(PLAINFIELD) - Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Jerry Green (D-Union) released the following statement today on plans by the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee to hold a joint hearing Monday on the ongoing home mortgage and foreclosure crisis.
The hearing will be held with the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. Additional details on the hearing will be announced later this week.
Homeownership has long been the American dream and is key to helping foster stable and vibrant neighborhoods where families feel safe and children prosper, but that dream is now at risk for many of our hard-working families.
"The ongoing home mortgage and foreclosure crisis has threatened not only a way of life for many New Jerseyans, but their future. New Jersey has the 12th highest foreclosure rate in the nation. This is a frightening statistic that doesn't bode well for our long-term future."
"The industry is largely, federally regulated, but the onus is on us to find what options the state has to help people suffering through foreclosure and to prevent this from reoccurring in the future."
"The questions are many, 'What programs have been successful in combating foreclosures? How can they be improved? What can the state do to help? What solutions have nonprofits and faith-based organizations found? How can we build on their success? How do we ensure communities experiencing foreclosures don't suffer from blight? What unscrupulous schemes have befallen homeowners facing foreclosure? What can be done to protect them?' "
"Answers aren't easily found, but we must strive to, find them as we work to keep the American dream alive for so many New Jerseyans. "
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
NJAA: New Jersey Apartment Association
New Jersey Apartment Association Home to New Jersey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ilam Shah
Public Relations/Government Affairs Specialist Telephone: (732) 992-0600 E-mail: Ilam `,njaa.com
ASSEMBLYMAN RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS "LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR"AWARD FROM NEW JERSEY APARTMENT ASSOCIATION
Plainfield's Own, Assemblyman Gerald Green, honored for leadership on rental housing issues
Monroe Township, N.J., - Assemblyman Gerald Green, Chair of the Assembly Housing & Local Government Committee, has received New Jersey Apartment Association's (NJAA) 2008 "Legislator of the Year" award - a recognized honor that praises his dedication to the people of New Jersey and tireless service to both multi-family rental housing residents and providers.
"Assemblyman Green's efforts to advance multi-family rental housing issues in Trenton is unmatched," said Conor Fennessy, Vice President of Government Affairs at NJAA. "In a state where property taxes, municipal fees, fuel costs, health insurance, property and casualty insurance costs have all risen dramatically, Assemblyman Green has sought to work with housing providers to ensure that rental housing remains available and affordable. On behalf of our hundreds of NJAA members across New Jersey, we are pleased to present Assemblyman Green with this award."
A resident of Plainfield, Assemblyman Green has been at the forefront of innovative efforts to promote effective housing policy through expanded availability, renewed attention to overall affordability, and increased production of rental housing in New Jersey. His dedication to comprehensive housing policy benefits multi-family rental housing providers and residents throughout New Jersey.
"Under Assemblyman Green's leadership, the Legislature has adopted dozens of legislative initiatives that help make rental housing more affordable. He understands the issues facing multi-family rental housing providers and residents in New Jersey," commented Tom Kretsch, President of NJAA, a statewide organization of apartment owners, managers, builders, developers, and allied industries dedicated to advancing the viability of the apartment living in New Jersey.
"The NJAA has always been a welcome partner in helping the Legislature craft sensible housing policies that will benefit all residents," commented Assemblyman Green. "I look forward to continuing to work with the entire community of housing advocates, providers, and stakeholders as we move forward in our efforts to keep rental housing affordable for New Jersey's working families."
About New Jersey Apartment Association
New Jersey Apartment Association (NJAA) represents over 600 multi-family rental housing providers to and affiliated businesses throughout New Jersey. NJAA is a statewide organization dedicated
maintaining, improving and building new and affordable rental housing that serves hundreds of thousands of New Jersey's working families, young couples and seniors. Rental housing is home to one-third of New Jersey's families. One in three of our neighbors, co-workers, friends and family call their choice of the safe and comfortable apartments provided by our members - home. NJAA also serves its membership's interest on a national level through its affiliation with the National Apartment Association (NAA). For more information on apartment home living in New Jersey along with NJAA events and activities please visit us online at www.njaa.com.
###
Association Headquarters: Legislative Office:
104 Interchange Plaza, Suite 201 172 West State Street, Suite 304
Monroe Township, NJ 08831 Trenton, NJ 08608
Tel (732) 992-0600 • Fax (609) 860-0060 Tel (609) 393-5200 • Fax (609) 393-5222
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ilam Shah
Public Relations/Government Affairs Specialist Telephone: (732) 992-0600 E-mail: Ilam `,njaa.com
ASSEMBLYMAN RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS "LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR"AWARD FROM NEW JERSEY APARTMENT ASSOCIATION
Plainfield's Own, Assemblyman Gerald Green, honored for leadership on rental housing issues
Monroe Township, N.J., - Assemblyman Gerald Green, Chair of the Assembly Housing & Local Government Committee, has received New Jersey Apartment Association's (NJAA) 2008 "Legislator of the Year" award - a recognized honor that praises his dedication to the people of New Jersey and tireless service to both multi-family rental housing residents and providers.
"Assemblyman Green's efforts to advance multi-family rental housing issues in Trenton is unmatched," said Conor Fennessy, Vice President of Government Affairs at NJAA. "In a state where property taxes, municipal fees, fuel costs, health insurance, property and casualty insurance costs have all risen dramatically, Assemblyman Green has sought to work with housing providers to ensure that rental housing remains available and affordable. On behalf of our hundreds of NJAA members across New Jersey, we are pleased to present Assemblyman Green with this award."
A resident of Plainfield, Assemblyman Green has been at the forefront of innovative efforts to promote effective housing policy through expanded availability, renewed attention to overall affordability, and increased production of rental housing in New Jersey. His dedication to comprehensive housing policy benefits multi-family rental housing providers and residents throughout New Jersey.
"Under Assemblyman Green's leadership, the Legislature has adopted dozens of legislative initiatives that help make rental housing more affordable. He understands the issues facing multi-family rental housing providers and residents in New Jersey," commented Tom Kretsch, President of NJAA, a statewide organization of apartment owners, managers, builders, developers, and allied industries dedicated to advancing the viability of the apartment living in New Jersey.
"The NJAA has always been a welcome partner in helping the Legislature craft sensible housing policies that will benefit all residents," commented Assemblyman Green. "I look forward to continuing to work with the entire community of housing advocates, providers, and stakeholders as we move forward in our efforts to keep rental housing affordable for New Jersey's working families."
About New Jersey Apartment Association
New Jersey Apartment Association (NJAA) represents over 600 multi-family rental housing providers to and affiliated businesses throughout New Jersey. NJAA is a statewide organization dedicated
maintaining, improving and building new and affordable rental housing that serves hundreds of thousands of New Jersey's working families, young couples and seniors. Rental housing is home to one-third of New Jersey's families. One in three of our neighbors, co-workers, friends and family call their choice of the safe and comfortable apartments provided by our members - home. NJAA also serves its membership's interest on a national level through its affiliation with the National Apartment Association (NAA). For more information on apartment home living in New Jersey along with NJAA events and activities please visit us online at www.njaa.com.
