Gloucester City:Howard Clark New Coordinator of UEZ

By Albert Countryman Jr.

  The Gloucester City Business Association (GCBA) announced at its meeting last week (Tuesday night) that Gloucester City has named Howard Clark of Channel 19 as the new coordinator of the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ).

  A longtime officer with the GCBA, Clark had applied for the position after the current coordinator, Gina Dunphy, announced she was stepping down to spend more time with her family.

  Clark, who is also the owner of Sports Video, will receive an annual salary as Coordinator of the Gloucester City UEZ.

  Over the past 15 years, he has consistently supported local businesses working together to make Gloucester City a better place to live, work and shop.

Comments

[disappointed voter]

This is amazing that Howard Clark has the new job of UEZ COORDINATOR??? Does he even live in Gloucester City? I wonder how much the Mayor & Council(city) offered him for this postion? They even hired a "New Girl" to help him. I guess this is so he can take Video"s during Business hours and get MEDICAL BENEFITS. Another New Person added to Gloucester City's Payroll! "JUST AMAZING"

[John P. Schmidt]

Rick,
I agree with you. The only way to improve our community or any for a better future is through change. Gloucester has to many of the same people running things and they have been at it for to long. It's been the same old one way style for to long, and I do not think it has worked out for the residents of Gloucester. The county is used to getting there way in Gloucester, the telephone poles down Broadway now the proposal of the Methadone clinic. I think Gloucester needs a shakeup from the old ways.

Ken MacAdams
I read the comment to which you are responding. Thinking some readers may think that Rick Gonzales is the author. Since you mentioned two persons that I do consider friends I thought I would help you rethink your response. Rick Gonzales is not the author. If I were the author I can assure you the presentation would have been better prepared.

Yes, I am all for open and transparent government which the writer also seems to share as a concern. My view of achieving that goal is much more fundamental and easier to achieve. If we ever bring ourselves to publish such things as meeting minutes and bills to be paid the writer may realize his/her goal of even more openness.

I've spoken with our solicitor about the Gloucester Plumbing deal so it would make me look like a dumb head in his eyes to have written as the writer has done. The writer does not understand how the city expects to reach a break even point. The writer understandably feels as he/she does because the city has failed to pulicize what it is doing and how it intends to do it. Oops we're back on open and transparent government, sorry.

Ken, if it is Rick Gonzales you are addressing your negativity comments to, consider this. If you view change or improvement as negativity then you have hit the nail on the head. Resistance to change is a very natural reaction to anything that adversely affects your comfort zone. I consider change and improvement as the way forward for myself and my community. If you/we accept the status quo we are relegated to a status that is lower than that of Camden in my opinion.

Ken, if I erred in my thinking that you were addressing Rick Gonzales I sincerely apologize. If my assumption is correct it would be healthy for all concerned to use this forum to air our views and concerns. I don't know why some people can't simply address an issue or stick to a topic but it seems they can't. Personally I appreciate you candor and have admired your desire to sign your name to your posts. I wish it was a requirement.

It has been said "it is an ill wind that blows that doesn't do somebody some good". Thanks for listening and once again, if I have erred I do apologize.

Respectfully submitted
Rick Gonzales

[Ken MacAdams]

Rick
After reading your comment more than once it seems someone needs to get their facts straight. The UEZ did not purchase Gloucester Plumbing. A two second call or email to Bob Bevan or your buddy DJ could confirm this.
As for the comment directed at Howard Clark you’re really off base. He is one of the most honest people I ever met. He has given more time (for free) to most every organization in town including the city itself than anyone will ever know.
You seem to always have a negative outlook on everything which is your right but once again get your facts straight before you start accusing and implying someone is a thief and a cheat. .

[Rick!]

Howard Clark, UEZ & Channel 19 hmmmmm
Will the UEZ have any ACCOUNTING and Books that we can all view ONLINE? Since Howard Clark has been VERY EVASIVE when it comes to the Monies that have been brought in from Advertisers in the past. A short time ago Howard Clark was notified that he was breaking the law by illegally excepting Money/Cash from Businesses for Advertising on Channel 19 which is in fact a Public Access Channel but for YEARS it was simply ignored and Cash was collected. Maybe I should call the IRS and seek answers on Howard Clarks Business Dealings!

Heads Up to ALL Gloucester City Residents, DEMAND FULL ACCOUNTING from the UEZ! It's OUR Sales Tax Dollars and WE the People of Gloucester City have the designation of an Urban Enterprise Zoned City! I'm Keeping My Eyes Wide Open on the UEZ from now on to make sure that things like the shady deal of the UEZ purchasing the former Gloucester Plumbing Building/Buildings and the owners of Gloucester Plumbing reaping around $600,000.00 for it's former buildings on South Broadway Mark My Words! "They aren't won't sell for even HALF of that!"

A complete accounting of the UEZ should be ONLINE PERIOD!
Rick!