Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs was honored on Monday, March 30, 2009 at the Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner Meeting for Union County mayors, municipal officials, business administrators, law enforcement officials, educators, et cetera. Plainfield City Councilman Adrian Mapp was in attendance. He did not sit at the designated ‘Plainfield Table’, instead chose to sit at the ‘Roselle Table’, and also provided the Mayors’ presentation for Roselle Mayor Garrett Smith. Out of the 21 Municipalities in Union County, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs was selected as the “Mayor of the Year”, following last year’s winner, Mayor Colleen Mahr of Fanwood.
Others also received awards, such as our Union County Prosecutor, as his trophy was for “Best Law Enforcement Agent” of Union County. This was a very nice event, and it was a sellout crowd.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Assembly Nominations / Elected Official Stimulus Forum / Ps
Thanks are in order to the Union County, Somerset County, and Middlesex County’s Regular Democratic Organizations in nominating Linda Stender and I to be candidates for the 22nd Legislative District. When elected, this will be my 10th term. It was very rewarding to hear all of the supportive compliments for the job I have done in Trenton on behalf of the 22nd District. My efforts in dealing with healthcare issues in the State were acknowledged and lauded upon my nomination. This was very encouraging.
Friday evening I had a forum of elected officials in the 22nd District to deal with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the Federal Stimulus package. There was a lot of information provided from my staff in Trenton as well as different commissioners from various State departments concerning federal funding and its dispersal breakdown. The speakers on the evening were Dr. Ellen Wolock, NJ Dept. of Education, Dr. Carmen Centuolo, Union County Exec Superintendent, Edward Carman, Chief of Staff to Commissioner Joe Doria, Eric Wong, Congressman Pallone’s office, and Mishael Azam, Assembly Majority Office. I was glad to see the County Superintendent discuss educational dollars. I made it my business to ask if Plainfield’s school district, the only Abbott school district in my Legislative district, lose any funding under the new formula. Her answer was no.
Unfortunately, we have some people in the community who were hoping the new formula would hurt the district, but that is not the case. In fact, the Commissioner of Education said she would be happy to come in and discuss this issue further if needed, because the Stimulus money coming from Washington is designed to filter more funding into school districts like Plainfield. What the new formula does is make school districts more accountability for what they spend and how they spend it.
Ps
For those individuals who have questioned my involvement with Roselle, I pay $25,000 in property taxes a year to the Borough of Roselle, and I feel I have a right to voice my opinion as a lawful taxpayer. Just as Plainfield taxpayers feel they have a right to voice their opinions in Plainfield, I too feel the same regarding my property taxes in Roselle. In fact, when I spoke before Roselle’s mayor and council, I told them I was there as a local taxpayer, not as an elected official. As an elected official, I make sure to do my homework and research issues before I comment on them so that I make accurate statements, yet, there are people like Adrian Mapp and Dan Damon who blatantly lie and produce misinformation. But for some reason to them and their cronies, my defense from their baseless accusations is wrong in their eyes. They just do not have a clue.
One of the bloggers mentioned that I have gone to the Attorney General’s Office, which is a lie. But Dan Damon and Cory Storch went to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office to have me investigated. The investigators found NOTHING wrong with my business and conduct as an elected official. This is exactly why I will not stand back and let any lies circulate. Either a person can produce something that has been done wrong, or I will challenge it, whether it is in court or on the blog.
Friday evening I had a forum of elected officials in the 22nd District to deal with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the Federal Stimulus package. There was a lot of information provided from my staff in Trenton as well as different commissioners from various State departments concerning federal funding and its dispersal breakdown. The speakers on the evening were Dr. Ellen Wolock, NJ Dept. of Education, Dr. Carmen Centuolo, Union County Exec Superintendent, Edward Carman, Chief of Staff to Commissioner Joe Doria, Eric Wong, Congressman Pallone’s office, and Mishael Azam, Assembly Majority Office. I was glad to see the County Superintendent discuss educational dollars. I made it my business to ask if Plainfield’s school district, the only Abbott school district in my Legislative district, lose any funding under the new formula. Her answer was no.
Unfortunately, we have some people in the community who were hoping the new formula would hurt the district, but that is not the case. In fact, the Commissioner of Education said she would be happy to come in and discuss this issue further if needed, because the Stimulus money coming from Washington is designed to filter more funding into school districts like Plainfield. What the new formula does is make school districts more accountability for what they spend and how they spend it.
Ps
For those individuals who have questioned my involvement with Roselle, I pay $25,000 in property taxes a year to the Borough of Roselle, and I feel I have a right to voice my opinion as a lawful taxpayer. Just as Plainfield taxpayers feel they have a right to voice their opinions in Plainfield, I too feel the same regarding my property taxes in Roselle. In fact, when I spoke before Roselle’s mayor and council, I told them I was there as a local taxpayer, not as an elected official. As an elected official, I make sure to do my homework and research issues before I comment on them so that I make accurate statements, yet, there are people like Adrian Mapp and Dan Damon who blatantly lie and produce misinformation. But for some reason to them and their cronies, my defense from their baseless accusations is wrong in their eyes. They just do not have a clue.
One of the bloggers mentioned that I have gone to the Attorney General’s Office, which is a lie. But Dan Damon and Cory Storch went to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office to have me investigated. The investigators found NOTHING wrong with my business and conduct as an elected official. This is exactly why I will not stand back and let any lies circulate. Either a person can produce something that has been done wrong, or I will challenge it, whether it is in court or on the blog.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tonight's Stimulus Forum / Senior Center Progress
Tonight I will be holding a forum at Union County College here in Plainfield from 6pm-8pm. The forum will be held in the Annex Lecture Hall. All elected officials in the 22nd District are invited. This forum is to update the elected officials on how the Stimulus dollars are going to affect the municipalities in the 22nd district, and how the municipalities can apply for these dollars. Members from various departments of State government will be there to answer any questions that any elected official might have regarding Stimulus funding. This meeting is just for the elected officials here in the 22nd district. Already Plainfield has begun to receive some of the Stimulus funding. It is very important however that the municipalities in my district understand policy and procedure when applying for this funding.
I had an opportunity yesterday to participate in a tour of the new Senior Citizen Facility on East Front Street. It is a building that the citizens of Plainfield can take pride. Similar condo units would probably go for $100,000 or more in other parts of the State. It was also rewarding to hear that we are getting a lot of people from New York who has shown interest in purchasing these units.
In these economic tough times, to see people interested in purchasing here in Plainfield, it shows me that the City is moving ahead in the right direction. With that, I am hoping that the target day of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony would be sometime in the middle of May. When the ribbon is cut, we all can be proud of the new direction the City is moving in constructing such a facility for our Seniors.
In three years, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs has been able to move the City in the right direction when it comes to crime, quality of life issues, and in working with the State, negotiating taxes that we can live with, the handling of the Muhlenberg crisis, and now the planning of the future when it comes to economic development. She is putting us in a position that when the President turns around this economic crisis this country is facing, our City will be shovel-ready to move ahead.
These are the sorts of allotments coming into the 22nd District for Customized Training through the Department of Labor & Workforce Development:
As a part of our efforts to strengthen New Jersey’s workforce system, I am pleased to inform you that the Department of Labor & Workforce Development has awarded the following grantee a Customized Training Grant to be used to upgrade the skills of their workforce in approved training courses:
Global Auto Mall of North Plainfield Boro
-Grant Amount: $88,000
I had an opportunity yesterday to participate in a tour of the new Senior Citizen Facility on East Front Street. It is a building that the citizens of Plainfield can take pride. Similar condo units would probably go for $100,000 or more in other parts of the State. It was also rewarding to hear that we are getting a lot of people from New York who has shown interest in purchasing these units.