###
Association Headquarters: Legislative Office:
104 Interchange Plaza, Suite 201 172 West State Street, Suite 304
Monroe Township, NJ 08831 Trenton, NJ 08608
Tel (732) 992-0600 • Fax (609) 860-0060 Tel (609) 393-5200 • Fax (609) 393-5222
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Building Our Community
Last night, I was privileged to speak before the parents and children of Emerson Elementary School. I shared with them the tireless efforts in securing a new facility for them, and I was able to see the faces of those who use this school for its educational resources. The looks in their faces were that of pride, achievement, and self-worth! I explained to them that the drive and initiative that allowed our success in securing a new facility enabled the fostering of community growth and edification.
The city, Board of Education, and the Rutgers Law Center failed in returning our city to the status of an Abbott district. Upon returning to this status, there will be increased educational funding opportunities for our city and its children. The ability to allow this to come to pass came from the ardent support of members of the New Jersey State Assembly and Senate, who supported my efforts to return Plainfield and Neptune to the status of an Abbott district. I explained to them that if these final efforts were not successful, this was the LAST opportunity for Plainfield to benefit from Abbott dollars, yielding a benefit from the State of New Jersey of approximately $1 billion dollars. If this effort was not successful, then the tax payers from the city would have had to bear this burden.
This ‘freed’ funding also gives way to the opportunity to share in fiscal school construction resources, such as our capacity to build Emerson and fund major improvements to Clinton school. With last year's budget, I was able to secure, with the help and support of Senator Nicholas Scutari and Assemblywoman Linda Stender, $17 million dollars for improvements being made to Woodland Elementary School. This is a sound example of my effectiveness and ability to work with my fellow legislators and with the Governor’s Office to convince the state that Plainfield’s children deserve to be educated in quality facilities. This should also serve as an instance where in working with the state level, I was able to resolve issues pertaining to Plainfield WITHOUT adding cost to the city of Plainfield. The reception of state level support from fellow legislators proved more than encouraging and constructive, when local avenues were exhausted, proving to be ineffective in the accomplishment of these tasks.
Thus, when you have parents, children, neighbors, and teachers, looking at you with heart-warming gazes of appreciation and victory, victory in the success of securing a new facility and increasing educational funding for our community, feelings of pride in our community, and encouragement in doing our jobs runs through my entire being like fire in my bones! I have been stressing the necessity of teamwork and community, and this is a prime example of the fruits of OUR efforts! As we can ALL see, Together, EVERYONE truly does, Achieve, MORE!
The city, Board of Education, and the Rutgers Law Center failed in returning our city to the status of an Abbott district. Upon returning to this status, there will be increased educational funding opportunities for our city and its children. The ability to allow this to come to pass came from the ardent support of members of the New Jersey State Assembly and Senate, who supported my efforts to return Plainfield and Neptune to the status of an Abbott district. I explained to them that if these final efforts were not successful, this was the LAST opportunity for Plainfield to benefit from Abbott dollars, yielding a benefit from the State of New Jersey of approximately $1 billion dollars. If this effort was not successful, then the tax payers from the city would have had to bear this burden.
This ‘freed’ funding also gives way to the opportunity to share in fiscal school construction resources, such as our capacity to build Emerson and fund major improvements to Clinton school. With last year's budget, I was able to secure, with the help and support of Senator Nicholas Scutari and Assemblywoman Linda Stender, $17 million dollars for improvements being made to Woodland Elementary School. This is a sound example of my effectiveness and ability to work with my fellow legislators and with the Governor’s Office to convince the state that Plainfield’s children deserve to be educated in quality facilities. This should also serve as an instance where in working with the state level, I was able to resolve issues pertaining to Plainfield WITHOUT adding cost to the city of Plainfield. The reception of state level support from fellow legislators proved more than encouraging and constructive, when local avenues were exhausted, proving to be ineffective in the accomplishment of these tasks.
Thus, when you have parents, children, neighbors, and teachers, looking at you with heart-warming gazes of appreciation and victory, victory in the success of securing a new facility and increasing educational funding for our community, feelings of pride in our community, and encouragement in doing our jobs runs through my entire being like fire in my bones! I have been stressing the necessity of teamwork and community, and this is a prime example of the fruits of OUR efforts! As we can ALL see, Together, EVERYONE truly does, Achieve, MORE!
Friday, September 26, 2008
If The Shoe Fits...
Along the lines of change that we as a community and as a nation, are craving, the recent moves toward managerial efficiency are showing themselves as proving true. Ex-chief Edward Santiago was found guilty of two counts of insubordination; counts that are not conducive to the healthy management of a positive and successful department. He most certainly failed his obligations as a leader to correct the issue regarding complaints of speeding within the community. Officers lacked working equipment to correctly resolve this issue. Now that their voices are falling on ears that are listening, faulty equipment has been thus corrected, and the number of speeding tickets has increased drastically.
It surprises me to read the positions of the ‘usual suspects’ regarding my stance on the fight against favoritism and double-standardized work implementation in dealing with the wayward city inspector. It was made clear to MOST, yet blurred to a handful for some reason, that my explanation of this ordeal attested to the fact that there is absolutely NO ROOM for favoritism. I thought it was deserving of our community to know that the owner and I met all of the requirements to operate the building, as well as paid for each and every permit needed for operation. Thus, the badgering should have stopped when the credentials were presented, but, that was not the case. This ‘after-the-fact’ harassment, which is the fruit of the favoritism and double-standardized way of doing business for this inspector, is coming to a halt. I am currently asking that policies be placated that ensure owners that once ownership changes hands, loopholes for bullying are not accessible.
Feathers are being ruffled in the camps of the ‘usual suspects’ because EACH issue voiced on my blog is researched, yielding SECURED truth in EVERY matter. The premise of this blog is to research issues within our community, and shed truthful light on them, aiming to bring about unified resolve. The reason a few feathers are being ruffled is because for such a long time, issues were not being handled correctly, and this type of behavior stoked the fires of complacency within this small handful of spoiled, inactive members of our community.
After noting the positive movement towards healthy reformation with the Plainfield Police Department, the ruffled ‘usual suspects’ labeled me as “trying to run Plainfield.” The Don Davis case, which highlighted the poor conditions of the past administration of the police department, should have been a solid example of how my research into matters consistently produces and sides with the verdict of TRUTH. I was thrown, by the ‘usual suspects’, under the bus for acting on the belief that Don Davis was innocent until being proven guilty, yet when Mr. Davis was found innocent, again, I was under the bus by the same bunch. Moreover, TRUTH again revealed my innocence in petty investigations against me, and showed ex police chief Edward Santiago’s guilt.
The behavior of these ‘usual suspects’ is reminiscent of the actions of the McCain/Palin ticket, which I termed, “McCain/Palinism.” This ideology practices the consistent voting or labeling of phenomena a certain way, consistently. However, when looking for PERSONAL gain and advancement, their locked-in way of thinking is suddenly forgotten (much like the Bush administration). Thus, when truth is revealed, and moves are challenged by that of truth, mud is slung from those sorts of camps onto those sharing and revealing the truth.
