individual. But sometimes I feel that communications is not her strong suit.
DS: What are the problems in the city of Orange, and what improvement does Orange need?
DH: The problems are like with most municipalities; lack of funding coming from the state and federal at the time of recession. We do not have enough ratable. We are in a 2.2 square mile area and the burden is on the people with escalating tax rates. We are in deep need of tax stabilization. The current administration and council has no communication. Even the city council as a whole does not communicate. This makes an already dire situation even worse.
DS: What do you think about crime?
DH: In my ward, the East Ward, crime is probably the strongest issue. There are murders on our street, drug transactions, and prostitution. If I am elected, I will increase police presence, which includes preventative measures. One-way streets are to control trafficking. With communication, we can achieve these goals.
DS: As you know, when an individual gets elected in the council, sometimes they do not have a voice. How can you change it?
DH: It's a good question. I do have the ability to communicate. I have a large amount of respect for every person currently sitting on the council. It's not necessarily about do I agree or disagree with the council, but I feel that everyone has common ground. Everyone has a platform to work off of.
DS: Why do you think that you will not be like other politicians, who change suddenly?
DH: I am grounded with my own spiritual beliefs. It is based on the desire of the people.
DS: What is your profession?
DH: I am a facilities manager for Mt. Olive Baptist Church in East Orange. I am also a writer.
DS: What do you think about the needs of school children and the job situation in Orange?
DH: Due to state cuts, our schoolchildren are now in peril. The East Ward used to have an afterschool community program at friendship house. We should start that again. At one point, we had the YMCA on Main Street and friendship house. At one time, Orange had a brewery and two hospitals in the East Ward. We had jobs in Orange. Now there are no jobs. I feel that we can help if the administration has direction.
DS: There is a church that is coming by Main and Hickory Streets at on old hotel building. It might be a tax exempt property. What is your opinion about it?
DH: Up until now. Is it the property of the City?
DS: I don't think so. It was sold recently by a private owner to a church.
DH: The property is on Main Street. It is up to the person who to sell it to. Speaking economically, it does not make any sense. A church can be near a commercial district, not in the heart of the commercial district. Orange made senior buildings on William Street and the backside is on Main Street. Main Street Elementary School is in the heart of the commercial district. They are not bringing any revenue.
DS: Thank for your time in this interview, and good luck in the election.
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