In these economic tough times, to see people interested in purchasing here in Plainfield, it shows me that the City is moving ahead in the right direction. With that, I am hoping that the target day of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony would be sometime in the middle of May. When the ribbon is cut, we all can be proud of the new direction the City is moving in constructing such a facility for our Seniors.
In three years, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs has been able to move the City in the right direction when it comes to crime, quality of life issues, and in working with the State, negotiating taxes that we can live with, the handling of the Muhlenberg crisis, and now the planning of the future when it comes to economic development. She is putting us in a position that when the President turns around this economic crisis this country is facing, our City will be shovel-ready to move ahead.
These are the sorts of allotments coming into the 22nd District for Customized Training through the Department of Labor & Workforce Development:
As a part of our efforts to strengthen New Jersey’s workforce system, I am pleased to inform you that the Department of Labor & Workforce Development has awarded the following grantee a Customized Training Grant to be used to upgrade the skills of their workforce in approved training courses:
Global Auto Mall of North Plainfield Boro
-Grant Amount: $88,000
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Letter from a Roselle Councilwoman
After receiving this letter from a Councilwoman from the Borough of Roselle, I felt I should share her concerns about Adrian Mapp’s inefficient management skills, as well as his inabilities to effectively work with other people. After ten years in the political arena, he has failed to establish productive relationships in government on the Federal, State, and County levels. With this arrogant and ignorant style of politicking, the persons who stand to suffer loss are the residents of Plainfield. After reading the councilwoman’s letter, can you trust Adrian Mapp in being the Mayor of Plainfield?
To: The Honorable Assemblyman Green
Chairman of Local Government State of NJ
Re: Information concerning Roselle Borough CFO
I wish to apologize for the delay in responding to your comments on my behalf at our last Council Meeting. I am appreciative of your effort to share the importance of appropriate behavior of public officials. I was disheartened to see the way you were treated by our mayor in this matter.
For a public official of your stature to take time out of your busy schedule to come to our Council Meeting to address the inappropriate behavior towards myself and other individuals by our CFO Adrian Mapp speaks volumes about your integrity.
We have since held a meeting with Mr. Mapp on many issues which he chose to have discussed in an open public forum regarding his behavior and other concerns related to his employment and conduct. I have grave concerns about Mr. Mapp’s competency to manage the borough finances at this time. I have forwarded a copy of those concerns as outlined to Mr. Mapp and discussed with him. His attitude at the meeting was quite arrogant and minimally communicative about these allegations. The documentation indicates that very little is supposition. I have spoken to others about the concerns and there seems to be lack of interest other than yours in our borough and cannot afford incompetence, neglect or self-improvement vs. Borough wide improvement. I would greatly appreciate any help or recommendations you may have after you read the information I have supplied.
From: Councilwoman Dansereau
Borough of Roselle 5th Ward
To: The Honorable Assemblyman Green
Chairman of Local Government State of NJ
Re: Information concerning Roselle Borough CFO
I wish to apologize for the delay in responding to your comments on my behalf at our last Council Meeting. I am appreciative of your effort to share the importance of appropriate behavior of public officials. I was disheartened to see the way you were treated by our mayor in this matter.
For a public official of your stature to take time out of your busy schedule to come to our Council Meeting to address the inappropriate behavior towards myself and other individuals by our CFO Adrian Mapp speaks volumes about your integrity.
We have since held a meeting with Mr. Mapp on many issues which he chose to have discussed in an open public forum regarding his behavior and other concerns related to his employment and conduct. I have grave concerns about Mr. Mapp’s competency to manage the borough finances at this time. I have forwarded a copy of those concerns as outlined to Mr. Mapp and discussed with him. His attitude at the meeting was quite arrogant and minimally communicative about these allegations. The documentation indicates that very little is supposition. I have spoken to others about the concerns and there seems to be lack of interest other than yours in our borough and cannot afford incompetence, neglect or self-improvement vs. Borough wide improvement. I would greatly appreciate any help or recommendations you may have after you read the information I have supplied.
From: Councilwoman Dansereau
Borough of Roselle 5th Ward
A Preamble to Adrian Mapp's Politics
One of the functions of the Party Chairman is to get Democrats on all levels of government elected. I am proud of the fact that the Obama people in Chicago and New Jersey cited Plainfield’s Democratic Committee with the great job it did in producing such numbers. Plainfield’s campaign efforts were well run and well organized. Therefore, I find it very odd that Adrian Mapp would be very critical with the job I have done as Party Chairman, in getting Democrats elected on the Federal, State, and County levels of government. That is a responsibility of the Chairman of the City Committee. In essence, it is the job of the elected officials to perform their functions as an elected official, which the majority of the council members of the City have failed by doing nothing.
Everyone who worked the Obama campaign here in Plainfield knows exactly how Adrian Mapp felt about getting President Obama elected by his lack of support with our citywide efforts. With the thousands of people who came out solely on Election Day, coupled with the faithful hundreds who volunteered countless hours in phone banking, canvassing, and registering voters, Adrian Mapp was nowhere to be found. As a matter of fact, the phone list that I gave him to call registered voters and encourage them to vote for President Obama was returned to me two weeks later with not ONE phone call made. Yet in still, Adrian and his friends want to compare him to our President.
After serving just ONE term as Freeholder, Adrian Mapp was voted out of office by 25,000 votes. Can you say, ‘the proof was in the pudding?’ Now Adrian Mapp wants to be the Mayor of Plainfield. In doing the math, this simply does not make any sense.
Take for example the CFO positions of Roselle and Hillsborough. Hillsborough is twice the size of Roselle, but its CFO makes $30,000 less than the CFO of Roselle. The CFO of Roselle is Adrian Mapp. The $30,000 increase that Mapp received was a gift from the New Democrat/Bush Republicans countywide.
Also in his blog, he mentioned that I don’t ‘get it’, when in fact, it is Adrian who does not get it; he has a short memory. Last year for example, the committee members voted to give Don Davis, a New Democratic councilperson, the line. After which, they went on to be very critical of his legal problems. Adrian forgets that he only won that election by 80 votes.
When he and his friends accused Don of being a drunk and an embarrassment to the City, I did not want to be Don Davis’ judge and jury so I supported the New Democratic wishes of giving Don Davis the line. I left the judging up to the court system, which eventually found Mr. Davis innocent.
If these are the sorts of politics Adrian Mapp is going to play with me, I would like him to wake up and smell the coffee because I will not accept it. Misinformation, inaccuracy, and hearsay are foreign platforms to my campaign and me.
I have one thing to say to Adrian Mapp: Lying is not going to get you elected. Start talking about solutions to problems in the City, which you have YET to do in your ten-year involvement in government.
Everyone who worked the Obama campaign here in Plainfield knows exactly how Adrian Mapp felt about getting President Obama elected by his lack of support with our citywide efforts. With the thousands of people who came out solely on Election Day, coupled with the faithful hundreds who volunteered countless hours in phone banking, canvassing, and registering voters, Adrian Mapp was nowhere to be found. As a matter of fact, the phone list that I gave him to call registered voters and encourage them to vote for President Obama was returned to me two weeks later with not ONE phone call made. Yet in still, Adrian and his friends want to compare him to our President.
After serving just ONE term as Freeholder, Adrian Mapp was voted out of office by 25,000 votes. Can you say, ‘the proof was in the pudding?’ Now Adrian Mapp wants to be the Mayor of Plainfield. In doing the math, this simply does not make any sense.
Take for example the CFO positions of Roselle and Hillsborough. Hillsborough is twice the size of Roselle, but its CFO makes $30,000 less than the CFO of Roselle. The CFO of Roselle is Adrian Mapp. The $30,000 increase that Mapp received was a gift from the New Democrat/Bush Republicans countywide.
Also in his blog, he mentioned that I don’t ‘get it’, when in fact, it is Adrian who does not get it; he has a short memory. Last year for example, the committee members voted to give Don Davis, a New Democratic councilperson, the line. After which, they went on to be very critical of his legal problems. Adrian forgets that he only won that election by 80 votes.