After eight years of the McCain/Palinism behavior in our community, it most CERTAINLY is time for CHANGE. It is time for US to wake up as a community. That old way of thinking was hurting our community, doing much more harm than good. I hope and pray that our city of Plainfield begins to wake up, just as the nation is waking, and acknowledge that the time for change is NOW. So then, what sort of instrument can be used to institute this change…? The answer to that question is YOU; the power of COMMUNITY!! Because Together, EVERYONE, Achieves, MORE!!
It surprises me to read the positions of the ‘usual suspects’ regarding my stance on the fight against favoritism and double-standardized work implementation in dealing with the wayward city inspector. It was made clear to MOST, yet blurred to a handful for some reason, that my explanation of this ordeal attested to the fact that there is absolutely NO ROOM for favoritism. I thought it was deserving of our community to know that the owner and I met all of the requirements to operate the building, as well as paid for each and every permit needed for operation. Thus, the badgering should have stopped when the credentials were presented, but, that was not the case. This ‘after-the-fact’ harassment, which is the fruit of the favoritism and double-standardized way of doing business for this inspector, is coming to a halt. I am currently asking that policies be placated that ensure owners that once ownership changes hands, loopholes for bullying are not accessible.
Feathers are being ruffled in the camps of the ‘usual suspects’ because EACH issue voiced on my blog is researched, yielding SECURED truth in EVERY matter. The premise of this blog is to research issues within our community, and shed truthful light on them, aiming to bring about unified resolve. The reason a few feathers are being ruffled is because for such a long time, issues were not being handled correctly, and this type of behavior stoked the fires of complacency within this small handful of spoiled, inactive members of our community.
After noting the positive movement towards healthy reformation with the Plainfield Police Department, the ruffled ‘usual suspects’ labeled me as “trying to run Plainfield.” The Don Davis case, which highlighted the poor conditions of the past administration of the police department, should have been a solid example of how my research into matters consistently produces and sides with the verdict of TRUTH. I was thrown, by the ‘usual suspects’, under the bus for acting on the belief that Don Davis was innocent until being proven guilty, yet when Mr. Davis was found innocent, again, I was under the bus by the same bunch. Moreover, TRUTH again revealed my innocence in petty investigations against me, and showed ex police chief Edward Santiago’s guilt.
The behavior of these ‘usual suspects’ is reminiscent of the actions of the McCain/Palin ticket, which I termed, “McCain/Palinism.” This ideology practices the consistent voting or labeling of phenomena a certain way, consistently. However, when looking for PERSONAL gain and advancement, their locked-in way of thinking is suddenly forgotten (much like the Bush administration). Thus, when truth is revealed, and moves are challenged by that of truth, mud is slung from those sorts of camps onto those sharing and revealing the truth.
After eight years of the McCain/Palinism behavior in our community, it most CERTAINLY is time for CHANGE. It is time for US to wake up as a community. That old way of thinking was hurting our community, doing much more harm than good. I hope and pray that our city of Plainfield begins to wake up, just as the nation is waking, and acknowledge that the time for change is NOW. So then, what sort of instrument can be used to institute this change…? The answer to that question is YOU; the power of COMMUNITY!! Because Together, EVERYONE, Achieves, MORE!!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Simple Arithmetic
Community is such a powerful word, but sometimes, because we use it so much, the meaning gets lost in translation. When I use the word community, I am addressing those who partake in, some time or another, the same environment I do. In order for the TRANSACTION of community to be accomplished, there are certain elements of life that are needed. A few of these necessities are unity, respect, trust, TRUTH, and communication.
Amid our rapidly growing community, however, certain people tend to lose sight of this example of community, for whatever reasons. These people, if I might add, fail to realize that issues discussed regarding Civil Service and Union employees falls under the commitment and responsibility of the Chairman of the State Committee of Local Government. In this state, I am the Chairman of the State Committee of Local Government, wherein these responsibilities are incumbent upon me for resolution. As Chair, grievances are voiced, heard, and then ACTED on. A Chair who fails to take action for the community or state, thus fails that community and state. In holding this position, I deal with these sorts of issues resonating from within the municipalities around the state of New Jersey that fall under my jurisdiction. In other words, if a problem, such as a defected city inspector, arises in a municipality that I am responsible for, then it is my duty to mount an offense to rectify the situation. Last election made it clear to me that the vast majority of the voters are in AGREEMENT with me. Of the 48,000 residents in the city of Plainfield, 18,000 of them are eligible to vote. Of that number, only FIVE HUNDRED voted against me. So what does that say about how the community feels about my leadership proficiency? You do the math.
This blog coherently expresses FACT… TRUTH… and the conveyance of these shared facts is the evidence that is accessible to our community upon any citizen’s request. My ultimate aim is to give you the public, truth in every matter to which I am exposed. That is a primary responsibility that I cherish greatly and fulfill in every aspect of my job. If by chance, ANY of my information is wrong, prove it wrong. Prove it not to spite me, but prove it so that I can dictate a more truthful, accurate message, for I am an elected official, put into office by the communities I represent.
This administration tends to take fire from opposing camps because we exhaustively connect the dots so that a clear-cut, honest message can be delivered to our communities. That same handful of people, those who care to spend time trying to set traps for me, instead fall victim to their own devices because in their spite, they have become weary in well-doing. It pleases me immensely to have reporters writing positive articles and editorials regarding my leadership around the state in dealing with housing, healthcare, and crime. The negative tones, coupled with fabricated falsehoods, by previous writers would leave sours tastes in reader’s mouths, lowering the views of our communities. Nevertheless, it suffices to say that none of our labor has been in vain. For, the positive write-ups in our newspapers just this week are evidence of renovation; and the award I received from the central Jersey Bar Association today, honoring our efforts within our state and local government, can attest to the skillful labor we have endured.
The behavior of the handful of naysayers is reminiscent to me of those in north Jersey that made the newspapers yesterday soliciting closed-minded, baseless comments about Barack Obama. Therefore, it is time for every duck to fall in line with the premise of order. To those naysayers let me say this; either you can embrace the truth and govern accordingly, or you can continue to lay with the Bush/McCain ideology based on false messages and fabrications. Those who decide to continue to lobby in the latter choice, good luck! That way of thinking is the VERY reason why it is of dire importance to bring about truth and share it with our community. I recognize that 1,700 voters were being misled by that fabricated information for the last 8 years. Moreover, anyone who has the ability to see can open their eyes and note how that 1,700 voting base has been shrinking over the years. It has been shrinking because that side does not bring ANY solutions to the table concerning issues that affect us contemporarily.
So then, I am aware of who reads my blogs, and of the faction of the 1,700 who leave frustrated comments. I cannot blame them, for they are frustrated with the actions of their party for the last 8 years. The last mayoral election yielded an all-time voting high of 2,300 “New” Democrat voters. This year, WE have reached, with positive information and direction, 1,800 of those voters. With that, roughly 500 of those were left. This year alone, we have successfully registered over 5,000 new voters. You do the math!
