Local Knowledge

Applauding the Camden School District on Suspensions, and Renaissance PR About “No Excuses”

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Allison Steele recently did a lovely feature the Camden School District’s innovative practices on school suspensions. Here’s two key graphs:  Camden is one of a growing number of school districts nationwide that are experimenting with alternatives to suspensions, including training teachers in de-escalation techniques and, in one elementary school, a “calm room” … Continue reading Applauding the Camden School District on Suspensions, and Renaissance PR About “No Excuses”…

Posted by Stephen Danley in education, Local Knowledge.

Camden’s Tilted Ballot

I’ve written this before, but New Jersey had a chance to be the election that the national party was talking about. But it’s archaic ballot rules got in the way. This article on the governor race sums it up:  The lack of enthusiasm among voters, even though New Jersey is only one of two states … Continue reading Camden’s Tilted Ballot…

Posted by Stephen Danley in Local Knowledge.

The One About Camden City Council President Frank Moran

I have been showing up to more establishment spaces lately — part of a wider effort not to cede these spaces to those using progressive energy as cover for compromise rather than impetus for change — and from those covering Camden, I’m getting this question more and more: when are you going to cover Frank Moran?  My … Continue reading The One About Camden City Council President Frank Moran…

Posted by Stephen Danley in Camden, Local Knowledge.

No One Wants to Own the Methadone Clinic Decision

Last night, the Camden Zoning Board refused to show up and own their decision to approve a rule interpretation to allow a methadone clinic to move from downtown to Bergen Square. As a result, the adoption of the resolution was delayed until next month’s meeting. This post is about a board that was willing to approve … Continue reading No One Wants to Own the Methadone Clinic Decision…

Posted by Stephen Danley in Local Knowledge.

An Uphill Climb for City Council Candidates

First of all, I want to say thanks to Jared for his uplifting take about a debate “where the trodden floors squeak and support the boots that been hustling the streets and pounding the pavement for years and decades to put sincere representatives in office to address the poor social conditions of their neighborhoods.” It’s wonderful … Continue reading An Uphill Climb for City Council Candidates…

Posted by Stephen Danley in Camden, Local Knowledge.

What Council Candidates Should Learn from Mayoral Forum by Jared Hunter

Jared Hunter’s latest provides another take on last week’s mayoral forum, and sets the stage for tonight’s City Council Forum. Come join us at the Village tonight! It’s not new to the city for leaders to come in promising things left and right and the community slowly begins to open up and then eventually the … Continue reading What Council Candidates Should Learn from Mayoral Forum by Jared Hunter…

Posted by Stephen Danley in Local Knowledge.