When he and his friends accused Don of being a drunk and an embarrassment to the City, I did not want to be Don Davis’ judge and jury so I supported the New Democratic wishes of giving Don Davis the line. I left the judging up to the court system, which eventually found Mr. Davis innocent.
If these are the sorts of politics Adrian Mapp is going to play with me, I would like him to wake up and smell the coffee because I will not accept it. Misinformation, inaccuracy, and hearsay are foreign platforms to my campaign and me.
I have one thing to say to Adrian Mapp: Lying is not going to get you elected. Start talking about solutions to problems in the City, which you have YET to do in your ten-year involvement in government.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Real Politics
After reading Cory Storch’s blog this morning, I would like to set the record straight in terms of the function of being Chairman of the Democratic Party here in the City of Plainfield.
What Mr. Storch has failed to tell the community is that I have spent the majority of these years trying to bring the community together, wherein my contributions speak clearly for themselves. When I became Chairman, the support system of the Democratic Party was less than 50% in the 34 districts of Plainfield. Now today, we have support in over 30 of those districts. There is no real power in any level of government in Plainfield. The people, not the party, elected every Mayor who served their term. The people, not the party, elected every councilperson who served their term.
I would like to feel that my success as an elected official has been from the hard work I put in as a Freeholder and as a State Assemblyman. From day one, I have been involved in politics to give back to the community, as well as make a difference. I make myself visible in the community, return phone calls, and create and coordinate solution-based efforts.
I would like to put my record up against Mr. Storch’s and any of the New Democrats in terms of what I have accomplished for the City versus their record and their contributions. In order to bring the City together when I was re-elected as Chairman of the party, I have given my support to the Mayor, as well as Rashid Burney, Cory Storch, Linda Carter, Rayland Van Blake, and Don Davis; the latter being New Democrats. With that said, I feel that Cory Storch is very misleading to the public when he tries to paint the picture that I try to control him and those mentioned above.
When Cory Storch says that he walks the streets knocking on doors in his district, he is doing this ONLY when he is campaigning for re-election.
I find it very intriguing that Cory Storch is speaking out in this capacity when in reality; he has done nothing as a representative of the 2nd Ward. Cory Storch is the complete opposite of Rashid Burney, a man who has stepped up as a leader within the 2nd Ward.
This last election, Cory Storch would have lost if it were not for my financial backing as well as my support. Cory is very much like some of the other elected officials of the past who got into politics for personal gain, and let me be specific when I say personal gain. Often city workers have complained about the pressure they receive from families like Cory Storch when it comes down to real estate transactions within the City. People have openly complained about this example of bullying and favoritism. Thus, as one can see, some elected officials use their power for personal benefit, while real politicians use their influence for community betterment.
Ps:
It was very rewarding to read the Courier News Editorial finally being critical of the way Solaris and the Muhlenberg Board, mainly comprised of New Democrats, have treated the City of Plainfield and the surrounding medical community. There are some people in town that would love to lay blame upon me in this matter. Nevertheless, the daily phone calls of support in this matter far out-weight Dan Damon’s tactics of blaming me for Muhlenburg’s closing (which in fact the New Democrat/Muhlenberg Board sent a letter to Trenton, on behalf of Solaris, asking the State to support Solaris in closing the Muhlenberg campus).
Moreover, we can examine my 20-year tenure as Chairman of the Party. In eight of those years, there was a Republican governor in the State House. Within the 20 years, Republicans (both Bush’s and Regan) served as President. Ergo you do the math: when we have had people in governing positions of power who have put this country in the economic crisis that we are in today, and you try to lump me in with them, it just simply does not add up.
What Mr. Storch has failed to tell the community is that I have spent the majority of these years trying to bring the community together, wherein my contributions speak clearly for themselves. When I became Chairman, the support system of the Democratic Party was less than 50% in the 34 districts of Plainfield. Now today, we have support in over 30 of those districts. There is no real power in any level of government in Plainfield. The people, not the party, elected every Mayor who served their term. The people, not the party, elected every councilperson who served their term.
I would like to feel that my success as an elected official has been from the hard work I put in as a Freeholder and as a State Assemblyman. From day one, I have been involved in politics to give back to the community, as well as make a difference. I make myself visible in the community, return phone calls, and create and coordinate solution-based efforts.
I would like to put my record up against Mr. Storch’s and any of the New Democrats in terms of what I have accomplished for the City versus their record and their contributions. In order to bring the City together when I was re-elected as Chairman of the party, I have given my support to the Mayor, as well as Rashid Burney, Cory Storch, Linda Carter, Rayland Van Blake, and Don Davis; the latter being New Democrats. With that said, I feel that Cory Storch is very misleading to the public when he tries to paint the picture that I try to control him and those mentioned above.
When Cory Storch says that he walks the streets knocking on doors in his district, he is doing this ONLY when he is campaigning for re-election.
I find it very intriguing that Cory Storch is speaking out in this capacity when in reality; he has done nothing as a representative of the 2nd Ward. Cory Storch is the complete opposite of Rashid Burney, a man who has stepped up as a leader within the 2nd Ward.
This last election, Cory Storch would have lost if it were not for my financial backing as well as my support. Cory is very much like some of the other elected officials of the past who got into politics for personal gain, and let me be specific when I say personal gain. Often city workers have complained about the pressure they receive from families like Cory Storch when it comes down to real estate transactions within the City. People have openly complained about this example of bullying and favoritism. Thus, as one can see, some elected officials use their power for personal benefit, while real politicians use their influence for community betterment.
Ps:
It was very rewarding to read the Courier News Editorial finally being critical of the way Solaris and the Muhlenberg Board, mainly comprised of New Democrats, have treated the City of Plainfield and the surrounding medical community. There are some people in town that would love to lay blame upon me in this matter. Nevertheless, the daily phone calls of support in this matter far out-weight Dan Damon’s tactics of blaming me for Muhlenburg’s closing (which in fact the New Democrat/Muhlenberg Board sent a letter to Trenton, on behalf of Solaris, asking the State to support Solaris in closing the Muhlenberg campus).
Moreover, we can examine my 20-year tenure as Chairman of the Party. In eight of those years, there was a Republican governor in the State House. Within the 20 years, Republicans (both Bush’s and Regan) served as President. Ergo you do the math: when we have had people in governing positions of power who have put this country in the economic crisis that we are in today, and you try to lump me in with them, it just simply does not add up.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Green Right to Get Tough as Solaris Drags Feet
Below is the featured Editorial from today’s Courier News/Union edition in making sure Plainfield receives the healthcare services they deserve:
Green Right to Get Tough as Solaris Drags Feet
Assemblyman Jerry Green, D-Plainfield, deserves plaudits for his never-ending efforts to make sure his constituents get a square deal in the aftermath of the closure of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center.
Green has tirelessly devoted himself to ensuring residents receive the same high quality of health care they were enjoying when Muhlenberg was a vital part of the community.
The assemblyman has continually pressured Solaris to live up to the 18 conditions the state placed on Solaris when it closed the 131-year-old hospital that employed more than 1,000 people. Among the primary points of contention is the accusation that Solaris is reneging on its commitment to provide ambulance services to Plainfield residents.
Solaris has been dragging its feet on fulfilling its end of the bargain. Maybe that’s a tactic in the ongoing negotiations between Solaris and Plainfield, but residents are being caught in the middle, and their concerns are being short-changed by the frustrating delay in reaching a settlement.
Joined by residents of North Plainfield and Scotch Plains, Green announced at a news conference on Wednesday that he will ask the state to withhold more than $170 million from bonds granted to Solaris nearly five months ago by the New Jersey Health Care Financing Authority.