Amid our rapidly growing community, however, certain people tend to lose sight of this example of community, for whatever reasons. These people, if I might add, fail to realize that issues discussed regarding Civil Service and Union employees falls under the commitment and responsibility of the Chairman of the State Committee of Local Government. In this state, I am the Chairman of the State Committee of Local Government, wherein these responsibilities are incumbent upon me for resolution. As Chair, grievances are voiced, heard, and then ACTED on. A Chair who fails to take action for the community or state, thus fails that community and state. In holding this position, I deal with these sorts of issues resonating from within the municipalities around the state of New Jersey that fall under my jurisdiction. In other words, if a problem, such as a defected city inspector, arises in a municipality that I am responsible for, then it is my duty to mount an offense to rectify the situation. Last election made it clear to me that the vast majority of the voters are in AGREEMENT with me. Of the 48,000 residents in the city of Plainfield, 18,000 of them are eligible to vote. Of that number, only FIVE HUNDRED voted against me. So what does that say about how the community feels about my leadership proficiency? You do the math.
This blog coherently expresses FACT… TRUTH… and the conveyance of these shared facts is the evidence that is accessible to our community upon any citizen’s request. My ultimate aim is to give you the public, truth in every matter to which I am exposed. That is a primary responsibility that I cherish greatly and fulfill in every aspect of my job. If by chance, ANY of my information is wrong, prove it wrong. Prove it not to spite me, but prove it so that I can dictate a more truthful, accurate message, for I am an elected official, put into office by the communities I represent.
This administration tends to take fire from opposing camps because we exhaustively connect the dots so that a clear-cut, honest message can be delivered to our communities. That same handful of people, those who care to spend time trying to set traps for me, instead fall victim to their own devices because in their spite, they have become weary in well-doing. It pleases me immensely to have reporters writing positive articles and editorials regarding my leadership around the state in dealing with housing, healthcare, and crime. The negative tones, coupled with fabricated falsehoods, by previous writers would leave sours tastes in reader’s mouths, lowering the views of our communities. Nevertheless, it suffices to say that none of our labor has been in vain. For, the positive write-ups in our newspapers just this week are evidence of renovation; and the award I received from the central Jersey Bar Association today, honoring our efforts within our state and local government, can attest to the skillful labor we have endured.
The behavior of the handful of naysayers is reminiscent to me of those in north Jersey that made the newspapers yesterday soliciting closed-minded, baseless comments about Barack Obama. Therefore, it is time for every duck to fall in line with the premise of order. To those naysayers let me say this; either you can embrace the truth and govern accordingly, or you can continue to lay with the Bush/McCain ideology based on false messages and fabrications. Those who decide to continue to lobby in the latter choice, good luck! That way of thinking is the VERY reason why it is of dire importance to bring about truth and share it with our community. I recognize that 1,700 voters were being misled by that fabricated information for the last 8 years. Moreover, anyone who has the ability to see can open their eyes and note how that 1,700 voting base has been shrinking over the years. It has been shrinking because that side does not bring ANY solutions to the table concerning issues that affect us contemporarily.
So then, I am aware of who reads my blogs, and of the faction of the 1,700 who leave frustrated comments. I cannot blame them, for they are frustrated with the actions of their party for the last 8 years. The last mayoral election yielded an all-time voting high of 2,300 “New” Democrat voters. This year, WE have reached, with positive information and direction, 1,800 of those voters. With that, roughly 500 of those were left. This year alone, we have successfully registered over 5,000 new voters. You do the math!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Connecting the Dots
Connecting the Dots
The state of New Jersey is firmly cracking down on the pay-to play method of doing business within every branch of government containing elected officials; from the local level of government to the state level. The terminology pay-to-play refers to a methodology of giving lucrative government contracts to campaign contributors. After reading the front page of yesterday’s Star Ledger, I was pleased to read the article on the founder of a leading engineering corporation in our state being found guilty of soliciting funds to two city officials. It behooves me to come to the realization that this same company was hired, extensively, by the past administration to perform engineering work here for our city of Plainfield. My reason in bringing this connection up to our blogging community is that the past administration, at the end of their term, awarded this very company a no-bid contract worth over a million dollars.
In recent months, Councilman Cory Storch has complained about these pay-to-play tactics, but has simultaneously had the SAME corporation donate thousands to his campaign, as well as to the past administration. Councilman Storch would like for you the public to believe that he has never received nor accepted any donations from such contractors. However, it is my duty to report and share truth with our growing community. Unfortunately, Councilman Storch has either a short memory, or I dare say, suffers from a selective memory. Anyone can look up the election reports from the past four years and verify this information. It is easy to see how he and the “New” Democrats have benefited tremendously from these types of vendors. I, for one, realize and understand this is an issue we are trying to combat statewide, because many elected officials, including myself, have benefited in the past from vender’s support. But to be obtuse and points fingers, while your hands are soiled with vendor appreciation and benefit, is baffling.
I am hoping that in the future, the near future, that Councilman Storch will refrain from sending deceptive, mixed messages that state his denial, or unawareness of benefitting from these sorts of vendor donations. His messages attempt to leave readers or listeners with the thought of ‘this information is all new to me’, when in fact; these types of dealings are evident within his own campaign. You do not have to be a learned politician to know that without support, it is hard for any candidate to express or dictate effective, political party messages. However, once there are laws in place to prevent pay-to-play schemes, one must find alternative means of financing campaigns. So while we are currently taking steps towards disrupting and banning the practice of pay-for-play, a word to the wise would be for the Councilman and any other elected official active in this way of business, to cease and desist in any and every activity that can be labeled as a pay-for-play initiative. Remember, we as a community, are pressing to evolve from good, to better, to BEST!
The state of New Jersey is firmly cracking down on the pay-to play method of doing business within every branch of government containing elected officials; from the local level of government to the state level. The terminology pay-to-play refers to a methodology of giving lucrative government contracts to campaign contributors. After reading the front page of yesterday’s Star Ledger, I was pleased to read the article on the founder of a leading engineering corporation in our state being found guilty of soliciting funds to two city officials. It behooves me to come to the realization that this same company was hired, extensively, by the past administration to perform engineering work here for our city of Plainfield. My reason in bringing this connection up to our blogging community is that the past administration, at the end of their term, awarded this very company a no-bid contract worth over a million dollars.
In recent months, Councilman Cory Storch has complained about these pay-to-play tactics, but has simultaneously had the SAME corporation donate thousands to his campaign, as well as to the past administration. Councilman Storch would like for you the public to believe that he has never received nor accepted any donations from such contractors. However, it is my duty to report and share truth with our growing community. Unfortunately, Councilman Storch has either a short memory, or I dare say, suffers from a selective memory. Anyone can look up the election reports from the past four years and verify this information. It is easy to see how he and the “New” Democrats have benefited tremendously from these types of vendors. I, for one, realize and understand this is an issue we are trying to combat statewide, because many elected officials, including myself, have benefited in the past from vender’s support. But to be obtuse and points fingers, while your hands are soiled with vendor appreciation and benefit, is baffling.
