Elections are reality for the public sector.  Those who ignore reality do so at their peril.  The lessons of this election in Newark is simple:  Run hard with feet on the ground and you have a very good chance of winning.  This holds true from the Newark Mayor's race to the Council President and At-Large races to and the Newark City Schools.

Voters don't let you slip by with quiet or distant races.  Newark Schools should listen to that lesson.  They also expect action.  Newark has elected the first Republican Mayor in 16 years.  Bob Diebold will work with a city council that holds a 6-4 Republican majority.  A better opportunity to govern has not faced Newark Republicans in a long time.  But four years is a short time so it is time to take action.

We have a serious crime problem that needs to be reversed with more officers and a strong police chief.
We need a comprehensive infrastructure plan that reverses the years of neglect started under the Stare administration.
We need an economic development program that focuses first on greenfield sites in Newark.
We need clear, public priorities that focus efforts on the top three.

Congratulations to Mayor Diebold and the winners.  Time to put a team together and get to work.

As for the schools, run a campaign next time.  Voters will get behind a good cause when they understand it.  Too quiet and you risk the appearance of hiding something.  Time to bugger on.