“I’m going to ask everybody in Trenton to make sure they (Solaris) don’t get a dollar,” Green said. That naturally drew a sharp response from Solaris, whose spokesman said Green’s vow as counterproductive in promoting and maintaining health-care coverage in the area. Solaris officials have said that a little less than $150 million of the bonds is expected to be allocated toward debt restructuring, with $22 million budgeted for a renovation and expansion of JFK Medical Center in Edison.
Solaris is going to utilize most of the funds to put its financial house in order; in this atmosphere of expedient and expensive bailouts, residents are allowed to be rightfully cynical about exactly where the money will go and who it will benefit. Residents want to know how the money will assuage their literal life-and-death worries about their health care.
The intransigence of Solaris can be countered only by forceful action, such as the threat to withhold the bond money. It’s unfortunate Green has to resort to the threat, but it has to be done to ensure that Plainfield area residents receive the health care they deserve.
Our Position:
We applaud Assemblyman Green’s tough negotiation with Solaris and urge the company to deliver the health care it promised to Plainfield.
Green Right to Get Tough as Solaris Drags Feet
Assemblyman Jerry Green, D-Plainfield, deserves plaudits for his never-ending efforts to make sure his constituents get a square deal in the aftermath of the closure of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center.
Green has tirelessly devoted himself to ensuring residents receive the same high quality of health care they were enjoying when Muhlenberg was a vital part of the community.
The assemblyman has continually pressured Solaris to live up to the 18 conditions the state placed on Solaris when it closed the 131-year-old hospital that employed more than 1,000 people. Among the primary points of contention is the accusation that Solaris is reneging on its commitment to provide ambulance services to Plainfield residents.
Solaris has been dragging its feet on fulfilling its end of the bargain. Maybe that’s a tactic in the ongoing negotiations between Solaris and Plainfield, but residents are being caught in the middle, and their concerns are being short-changed by the frustrating delay in reaching a settlement.
Joined by residents of North Plainfield and Scotch Plains, Green announced at a news conference on Wednesday that he will ask the state to withhold more than $170 million from bonds granted to Solaris nearly five months ago by the New Jersey Health Care Financing Authority.
“I’m going to ask everybody in Trenton to make sure they (Solaris) don’t get a dollar,” Green said. That naturally drew a sharp response from Solaris, whose spokesman said Green’s vow as counterproductive in promoting and maintaining health-care coverage in the area. Solaris officials have said that a little less than $150 million of the bonds is expected to be allocated toward debt restructuring, with $22 million budgeted for a renovation and expansion of JFK Medical Center in Edison.
Solaris is going to utilize most of the funds to put its financial house in order; in this atmosphere of expedient and expensive bailouts, residents are allowed to be rightfully cynical about exactly where the money will go and who it will benefit. Residents want to know how the money will assuage their literal life-and-death worries about their health care.
The intransigence of Solaris can be countered only by forceful action, such as the threat to withhold the bond money. It’s unfortunate Green has to resort to the threat, but it has to be done to ensure that Plainfield area residents receive the health care they deserve.
Our Position:
We applaud Assemblyman Green’s tough negotiation with Solaris and urge the company to deliver the health care it promised to Plainfield.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Green Calls on State Health Commissioner to Hold Solaris to Agreement
Assemblyman Says Hospital Operator Already Reneging on Deal Struck to Allow Muhlenberg to Close
(Plainfield) – Assemblyman Jerry Green today blasted Solaris Health Systems for what he said was the company’s failure to abide by an agreement it struck with State health officials to ensure residents adversely impacted by Muhlenberg Hospital’s closing would still have access to medical care.
As part of an August 2008 agreement to allow Muhlenberg’s closing as an acute-care facility, Solaris promised State Health Commissioner Heather Howard that it would implement a transportation plan – among other measures – to ensure patient’s access to emergency care at JFK Medical Center in Edison and Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth.
Green said he has received complaints from the community that Solaris is not living up to the agreement. The Plainfield City Counsel also recently passed a resolution calling on Howard to hold Solaris to its deal.
“It’s becoming obvious that Commissioner Howard needs to bring Solaris back to the table and make sure they understand in no uncertain terms their obligation to the community,” said Green. “We cannot have closures unless and until all the lingering issues and doubts over Solaris are put to rest. And, the way things are going now, I fear an innocent life is going to be left in limbo and lost before we reach that point.”
Green noted that North Plainfield’s borough council also recently passed a resolution calling on Solaris to live up to its agreements with the State.
Green said that State officials should also put on hold Solaris’ efforts to obtain up to $170 million in Hospital Asset Transformation Program bonds until all the issues swirling around Muhlenberg are cleared.
(Plainfield) – Assemblyman Jerry Green today blasted Solaris Health Systems for what he said was the company’s failure to abide by an agreement it struck with State health officials to ensure residents adversely impacted by Muhlenberg Hospital’s closing would still have access to medical care.
As part of an August 2008 agreement to allow Muhlenberg’s closing as an acute-care facility, Solaris promised State Health Commissioner Heather Howard that it would implement a transportation plan – among other measures – to ensure patient’s access to emergency care at JFK Medical Center in Edison and Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth.
Green said he has received complaints from the community that Solaris is not living up to the agreement. The Plainfield City Counsel also recently passed a resolution calling on Howard to hold Solaris to its deal.
“It’s becoming obvious that Commissioner Howard needs to bring Solaris back to the table and make sure they understand in no uncertain terms their obligation to the community,” said Green. “We cannot have closures unless and until all the lingering issues and doubts over Solaris are put to rest. And, the way things are going now, I fear an innocent life is going to be left in limbo and lost before we reach that point.”
Green noted that North Plainfield’s borough council also recently passed a resolution calling on Solaris to live up to its agreements with the State.
Green said that State officials should also put on hold Solaris’ efforts to obtain up to $170 million in Hospital Asset Transformation Program bonds until all the issues swirling around Muhlenberg are cleared.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Legislative Priorities Agenda for Fiscal Year 2009-2010
The Priorities for the Members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus are the Following:
Economic and Social Justice for Minorities and Women
Today, New Jersey’s unemployment rate is one of the highest in the country at 7.6% and is expected to increase substantially over the next few months. It is no secret that the unemployment rate due to the lack of jobs and business opportunities negatively affects Minorities and Women the most.
The City of Newark unemployment rate is beyond 16%. New Jersey has a history of not ensuring equal employment opportunities for such citizens in government, the construction field, and in the world of business.
Over the years members of the Legislature has promulgated legislation that was signed into law by various Governors of this state to provide jobs and business opportunities for minorities and women; however, administration after administration have failed to adequately meet its obligation to enforce the laws against violators.
The members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus has made it a number one priority, to work with the Governor, the President of the New Jersey Senate and the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly to make certain that the Governor’s Economic Assistance and Recovery Plan (Stimulus Plan) provides economic fairness and justice to minorities and women for jobs created, job training, and for professional service and construction contracts awarded in the public and private sectors in this state.
As we debate the budget and legislation that would hopefully stimulate our economy, it must be remembered that members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus is an integral part of the process.
Our members stand ready to work with our labor and business leaders to accomplish this goal. “Communication is the key to cooperation; and cooperation is the key to our collective success to ensure economic and social injustice” for minorities and women.
**Healthcare**
The greatest number of hospital closures in New Jersey has been in the urban cities. It is well known that the urban municipalities and their suburdan borderline cities, are where the largest number of minorities, single head of household women, homeless, residents with HIV and AIDS, victims of violent crimes, the mentally-ill population and persons who can least afford quality healthcare reside in this state. These are also the cities with the worse environmental health problems and violent crimes.
The negative impact of hospital closures has a direct negative impact on hospital emergency room treatment, the medical transportation system, the mentally-ill population, community health centers, women given birth to new-born children, infant mortality, senior citizens, employment of working family members and the education of our students.