I am hoping that in the future, the near future, that Councilman Storch will refrain from sending deceptive, mixed messages that state his denial, or unawareness of benefitting from these sorts of vendor donations. His messages attempt to leave readers or listeners with the thought of ‘this information is all new to me’, when in fact; these types of dealings are evident within his own campaign. You do not have to be a learned politician to know that without support, it is hard for any candidate to express or dictate effective, political party messages. However, once there are laws in place to prevent pay-to-play schemes, one must find alternative means of financing campaigns. So while we are currently taking steps towards disrupting and banning the practice of pay-for-play, a word to the wise would be for the Councilman and any other elected official active in this way of business, to cease and desist in any and every activity that can be labeled as a pay-for-play initiative. Remember, we as a community, are pressing to evolve from good, to better, to BEST!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Card-Carrying Republican/New Democrat
History was in the making on September 13th of this year for our great city of Plainfield and our nearby surrounding communities. A peaceful and exciting gathering of roughly 700 people came together at our new Barack Obama headquarters in downtown Plainfield in support of Democratic Presidential Elect, Barack Obama. We all came together to discuss the future of our city, our state, and our country. People from different ethnic backgrounds, races, and creeds rallied together in support of a presidential elect who would move the United States in the right direction; this was an awesome experience.
With all the feelings of kinship, community, and togetherness, I was rather surprised to get a phone call from Councilman Rashid Burney with some disturbing news. It was brought to my attention that the city inspector is demanding us to take out and show all of the proper paperwork on the building in order to keep the Obama Headquarters open. Here we are, Plainfield and our neighbors, moving in support for the election of Barack Obama, establishing a building in the downtown area of the city, registering those able to vote, empowering you, the individual, in this nationwide electoral process, and we have a man whose central focus is me, Gerald B. Green, as opposed to doing his job. He made it very clear that his double-standardized work ethic of deciding which building will be inspected and which one will not, is the way he fulfills his city job, a job that is meant to serve and support us, the community of Plainfield.
Here is a man, the city inspector, who has a reputable job; his duty is to examine, check, and make sure that buildings in the Queen City are livable, functional, and conducive to the owner(s) of the property. No quarrels there. The problem however, is that his job, which is supposed to foster community growth and wellness, he uses to his own liking, and to the liking of his fellow cohorts, those he conspires with. For some reason or another, he has decided to badger, harass, and hassle not only me, but the support network behind the driving force of the Obama campaign. The game of ‘favorites’ is being played out right before our eyes. For example, a few years back, the Republican/New Democrats used the SAME building that our administration is using for the Obama Headquarters. When they were in the building, Mr. City Inspector was nowhere to be found in relation to inspecting the building. I asked the previous owners if they ever had to go through the same process that we are going through, and they said ‘No.” This comes to no surprise to me because, like I’ve acknowledged in previous issues, the Republican/New Democratic administration played politics, and lobbied in the ‘you scratch my back I’ll scratch yours’ mentality.
The Olive Lynch ordeal is a prime example of how a wayward inspection agent can ruin a person. The blame for these serious mishaps does not fall upon the past administration, nor does the blame fall upon this current administration. The blame should fall rather on those inspection agents who have grown complacent and abuse their protection from what the Civil Service and Union organizations offers them. Their tenure, it seems, creates the same affects eating a big meal invokes. After you take in the last bite of a hefty meal, you become comfortable, and feel like moving only to satisfy your own needs. Unfortunately, some of those who have been awarded tenure, like this city official, become weary in well doing, in doing their jobs in preserving and ensuring the betterment of our city.
So now, where does this game of favoritism, and instituting a malicious double-standardized way of working, lead? Well, it led me to seek out the Prosecutor’s office, as well as the Mayor and Council’s office. All of the paperwork pertaining to the Obama building has every ‘I’ dotted, and every ‘T’ crossed, and that information has been presented under countless instances of badgering from this city inspector. Instead of harassing the Obama campaign in this area, with a building that has sound documentation and paperwork, I believe the city would rather have its inspector take care of buildings that have become eyesores to our community, which in turn lower our property values. Larry’s Deli on South Avenue in Plainfield suffered from an explosion about six months ago; nothing has been done to rectify the situation. Yet, the inspector has the time on his hands to repeatedly pester those at the legitimate Obama Headquarters’ building.
Take a drive downtown and see for yourself, handfuls of buildings that are suffering from the neglect of inspection, but, the fine-tuned, good-standing Obama building is hounded over and over again. Over half of the storefront owners have shared with me that this city inspector’s standard operating procedures includes that of bullying and intimidation. Which is why as a team, WE should voice issues that detract from community growth and fellowship, and take ACTION against it… TOGETHER!
The light at the end of this tunnel is that the bullying this city inspector does will come to an end. The playing of favorites will also, come to an end. He will not be able to bully storefronts downtown anymore, or any building owner for that matter, when this issue is resolved. Just as resolve was found with the Plainfield Police Department when issues of favoritism where affecting the livelihood of our community, so too will this issue be resolved; taken care of from the root. The city of Plainfield is a community that has been striving TOGETHER to better itself in every facet of life. The practice of teamwork fosters unity, trust, and community. The great thing about teamwork is that Together, EVERYONE, Achieves, MORE!
With all the feelings of kinship, community, and togetherness, I was rather surprised to get a phone call from Councilman Rashid Burney with some disturbing news. It was brought to my attention that the city inspector is demanding us to take out and show all of the proper paperwork on the building in order to keep the Obama Headquarters open. Here we are, Plainfield and our neighbors, moving in support for the election of Barack Obama, establishing a building in the downtown area of the city, registering those able to vote, empowering you, the individual, in this nationwide electoral process, and we have a man whose central focus is me, Gerald B. Green, as opposed to doing his job. He made it very clear that his double-standardized work ethic of deciding which building will be inspected and which one will not, is the way he fulfills his city job, a job that is meant to serve and support us, the community of Plainfield.
Here is a man, the city inspector, who has a reputable job; his duty is to examine, check, and make sure that buildings in the Queen City are livable, functional, and conducive to the owner(s) of the property. No quarrels there. The problem however, is that his job, which is supposed to foster community growth and wellness, he uses to his own liking, and to the liking of his fellow cohorts, those he conspires with. For some reason or another, he has decided to badger, harass, and hassle not only me, but the support network behind the driving force of the Obama campaign. The game of ‘favorites’ is being played out right before our eyes. For example, a few years back, the Republican/New Democrats used the SAME building that our administration is using for the Obama Headquarters. When they were in the building, Mr. City Inspector was nowhere to be found in relation to inspecting the building. I asked the previous owners if they ever had to go through the same process that we are going through, and they said ‘No.” This comes to no surprise to me because, like I’ve acknowledged in previous issues, the Republican/New Democratic administration played politics, and lobbied in the ‘you scratch my back I’ll scratch yours’ mentality.
The Olive Lynch ordeal is a prime example of how a wayward inspection agent can ruin a person. The blame for these serious mishaps does not fall upon the past administration, nor does the blame fall upon this current administration. The blame should fall rather on those inspection agents who have grown complacent and abuse their protection from what the Civil Service and Union organizations offers them. Their tenure, it seems, creates the same affects eating a big meal invokes. After you take in the last bite of a hefty meal, you become comfortable, and feel like moving only to satisfy your own needs. Unfortunately, some of those who have been awarded tenure, like this city official, become weary in well doing, in doing their jobs in preserving and ensuring the betterment of our city.
So now, where does this game of favoritism, and instituting a malicious double-standardized way of working, lead? Well, it led me to seek out the Prosecutor’s office, as well as the Mayor and Council’s office. All of the paperwork pertaining to the Obama building has every ‘I’ dotted, and every ‘T’ crossed, and that information has been presented under countless instances of badgering from this city inspector. Instead of harassing the Obama campaign in this area, with a building that has sound documentation and paperwork, I believe the city would rather have its inspector take care of buildings that have become eyesores to our community, which in turn lower our property values. Larry’s Deli on South Avenue in Plainfield suffered from an explosion about six months ago; nothing has been done to rectify the situation. Yet, the inspector has the time on his hands to repeatedly pester those at the legitimate Obama Headquarters’ building.
Take a drive downtown and see for yourself, handfuls of buildings that are suffering from the neglect of inspection, but, the fine-tuned, good-standing Obama building is hounded over and over again. Over half of the storefront owners have shared with me that this city inspector’s standard operating procedures includes that of bullying and intimidation. Which is why as a team, WE should voice issues that detract from community growth and fellowship, and take ACTION against it… TOGETHER!
The light at the end of this tunnel is that the bullying this city inspector does will come to an end. The playing of favorites will also, come to an end. He will not be able to bully storefronts downtown anymore, or any building owner for that matter, when this issue is resolved. Just as resolve was found with the Plainfield Police Department when issues of favoritism where affecting the livelihood of our community, so too will this issue be resolved; taken care of from the root. The city of Plainfield is a community that has been striving TOGETHER to better itself in every facet of life. The practice of teamwork fosters unity, trust, and community. The great thing about teamwork is that Together, EVERYONE, Achieves, MORE!
Monday, September 22, 2008
"Hello 9-1-1... Where'd My Hospital Go?"
August 13, 2008 marked a sad day for both the city and I due to the closing of the acute-care services at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center. Although the governing board of Muhlenberg has exhibited an unwillingness to work with elected officials and members of the public in ongoing efforts to keep the hospital open, recent incidences have shown me that our efforts are not in vain. After meeting with health officials and elected officials, the common buzz throughout central Jersey is the unity and companionship we have been illustrating through our combined, citywide efforts to in resolving this delicate issue. This past week, Muhlenberg was identified as a hospital offering above-average services. This is exactly why we, Plainfield, need to continue to fight to re-open Muhlenberg as a full service hospital.
Our mayor, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, is doing all she can, and doing an excellent job if I may add, in salvaging any healthcare operations in our city. Since the closing, she has filed grievances as well as appeals to the state of New Jersey in means of saving any resources that the hospital has left behind. The beautiful Muhlenberg campus is still operational and needs to remain that way. The city of Plainfield prides itself on providing environments of sound education for the advancement of those who inhabit our precious community.
The nonprofit organizations aiding our movement, such as the People’s Organization for Progress and Restore Muhlenberg, are also striding hand-in-hand with our mayor and myself in recovering any and every resource we can from this crippling occurrence. It becomes even more difficult however, more of an uphill battle, when you have leaders in the community who lack the zeal, desire, and capacity to unite with us, the community of Plainfield, to fight and press for the defense and security of our local infrastructures; infrastructures that affect our daily lives, as well as give and support nourishment to our community. Leaders such as Cory Storch, and Dan Damon would rather play politics and drag their feet with this issue as opposed to helping to overcome this damaging blow to the community. They would rather participate in childish antics of accusing the mayor and council, embarrassing the city, diverting attention from the dire matters at hand: the securing of what is left of our medical facility and the strengthening of our bonds of community after this staggering blow. It is time for them to straighten up, to listen, and to be more attentive to the voice of you, the voice of the people, the voices of the city of Plainfield. I hear those voices; I listen to their petitions, as does Mayor Robinson-Briggs, as does the People’s Organization for Progress, as well as the Restore Muhlenberg organization. We are fighting to regain stability and medical security for our city, as well as our neighbors who have been impacted by this crushing blow.
Let me share a piece of information that has me absolutely thrilled and excited about you, the great city of Plainfield. In meeting with fellow members of the Assembly in Trenton, as well as communicating with our neighboring cities and districts, Central Jersey is buzzing about the camaraderie, the closeness, the family-oriented devotion we share with one another within the Queen City! Our neighboring towns, cities, and districts read the papers and watch the news, they are aware of the closing of our hospital. And yet, they saw through our example of coming together that we are a strong, united city, and an encouragement to others. They admired and praised highly our ability to come together in such a time of crisis in means of seeking out a healthy and balanced solution. The papers also are keeping up with our progress in this matter. The Courier News is doing an outstanding job in cataloging the small wins that come our way. These smalls wins, and the notation of them in the Courier News is VITAL to our movement to maintain progress in this issue due to the fact that the more our efforts are printed in the newspaper, the hotter the kitchen gets for the Solaris group and the State Department of Health. The more heat for them the better, because the appeals and grievances we filed are not to slow or delay any process; they are to ensure the progress of efficiency and benefit for us, the community of Plainfield, in the realm of health care, treatment, and oversight.
The unity from you, the community of Plainfield, is astounding on this issue. The rallies for the support of Muhlenberg Medical Center were simply amazing. Everyone came out on one accord, leaving any other problems or issues at home, and gathering to protest the closing of our hospital. I came to see that at the protests, at the rallies, and the meetings in the Public Library, that our wonderful community of Plainfield was not trying to put on a show for the cameras, if you will. The sincere, genuine care and concern for the hospital was electrifying. The hairs on my arms were up because of the passion of you, the city of Plainfield. You gathered on one accord, thinking not of self, but of community. That is how I know our Queen City is ready to transition from good, to better, to best!
Our mayor, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, is doing all she can, and doing an excellent job if I may add, in salvaging any healthcare operations in our city. Since the closing, she has filed grievances as well as appeals to the state of New Jersey in means of saving any resources that the hospital has left behind. The beautiful Muhlenberg campus is still operational and needs to remain that way. The city of Plainfield prides itself on providing environments of sound education for the advancement of those who inhabit our precious community.