The members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus are very much aware that “University healthcare” is not going to come about any time soon; thus our members have establish as a priority the enhancement of funding for our medical institutions as such funds relate to the services they must provide to the indigent population and to residents who cannot afford healthcare. We are committed to the establishment of more Community Healthcare Centers within the urban communities, a review and analysis of our medical transportation system and proper funding to provide the human resources, technology and equipment needed to serve the state’s residents with the greatest medical needs.
**Education**
The members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus, like members in the administration and our legislative colleagues have had the opportunity to get a quality education in our public school system and in our state and community colleges.
As, our history depicts, we know the importance and value of a quality public school system and an education beyond high school for all students. Therefore, we are committed to continuing our efforts to increase the dollars that are needed to help subsidize the college tuition of students via EOF, Tag Grants and the Stars programs who want to attend college but cannot due to affordability.
Education opportunities must be available for all New Jersey’s students, not just a privileged few.
**Affordable Housing**
The number of housing foreclosures in this State grew almost over-night to be one of the highest in the nation for people losing their homes. The greatest impact on working families and tenants alike has been in the urban cities and counties.
The members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus, working with the Governor, our leadership and colleagues in the Senate and General Assembly, members of the administration and our non-profit community organizations such as Citizen Action, the New Jersey Housing Network, Clergy members and others have passed and had signed into law what is said by many to be the “best foreclosure help legislation” in the country to date.
Our members know that there is still much work to be done in trying to save residents from losing their homes. Therefore, we have deemed it a priority to continue to do all that we can through legislation to prevent this crisis from occurring in the future. We will work with the Governor and our colleagues to demise predatory lending and fraud schemes in this State.
We are committed to continuing our support and work to find ways and means to reduce the high cost of home heating fuel and to help residents who cannot afford the high cost of heating their homes; and we will do all that we can to clean-up the unsanitary and unhealthy conditions and environment in the shelters for the homeless.
The goal of our priority in this area is to work to create more affordable and decent housing units for permanent living, rather than continuing to pay the high cost of housing families to “slum-lords” for a short stay in a shelter environment that is unhealthy, unsafe and drug-infested.
**After-School Programs for our Youth**
In New Jersey we spend a lot of time in state and local governments talking and debating the issue of street gangs and failed school systems. Unfortunately, we do not spend enough time developing opportunities and programs for our children and their family members to enhance family values and to provide academic and recreational support systems for our youth.
The members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus remain committed to promulgating Legislation and to identifying ways and means to provide a sufficient amount of funding for such opportunities and programs.
As a priority issue, it is important that government takes seriously our responsibility to our children by addressing the need to deter our youth from gangs, drugs and criminal activities. There must be stronger and more transparent focus on prevention rather than incarceration of urban youth in particular and others throughout this State.
**Re-Entry Programs**
Assemblywoman and Majority-Leader Bonnie Watson-Coleman has done a terrific job traveling up and down this State holding hearings on the need to prepare inmates who are re-entering society from the prison system. Her efforts have been to not only make certain that the right programs, training and educational opportunities are in place within the correctional institutions for inmates serving their terms but just as important, to make certain that there are programs, educational, training and job opportunities available for inmates and their families once they are released from the institutions.
The members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus are committed to continuing our support of her efforts to reduce the recidivism rate for those who are returning back to their communities in New Jersey. we will continue our support of her efforts to remove those barriers that deny real opportunities to inmates and their families in meeting their needs; and her efforts to prevent our youth from falling victim to the Criminal Justice System.
In closing, as we collectively work to pass a balanced budget by July 1, 2009, our members firmly believe that “Communication is the key to cooperation; Cooperation is the key through this tough budget year.”
The members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus are confident the Governor, Senate President, Speaker of the General Assembly and our colleagues in both Houses of Legislature will work together with us to make certain that our priorities receive just and fair consideration during the budget deliberations and debates.
Economic and Social Justice for Minorities and Women
Today, New Jersey’s unemployment rate is one of the highest in the country at 7.6% and is expected to increase substantially over the next few months. It is no secret that the unemployment rate due to the lack of jobs and business opportunities negatively affects Minorities and Women the most.
The City of Newark unemployment rate is beyond 16%. New Jersey has a history of not ensuring equal employment opportunities for such citizens in government, the construction field, and in the world of business.
Over the years members of the Legislature has promulgated legislation that was signed into law by various Governors of this state to provide jobs and business opportunities for minorities and women; however, administration after administration have failed to adequately meet its obligation to enforce the laws against violators.
The members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus has made it a number one priority, to work with the Governor, the President of the New Jersey Senate and the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly to make certain that the Governor’s Economic Assistance and Recovery Plan (Stimulus Plan) provides economic fairness and justice to minorities and women for jobs created, job training, and for professional service and construction contracts awarded in the public and private sectors in this state.
As we debate the budget and legislation that would hopefully stimulate our economy, it must be remembered that members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus is an integral part of the process.
Our members stand ready to work with our labor and business leaders to accomplish this goal. “Communication is the key to cooperation; and cooperation is the key to our collective success to ensure economic and social injustice” for minorities and women.
**Healthcare**
The greatest number of hospital closures in New Jersey has been in the urban cities. It is well known that the urban municipalities and their suburdan borderline cities, are where the largest number of minorities, single head of household women, homeless, residents with HIV and AIDS, victims of violent crimes, the mentally-ill population and persons who can least afford quality healthcare reside in this state. These are also the cities with the worse environmental health problems and violent crimes.
The negative impact of hospital closures has a direct negative impact on hospital emergency room treatment, the medical transportation system, the mentally-ill population, community health centers, women given birth to new-born children, infant mortality, senior citizens, employment of working family members and the education of our students.
The members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus are very much aware that “University healthcare” is not going to come about any time soon; thus our members have establish as a priority the enhancement of funding for our medical institutions as such funds relate to the services they must provide to the indigent population and to residents who cannot afford healthcare. We are committed to the establishment of more Community Healthcare Centers within the urban communities, a review and analysis of our medical transportation system and proper funding to provide the human resources, technology and equipment needed to serve the state’s residents with the greatest medical needs.
**Education**
The members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus, like members in the administration and our legislative colleagues have had the opportunity to get a quality education in our public school system and in our state and community colleges.
As, our history depicts, we know the importance and value of a quality public school system and an education beyond high school for all students. Therefore, we are committed to continuing our efforts to increase the dollars that are needed to help subsidize the college tuition of students via EOF, Tag Grants and the Stars programs who want to attend college but cannot due to affordability.
Education opportunities must be available for all New Jersey’s students, not just a privileged few.
**Affordable Housing**
The number of housing foreclosures in this State grew almost over-night to be one of the highest in the nation for people losing their homes. The greatest impact on working families and tenants alike has been in the urban cities and counties.
The members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus, working with the Governor, our leadership and colleagues in the Senate and General Assembly, members of the administration and our non-profit community organizations such as Citizen Action, the New Jersey Housing Network, Clergy members and others have passed and had signed into law what is said by many to be the “best foreclosure help legislation” in the country to date.
Our members know that there is still much work to be done in trying to save residents from losing their homes. Therefore, we have deemed it a priority to continue to do all that we can through legislation to prevent this crisis from occurring in the future. We will work with the Governor and our colleagues to demise predatory lending and fraud schemes in this State.
We are committed to continuing our support and work to find ways and means to reduce the high cost of home heating fuel and to help residents who cannot afford the high cost of heating their homes; and we will do all that we can to clean-up the unsanitary and unhealthy conditions and environment in the shelters for the homeless.
The goal of our priority in this area is to work to create more affordable and decent housing units for permanent living, rather than continuing to pay the high cost of housing families to “slum-lords” for a short stay in a shelter environment that is unhealthy, unsafe and drug-infested.
**After-School Programs for our Youth**
In New Jersey we spend a lot of time in state and local governments talking and debating the issue of street gangs and failed school systems. Unfortunately, we do not spend enough time developing opportunities and programs for our children and their family members to enhance family values and to provide academic and recreational support systems for our youth.