The nonprofit organizations aiding our movement, such as the People’s Organization for Progress and Restore Muhlenberg, are also striding hand-in-hand with our mayor and myself in recovering any and every resource we can from this crippling occurrence. It becomes even more difficult however, more of an uphill battle, when you have leaders in the community who lack the zeal, desire, and capacity to unite with us, the community of Plainfield, to fight and press for the defense and security of our local infrastructures; infrastructures that affect our daily lives, as well as give and support nourishment to our community. Leaders such as Cory Storch, and Dan Damon would rather play politics and drag their feet with this issue as opposed to helping to overcome this damaging blow to the community. They would rather participate in childish antics of accusing the mayor and council, embarrassing the city, diverting attention from the dire matters at hand: the securing of what is left of our medical facility and the strengthening of our bonds of community after this staggering blow. It is time for them to straighten up, to listen, and to be more attentive to the voice of you, the voice of the people, the voices of the city of Plainfield. I hear those voices; I listen to their petitions, as does Mayor Robinson-Briggs, as does the People’s Organization for Progress, as well as the Restore Muhlenberg organization. We are fighting to regain stability and medical security for our city, as well as our neighbors who have been impacted by this crushing blow.
Let me share a piece of information that has me absolutely thrilled and excited about you, the great city of Plainfield. In meeting with fellow members of the Assembly in Trenton, as well as communicating with our neighboring cities and districts, Central Jersey is buzzing about the camaraderie, the closeness, the family-oriented devotion we share with one another within the Queen City! Our neighboring towns, cities, and districts read the papers and watch the news, they are aware of the closing of our hospital. And yet, they saw through our example of coming together that we are a strong, united city, and an encouragement to others. They admired and praised highly our ability to come together in such a time of crisis in means of seeking out a healthy and balanced solution. The papers also are keeping up with our progress in this matter. The Courier News is doing an outstanding job in cataloging the small wins that come our way. These smalls wins, and the notation of them in the Courier News is VITAL to our movement to maintain progress in this issue due to the fact that the more our efforts are printed in the newspaper, the hotter the kitchen gets for the Solaris group and the State Department of Health. The more heat for them the better, because the appeals and grievances we filed are not to slow or delay any process; they are to ensure the progress of efficiency and benefit for us, the community of Plainfield, in the realm of health care, treatment, and oversight.
The unity from you, the community of Plainfield, is astounding on this issue. The rallies for the support of Muhlenberg Medical Center were simply amazing. Everyone came out on one accord, leaving any other problems or issues at home, and gathering to protest the closing of our hospital. I came to see that at the protests, at the rallies, and the meetings in the Public Library, that our wonderful community of Plainfield was not trying to put on a show for the cameras, if you will. The sincere, genuine care and concern for the hospital was electrifying. The hairs on my arms were up because of the passion of you, the city of Plainfield. You gathered on one accord, thinking not of self, but of community. That is how I know our Queen City is ready to transition from good, to better, to best!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
We're Winning the War on Crime
In a recent press conference, Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow highly praised Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs and the city of Plainfield for its monumental efforts in the reduction of major crimes. This tenacious war on crime was birthed when Mayor Robinson-Briggs was sworn into office. Her first initiative was the establishment and maintenance of communication, camaraderie, and cooperation between the state police of New Jersey, the Attorney General's office, and the Union County Prosecutor's office. Her keen insight and attention to detail, coupled with the city's resounding cries for justice and stability, blossomed this idea, which made it easy to help her bring this initiative to fruition. Our unity on the matter shaped the framework of things to come. For indeed, the state police, the Attorney General's office, and the Prosecutor's office have established an interdependent and successful front on the war on crime within our community.
Our current administration has realized that the time is NOW for change, which is why major crimes in the Queen City are drastically down. The former administration's efforts in the matter resulted in 15 murders, while our current administration has mounted a front on major criminal occurrences, yielding only two this year. Fruits of our "extraordinary, exceptional, and remarkable" effort, as stated by city Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig can be seen in the rapid apprehension of the three principal suspects in last month's brutal attack of an 82 year-old man. In just TWO WEEKS, the Plainfield Police Department, through efficient police work, apprehended two of the three suspects, while the third was captured just days later.
What makes the efficiency and dedication of our current administration and the Plainfield Police Department a colossal achievement is that Prosecutor Romankow has decided to create a Homicide Task Force for Union County, aimed at continuing the successful decrease in major crimes, as well as ensure the public safety of our community. Romankow lauded Plainfield as "the template" for police cooperation. Romankow also stated, "The reality is that the police administration decided that they were going to do something about it [crime]." The Task Force will be comprised of 16 professional investigators from Union County, including two from the Queen City, as well as the County Prosecutor and his five attorneys embarking on a vigorous endeavor to investigate and remedy all criminal and suspicious deaths. The past administration told both you and me that our city, the Queen City, did not have any gang problems. Shortly after that heedless statement was made, gang violence began to consume our community like a wildfire. Union County Prosecutor Romankow said that, "this gang problem was not only out of control, but civilian safety was in jeopardy." Our current administration, since gaining the reigns of leadership, has thus doused the burning threat of gang activity and major crimes with this polished Task Force.
This assault-on-crime initiative is powerful and conducive to our county's unity, community, and harmony because it is a PROACTIVE agenda. Instead of waiting for criminal activity to arise, much like the former administration did, our current administration is taking a stern, hands-on approach to combat and sustain a healthier, more enjoyable, and safer Union County. And it is VITAL that YOU, my fellow neighbors, continue to take an active, persistent role in reporting crime and suspicious activity. I, along with my administrative team, both extol and applaud YOU for YOUR steadfast efforts to transform the Queen City from good, to better, to BEST!
Our current administration has realized that the time is NOW for change, which is why major crimes in the Queen City are drastically down. The former administration's efforts in the matter resulted in 15 murders, while our current administration has mounted a front on major criminal occurrences, yielding only two this year. Fruits of our "extraordinary, exceptional, and remarkable" effort, as stated by city Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig can be seen in the rapid apprehension of the three principal suspects in last month's brutal attack of an 82 year-old man. In just TWO WEEKS, the Plainfield Police Department, through efficient police work, apprehended two of the three suspects, while the third was captured just days later.
What makes the efficiency and dedication of our current administration and the Plainfield Police Department a colossal achievement is that Prosecutor Romankow has decided to create a Homicide Task Force for Union County, aimed at continuing the successful decrease in major crimes, as well as ensure the public safety of our community. Romankow lauded Plainfield as "the template" for police cooperation. Romankow also stated, "The reality is that the police administration decided that they were going to do something about it [crime]." The Task Force will be comprised of 16 professional investigators from Union County, including two from the Queen City, as well as the County Prosecutor and his five attorneys embarking on a vigorous endeavor to investigate and remedy all criminal and suspicious deaths. The past administration told both you and me that our city, the Queen City, did not have any gang problems. Shortly after that heedless statement was made, gang violence began to consume our community like a wildfire. Union County Prosecutor Romankow said that, "this gang problem was not only out of control, but civilian safety was in jeopardy." Our current administration, since gaining the reigns of leadership, has thus doused the burning threat of gang activity and major crimes with this polished Task Force.