The members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus remain committed to promulgating Legislation and to identifying ways and means to provide a sufficient amount of funding for such opportunities and programs.
As a priority issue, it is important that government takes seriously our responsibility to our children by addressing the need to deter our youth from gangs, drugs and criminal activities. There must be stronger and more transparent focus on prevention rather than incarceration of urban youth in particular and others throughout this State.
**Re-Entry Programs**
Assemblywoman and Majority-Leader Bonnie Watson-Coleman has done a terrific job traveling up and down this State holding hearings on the need to prepare inmates who are re-entering society from the prison system. Her efforts have been to not only make certain that the right programs, training and educational opportunities are in place within the correctional institutions for inmates serving their terms but just as important, to make certain that there are programs, educational, training and job opportunities available for inmates and their families once they are released from the institutions.
The members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus are committed to continuing our support of her efforts to reduce the recidivism rate for those who are returning back to their communities in New Jersey. we will continue our support of her efforts to remove those barriers that deny real opportunities to inmates and their families in meeting their needs; and her efforts to prevent our youth from falling victim to the Criminal Justice System.
In closing, as we collectively work to pass a balanced budget by July 1, 2009, our members firmly believe that “Communication is the key to cooperation; Cooperation is the key through this tough budget year.”
The members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus are confident the Governor, Senate President, Speaker of the General Assembly and our colleagues in both Houses of Legislature will work together with us to make certain that our priorities receive just and fair consideration during the budget deliberations and debates.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Thoughts on Mapp's Editorial Opinion
Yesterday Governor Corzine presented the 2010 State Budget. I have some concerns in terms of the cuts and sacrifices that the people of New Jersey will have to make. Now that the Assembly and the Senate have the opportunity to examine the budget thoroughly and make decisions before it is finalized, I am prepared not to comment one way or another.
I was surprised to pick up today’s Courier News and read the Editorial Section referencing the PMUA and its Commissioners. As I said in the past, and will say one more time, I feel I represent Plainfield in the best way possible; my district is very well respected in Trenton, and Leadership in the Assembly and Senate speak highly of accomplishments which are comprised of my efforts to induce productivity and efficiency in State Government. Councilman Mapp was even present this past Sunday evening when the Governor asked me to stand and be recognized by the elected officials from local, county, and State government regarding my accomplishments in Trenton on behalf of my district.
For the record, I have asked legal council if Plainfield could take PMUA over, and I was told it would be a financial burden that would devastate the City because of the destruction of its bond rates due to the debt the PMUA holds. I am currently talking with neighboring towns soliciting a shared service agreement with the PMUA because our entity provides a service they need.
For instance, in speaking with the Mayor and Business Administrator of Fanwood regarding the PMUA, all parties realized that the lack of attention to detail by Mapp and the past administration caused a billing oversight to Fanwood sewage usage. After bringing all parties together, Fanwood paid $500,000 to the City of Plainfield. Unfortunately, this is what happens when individuals spend more time being critical than them trying to resolve crises that are nationwide, statewide, and locally impactful.
This year alone, I was able to bring in $17 million for the school district, $650, 000 for the Plainfield Health Center, and $340,000 for the Plainfield Police Department. I ask Adrian Mapp, what have you done within this period of time for the City of Plainfield?
I was surprised to pick up today’s Courier News and read the Editorial Section referencing the PMUA and its Commissioners. As I said in the past, and will say one more time, I feel I represent Plainfield in the best way possible; my district is very well respected in Trenton, and Leadership in the Assembly and Senate speak highly of accomplishments which are comprised of my efforts to induce productivity and efficiency in State Government. Councilman Mapp was even present this past Sunday evening when the Governor asked me to stand and be recognized by the elected officials from local, county, and State government regarding my accomplishments in Trenton on behalf of my district.
For the record, I have asked legal council if Plainfield could take PMUA over, and I was told it would be a financial burden that would devastate the City because of the destruction of its bond rates due to the debt the PMUA holds. I am currently talking with neighboring towns soliciting a shared service agreement with the PMUA because our entity provides a service they need.
For instance, in speaking with the Mayor and Business Administrator of Fanwood regarding the PMUA, all parties realized that the lack of attention to detail by Mapp and the past administration caused a billing oversight to Fanwood sewage usage. After bringing all parties together, Fanwood paid $500,000 to the City of Plainfield. Unfortunately, this is what happens when individuals spend more time being critical than them trying to resolve crises that are nationwide, statewide, and locally impactful.
This year alone, I was able to bring in $17 million for the school district, $650, 000 for the Plainfield Health Center, and $340,000 for the Plainfield Police Department. I ask Adrian Mapp, what have you done within this period of time for the City of Plainfield?
Afterthoughts on Our Community Forum on Crime Prevention and Re-Entry
I want to thank everyone who came out and participated in the crime prevention, re-entry, and gang forum at the Rose of Sharon Church on last evening. It was well attended with roughly 150 people in attendance. I want to give a special thanks to the panel guests who enlightened us tremendously with their informative discussions: Wanda Moore, Attorney General’s Office, Darcella Sessomes, Department of Corrections, Anthony Bland, Department of Education, Captain Hector Reyes, New Jersey State Parole Board, Kirsten Giardi, Vice-President Northern NJ Division of Goodwill, Joe Greer, New Jersey Families Against Mandatory Minimums, and Jean Ross, Esq. Each panel guest brought significant insight regarding the issues of the forum.
This forum is one of the first approaches I am taking to discuss and field solutions to problems in the City of Plainfield as well as my Legislative District. This is a constructive move in Plainfield especially because I have heard many residents complain about issues, but were never motivated to pursue the solutions. I am now attempting to provide such an avenue, and last night’s panel forum certainly sent a staunch message that Plainfield is motivated and willing to work towards solutions.
The first issue of discussion on yesterday evening was crime prevention. Anthony Bland from the Department of Education did an excellent job in painting a picture of reality as to the efforts in which the State takes and implements in educating our children in school regarding crime prevention and deterrence. Jean Ross, Esq. also discussed methods of deterrence through educational means, as well as the importance of family connectivity; a huge basis of support for a child. Criminality takes advantage and transforms the honest wills of our youth and, as Mr. Bland stated, we do not want the levees of criminality to break.
The second issue discussed dealt with the issue of re-entry. The most prevalent problem with re-entry is the fact that ex-offenders receive virtually no transition from confinement to community. They receive little or no help, aid, or guidance as to how to re-condition themselves to operate productively as law-abiding citizens once released from prison. We need to ensure their re-entry transition then is smooth, preparing avenues which avoid recidivism. Wanda Moore from the Attorney General’s Office gave a thorough 3-step process as to how the Attorney General’s Office is taking steps to afford such realities. Darcella Sessomes also eloquently outlined the exhaustive and supportive efforts of the Department of Corrections.
The third and final issue discussed was gang education, containment, and prevention. Captain Reyes from the State Parole Board outlined an educational program that the Board established called G.R.E.A.T., an initiative that Linden, a sister City in our District, already has employed. Kirsten Giardi, Vice President of the Northern Division of Goodwill, contributed to the alternative discussion points Captain Reyes explained; using our resources to help ex-offenders find jobs, housing, and adjust to the community.
In further points, members of the panel prescribed that rather than spending $48,000 on an inmate to keep them imprisoned, there are vehicles, so long as the offender qualifies for such standards, that will provide housing and programs to help them adjust to the community they are returning to, for half of that figure. These sorts of measures can certainly, and have been proven, to provide the opportunity for inmates and ex offenders to adhere to law and be good standing citizens upon their release.
Mayor Robinson-Briggs discussed the local taskforce that is being put into place as a communication liaison between the City and State agencies pertaining to these issues. Such initiatives that Plainfield is taking are being recognized from the federal level down to the Prosecutor’s and Sheriff’s Offices here in Union County.
Just yesterday the Prosecutor’s Office held a press conference in Plainfield regarding the recent homicides in our City. Because of the Crime Taskforce the County has put together, the capturing of two men in relation to the January 2008 slaying lasted only 14 months, as stated in the Courier News.
We will be having follow-up meetings as we move forward with dealing with crime prevention, gangs, and re-entry to make sure individuals who fall victim to these issues, realize that help and support are there so long as they adhere to law-abiding standards.
For more information regarding the panel guests and their respected areas of work, please email me at Asmgreen@njleg.org, or call my District Office at (908) 561-5757, and my staff will direct you accordingly.
This forum is one of the first approaches I am taking to discuss and field solutions to problems in the City of Plainfield as well as my Legislative District. This is a constructive move in Plainfield especially because I have heard many residents complain about issues, but were never motivated to pursue the solutions. I am now attempting to provide such an avenue, and last night’s panel forum certainly sent a staunch message that Plainfield is motivated and willing to work towards solutions.
The first issue of discussion on yesterday evening was crime prevention. Anthony Bland from the Department of Education did an excellent job in painting a picture of reality as to the efforts in which the State takes and implements in educating our children in school regarding crime prevention and deterrence. Jean Ross, Esq. also discussed methods of deterrence through educational means, as well as the importance of family connectivity; a huge basis of support for a child. Criminality takes advantage and transforms the honest wills of our youth and, as Mr. Bland stated, we do not want the levees of criminality to break.
The second issue discussed dealt with the issue of re-entry. The most prevalent problem with re-entry is the fact that ex-offenders receive virtually no transition from confinement to community. They receive little or no help, aid, or guidance as to how to re-condition themselves to operate productively as law-abiding citizens once released from prison. We need to ensure their re-entry transition then is smooth, preparing avenues which avoid recidivism. Wanda Moore from the Attorney General’s Office gave a thorough 3-step process as to how the Attorney General’s Office is taking steps to afford such realities. Darcella Sessomes also eloquently outlined the exhaustive and supportive efforts of the Department of Corrections.
The third and final issue discussed was gang education, containment, and prevention. Captain Reyes from the State Parole Board outlined an educational program that the Board established called G.R.E.A.T., an initiative that Linden, a sister City in our District, already has employed. Kirsten Giardi, Vice President of the Northern Division of Goodwill, contributed to the alternative discussion points Captain Reyes explained; using our resources to help ex-offenders find jobs, housing, and adjust to the community.
In further points, members of the panel prescribed that rather than spending $48,000 on an inmate to keep them imprisoned, there are vehicles, so long as the offender qualifies for such standards, that will provide housing and programs to help them adjust to the community they are returning to, for half of that figure. These sorts of measures can certainly, and have been proven, to provide the opportunity for inmates and ex offenders to adhere to law and be good standing citizens upon their release.
Mayor Robinson-Briggs discussed the local taskforce that is being put into place as a communication liaison between the City and State agencies pertaining to these issues. Such initiatives that Plainfield is taking are being recognized from the federal level down to the Prosecutor’s and Sheriff’s Offices here in Union County.
Just yesterday the Prosecutor’s Office held a press conference in Plainfield regarding the recent homicides in our City. Because of the Crime Taskforce the County has put together, the capturing of two men in relation to the January 2008 slaying lasted only 14 months, as stated in the Courier News.
We will be having follow-up meetings as we move forward with dealing with crime prevention, gangs, and re-entry to make sure individuals who fall victim to these issues, realize that help and support are there so long as they adhere to law-abiding standards.
For more information regarding the panel guests and their respected areas of work, please email me at Asmgreen@njleg.org, or call my District Office at (908) 561-5757, and my staff will direct you accordingly.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Crime Prevention and Re-Entry Public Forum
On Tuesday, March 10, 2009, Assemblyman Jerry Green, 22nd Legislative District, will host a Crime Prevention and Re-Entry Forum. The forum will be held at the Rose of Sharon Church located at 825 West 7th Street, Plainfield, New Jersey. The forum will begin at 6pm and end at 8:30pm. The focus of the forum is to inform the residents of Plainfield, and surrounding neighborhoods, of viable solutions to deter crime and recidivism and lessen the burden criminality puts onto the community.
This panel forum will be led by keynote speakers from State Government as well as community organizations. The Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Education, and the New Jersey State Parole Board are the State agencies participating in the forum. Organizations such as Volunteers of America, Goodwill, New Jersey Families Against Mandatory Minimums, as well as other community-oriented programs will be participating on the panel discuss.
Come out and listen to what the State and local communities are doing to prevent crime.
This panel forum will be led by keynote speakers from State Government as well as community organizations. The Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Education, and the New Jersey State Parole Board are the State agencies participating in the forum. Organizations such as Volunteers of America, Goodwill, New Jersey Families Against Mandatory Minimums, as well as other community-oriented programs will be participating on the panel discuss.
Come out and listen to what the State and local communities are doing to prevent crime.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Plainfield's Diligence Beginning to Break Forth
I am happy to read that a blogger accurately informed Plainfield of its receipt of Federal Stimulus aid for the Plainfield Police Department. This is the sort of information that as we move forward we need to share with the community. There is not a day that I miss in spending time going throughout New Jersey dealing with this issue. I make sure that I stay fully committed to such an initiative.
The success of Mayor Sharon’s initiative of re-structuring the Plainfield Police Department has resulted in the County’s labeling the department as a role model for other police forces. Its success and efficiency has opened many doors and has shown another positive light on Plainfield. Wit that, some of the money coming from Washington will go directly to different agencies, such as the Department of Justice and Federal Housing agencies. These departments have their own vehicle of awarding funding with the criteria being that departments show their capability of effectiveness and efficiency. They have already committed to spending money here in New Jersey, and I would posit that the Plainfield Police Department has currently been a firm example of such criteria. State, county, and local government has no regulation or control of the dispersion of such funds.
This is why it is important to share accurate and complete information so that Plainfield residents are not misled and made to feel out of the loop. I will be attending meetings that aim to seek assurance that monies we receive go directly to the appropriate areas of need. I will also be hosting a meeting of this nature in the near future. This is to turn around the previous structure’s way of operating; they would leave residents in the dark feeding frustration and confusion.
Again, I am happy to see that people are realizing now that Plainfield, the Mayor, and City Council are top of this issue, making sure Plainfield gets appropriate relief. Federally, they are still in the process of negotiating how funds will be used and allotted so that the aid stays within the vision and agenda of our President; one that seeks to ascertain productive and constructive change.
PS
I sat in on a meeting with the Governor to discuss issues the State of New Jersey is facing, which currently, the Republican candidates are being extremely critical of the governor. I am happy to hear that the Governor is spending more time dealing with Washington to ensure New Jersey receives the support from Washington that we are entitled. Unfortunately, the public is currently only hearing one side of the story. However, when Governor Corzine begins to outline his platform, the public will see firsthand the mismanagement our Nation was subjected to under former President George Bush and his administration.
President Obama has not been in office for 60 days, and yet, they want to blame the President for all of the Country’s problems. I was happy to hear the Governor say that when he calls the White House for the President, the President actually picks up the phone! This is a luxury we did not have under former President George Bush.
The highlight of the evening was when the Governor made the statement that the foundation Governor Corzine has laid out in moving the State of New Jersey through this crisis, is one that ALL of us in New Jersey should be proud. In fact, he mentioned we should look forward to the President visiting us here in the State of New Jersey.
The success of Mayor Sharon’s initiative of re-structuring the Plainfield Police Department has resulted in the County’s labeling the department as a role model for other police forces. Its success and efficiency has opened many doors and has shown another positive light on Plainfield. Wit that, some of the money coming from Washington will go directly to different agencies, such as the Department of Justice and Federal Housing agencies. These departments have their own vehicle of awarding funding with the criteria being that departments show their capability of effectiveness and efficiency. They have already committed to spending money here in New Jersey, and I would posit that the Plainfield Police Department has currently been a firm example of such criteria. State, county, and local government has no regulation or control of the dispersion of such funds.