This assault-on-crime initiative is powerful and conducive to our county's unity, community, and harmony because it is a PROACTIVE agenda. Instead of waiting for criminal activity to arise, much like the former administration did, our current administration is taking a stern, hands-on approach to combat and sustain a healthier, more enjoyable, and safer Union County. And it is VITAL that YOU, my fellow neighbors, continue to take an active, persistent role in reporting crime and suspicious activity. I, along with my administrative team, both extol and applaud YOU for YOUR steadfast efforts to transform the Queen City from good, to better, to BEST!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Muhlenberg News
Here are two items regarding Muhlenberg Hospital that I thought would be of interest. The first item is a letter from Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs to Governor Jon Corzine. The second item is a news release from the People's Organization for Progress.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Something Interesting...
The following email came to me recently as part of the SaveHospital mailing list and I thought it was very interesting. I wanted to take the time to share it with my readers.
From: Dottie Gutenkauf <dottiegutenkauf@gmail.com>Subject: City appealing decision to close MuhlenbergTo: SaveHospital@yahoogroups.com, SaveHospital-owner@yahoogroups.comDate: Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 11:04 AM
Plainfield has filed a Notice of Appeal of the Commissioner's decision to approve closing Muhlenberg. Here's the story, posted on the Courier News website September 9: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080908/NEWS/80908048/1018/NEWS0401
There's an updated story in the Courier News print edition September 10: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080909/NEWS/809090364/1018/NEWS0401 Councilman Rashid Burney has posted the City's Notice of Appeal on his blog: http://rashidburney.blogspot.com/2008/09/plainfield-notice-of-appeal.htwhml together with a copy of the news release issued by the administration and council: http://rashidburney.blogspot.com/2008/09/statement-from-administration-and.html. The POP/Restore Muhlenberg Coalition is joining the appeal, and leaders of surrounding communities are being contacted and urged to sign on. Interesting note: Second Ward Councilman Cory Storch's position, according to the article: "Councilman Cory Storch said Tuesday he needed to review more information on the matter before coming to a decision, saying 'I need to get up to speed on this before I can take a position.' Storch abstained from voting." He is the only Council member who did not support the City's appeal.
My comment: Where has Councilman Storch been, and how much more information does he think he needs? This situation has been going on for more than six months...Plainfield's citizens have been united as never before in their efforts to keep our hospital open...and we have been at every Council meeting since March talking about the problem and urging the City and the Council to act. And it was Mr. Storch, in talking with my husband and me after a recent Council meeting, expressed concern about what would happen to JFK Hospital if Muhlenberg reopened. Could it be that Mr. Storch is pandering to the members of the Muhlenberg Board of Trustees, all Second Ward residents, who apparently went along with Solaris's decision to close our hospital and who have not raised a single voice in protest? And I say "Bravo!" to the Mayor for going forward with the appeal and the six Council members who support it!
From: Dottie Gutenkauf <dottiegutenkauf@gmail.com>Subject: City appealing decision to close MuhlenbergTo: SaveHospital@yahoogroups.com, SaveHospital-owner@yahoogroups.comDate: Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 11:04 AM
Plainfield has filed a Notice of Appeal of the Commissioner's decision to approve closing Muhlenberg. Here's the story, posted on the Courier News website September 9: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080908/NEWS/80908048/1018/NEWS0401
There's an updated story in the Courier News print edition September 10: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080909/NEWS/809090364/1018/NEWS0401 Councilman Rashid Burney has posted the City's Notice of Appeal on his blog: http://rashidburney.blogspot.com/2008/09/plainfield-notice-of-appeal.htwhml together with a copy of the news release issued by the administration and council: http://rashidburney.blogspot.com/2008/09/statement-from-administration-and.html. The POP/Restore Muhlenberg Coalition is joining the appeal, and leaders of surrounding communities are being contacted and urged to sign on. Interesting note: Second Ward Councilman Cory Storch's position, according to the article: "Councilman Cory Storch said Tuesday he needed to review more information on the matter before coming to a decision, saying 'I need to get up to speed on this before I can take a position.' Storch abstained from voting." He is the only Council member who did not support the City's appeal.
My comment: Where has Councilman Storch been, and how much more information does he think he needs? This situation has been going on for more than six months...Plainfield's citizens have been united as never before in their efforts to keep our hospital open...and we have been at every Council meeting since March talking about the problem and urging the City and the Council to act. And it was Mr. Storch, in talking with my husband and me after a recent Council meeting, expressed concern about what would happen to JFK Hospital if Muhlenberg reopened. Could it be that Mr. Storch is pandering to the members of the Muhlenberg Board of Trustees, all Second Ward residents, who apparently went along with Solaris's decision to close our hospital and who have not raised a single voice in protest? And I say "Bravo!" to the Mayor for going forward with the appeal and the six Council members who support it!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Governor Corzine Assembles Task Force on Day-Workers
Recently, Governor Corzine has assembled a task force to deal specifically with issues related to day-workers. Plainfield Board of Education member Christian Estevez was appointed by the Governor, and I asked that the Governor also appoint Ms. Carol Brokaw, Esq. Ms. Brokaw is an attorney who specializes in Labor matters.
Concerns over day-laborers are affecting our entire state, and are certainly of great concern to the City of Plainfield. This is an issue that has not been appropriately addressed at either the State or Federal level, and so it has been my position to hold off on making any recommendations here in Plainfield until we have a State or Federal policy that is legally sound and fair to all involved. But the matter has reached crisis levels here in Plainfield. In the city’s downtown area, the daily congregation of laborers is affecting the flow of traffic and merchants are complaining. For the past six months I have been meeting with various organizations that deal with issues surrounding day-laborers as well as community leaders and city merchants in order to try to come up with fair solutions and policies to address the concerns of all involved. It is paramount to me that everyone, regardless of their ethnic background, is dealt with in a professional and respectful manner.
Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with Ms. Brokaw to discuss these issues, and I feel confident that she will add a valuable perspective to the task force and help to move in the right direction toward addressing these issues. Her recommendations involve dealing not just with laborers but with anyone in our community in need of services in terms of employment, housing and health care.
If you have any recommendations that you would like me to pass along or you would like to participate in finding good, fair solutions to these problems, please feel free to contact my office.
Concerns over day-laborers are affecting our entire state, and are certainly of great concern to the City of Plainfield. This is an issue that has not been appropriately addressed at either the State or Federal level, and so it has been my position to hold off on making any recommendations here in Plainfield until we have a State or Federal policy that is legally sound and fair to all involved. But the matter has reached crisis levels here in Plainfield. In the city’s downtown area, the daily congregation of laborers is affecting the flow of traffic and merchants are complaining. For the past six months I have been meeting with various organizations that deal with issues surrounding day-laborers as well as community leaders and city merchants in order to try to come up with fair solutions and policies to address the concerns of all involved. It is paramount to me that everyone, regardless of their ethnic background, is dealt with in a professional and respectful manner.
Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with Ms. Brokaw to discuss these issues, and I feel confident that she will add a valuable perspective to the task force and help to move in the right direction toward addressing these issues. Her recommendations involve dealing not just with laborers but with anyone in our community in need of services in terms of employment, housing and health care.
If you have any recommendations that you would like me to pass along or you would like to participate in finding good, fair solutions to these problems, please feel free to contact my office.
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