This is why it is important to share accurate and complete information so that Plainfield residents are not misled and made to feel out of the loop. I will be attending meetings that aim to seek assurance that monies we receive go directly to the appropriate areas of need. I will also be hosting a meeting of this nature in the near future. This is to turn around the previous structure’s way of operating; they would leave residents in the dark feeding frustration and confusion.
Again, I am happy to see that people are realizing now that Plainfield, the Mayor, and City Council are top of this issue, making sure Plainfield gets appropriate relief. Federally, they are still in the process of negotiating how funds will be used and allotted so that the aid stays within the vision and agenda of our President; one that seeks to ascertain productive and constructive change.
PS
I sat in on a meeting with the Governor to discuss issues the State of New Jersey is facing, which currently, the Republican candidates are being extremely critical of the governor. I am happy to hear that the Governor is spending more time dealing with Washington to ensure New Jersey receives the support from Washington that we are entitled. Unfortunately, the public is currently only hearing one side of the story. However, when Governor Corzine begins to outline his platform, the public will see firsthand the mismanagement our Nation was subjected to under former President George Bush and his administration.
President Obama has not been in office for 60 days, and yet, they want to blame the President for all of the Country’s problems. I was happy to hear the Governor say that when he calls the White House for the President, the President actually picks up the phone! This is a luxury we did not have under former President George Bush.
The highlight of the evening was when the Governor made the statement that the foundation Governor Corzine has laid out in moving the State of New Jersey through this crisis, is one that ALL of us in New Jersey should be proud. In fact, he mentioned we should look forward to the President visiting us here in the State of New Jersey.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Union County Foreclosure Taskforce
The Union County Foreclosure Taskforce is set on dealing with the issue of foreclosure within the County of Union. I am proud to inform you that the taskforce is currently taking steps to ensure the procurement of an outreach vehicle that will make programs and information pertaining to foreclosure readily available for the public.
I congratulate the taskforce for laying out a plan that is going to be a great help to individuals who have already experienced financial problems affecting their homes. I would now like to share with you some of the goals and objectives of the sub-committees within the taskforce:
Outreach and Education Subcommittee
Goals/Objectives
1. Identify resources available to people facing mortgage default.
2. Market resources and services to people facing mortgage default.
3. Develop materials and opportunities for dissemination of information to help those impacted by mortgage default.
4. Interface and communicate the appropriate message regarding mortgage default and help make available to the public through various media tools.
Tasks:
1. The Office of Public Information will: provide a list of Union County outreach vehicles, i.e. Freeholder Forum, Freeholder Board mobile meetings; develop press releases; contact NJHMFA and EHIP to obtain copies of their foreclosure fact sheet; develop a Union County Foreclosure Task Force PSA.
2. Subcommittee to email the Office of Public Information local community events presenting opportunities for material dissemination: street fairs, town meetings, etc.
3. Union County Foreclosure Outreach Event. Senator Menendez’s office is to be contacted to inquire about the possibility of partnering of such an event/
4. Plan a Foreclosure Awareness Weekend/or series of events – spring through summer – door knocking, information fairs in parks, etc.
5. Invite Attorney General’s Office (Marisa Slaten) to next full Foreclosure Task Force meeting regarding the state’s mediation program.
6. Host a conference for practitioners, municipal workers, etc. to communicate current information on the mortgage crisis and its impact on local communities.
7. Karen Dinsmore will coordinate with United Way foreclosure resources information to be utilized by the NJ 211 Partnership telephone resource center.
Counseling Support
Goals and Objectives:
1. Advocate for increased funding of foreclosure counseling services.
2. Identify and direct funds for counseling services.
3. Promote/Publicize success stories.
4. Organize and conduct public events such as fairs and seminars with the Outreach Subcommittee.
Tasks:
1. Housing Counseling Assessment form completed.
Resources for Displaced Families/Legal Resources/Tenant Support
Goals/Objectives:
1. Disseminate foreclosure brochures to CEAS.
2. Develop punch list on rights and pitfalls for renants and share with the County.
3. Produce and distribute Foreclosure Resources flyer.
4. Develop and validate all information, then to publish a Resource Directory.
5. Develop information for website.
6. Provide resources and support for public events arranged by Outreach Subcommittee.
Tasks:
1. Foreclosure Resources flyer in process of being updated and translated into languages of Haitian/Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, and Polish.
2. Kara Davis/Sheriff’s Department is following up on mandatory foreclosure mediation notice that is to be attached to Sheriff’s Department summons and complaints. Contact with Janine Matton/Attorney General’s Office.
Neighborhood Stabilization/Research/Policy & Legislation
Goals/Objectives:
1. Work with Bloustein to update and publish Union County foreclosure data.
2. Develop and identify pending legislation on state and federal levels and develop positions.
3. Identify models for Neighborhood Stabilization.
Tasks:
1. Letter will be sent to Mayors in Union County’s seven highest foreclosure towns requesting their assistance by acting as a direct link to their communities; requesting mayors to distribute information to public; tenant brochures (English and Spanish) will be provided.
2. Municipal officials: free subscription to Union County Clerk’s Property website allowing complete access to property documents for foreclosure assistance to residents.
3. Chief Justice Stuart Rabner: developing mediation process with attorneys specializing in foreclosures to deal with these issues pro bono.
4. Union County Assignment Judge Karen Cassidy: input and outreach within the court system.
If there is anymore information that you want or need, feel free to reach out to my District Office at (908) 561-5757.
I congratulate the taskforce for laying out a plan that is going to be a great help to individuals who have already experienced financial problems affecting their homes. I would now like to share with you some of the goals and objectives of the sub-committees within the taskforce:
Outreach and Education Subcommittee
Goals/Objectives
1. Identify resources available to people facing mortgage default.
2. Market resources and services to people facing mortgage default.
3. Develop materials and opportunities for dissemination of information to help those impacted by mortgage default.
4. Interface and communicate the appropriate message regarding mortgage default and help make available to the public through various media tools.
Tasks:
1. The Office of Public Information will: provide a list of Union County outreach vehicles, i.e. Freeholder Forum, Freeholder Board mobile meetings; develop press releases; contact NJHMFA and EHIP to obtain copies of their foreclosure fact sheet; develop a Union County Foreclosure Task Force PSA.
2. Subcommittee to email the Office of Public Information local community events presenting opportunities for material dissemination: street fairs, town meetings, etc.
3. Union County Foreclosure Outreach Event. Senator Menendez’s office is to be contacted to inquire about the possibility of partnering of such an event/
4. Plan a Foreclosure Awareness Weekend/or series of events – spring through summer – door knocking, information fairs in parks, etc.
5. Invite Attorney General’s Office (Marisa Slaten) to next full Foreclosure Task Force meeting regarding the state’s mediation program.
6. Host a conference for practitioners, municipal workers, etc. to communicate current information on the mortgage crisis and its impact on local communities.
7. Karen Dinsmore will coordinate with United Way foreclosure resources information to be utilized by the NJ 211 Partnership telephone resource center.
Counseling Support
Goals and Objectives:
1. Advocate for increased funding of foreclosure counseling services.
2. Identify and direct funds for counseling services.
3. Promote/Publicize success stories.
4. Organize and conduct public events such as fairs and seminars with the Outreach Subcommittee.
Tasks:
1. Housing Counseling Assessment form completed.
Resources for Displaced Families/Legal Resources/Tenant Support
Goals/Objectives:
1. Disseminate foreclosure brochures to CEAS.
2. Develop punch list on rights and pitfalls for renants and share with the County.
3. Produce and distribute Foreclosure Resources flyer.
4. Develop and validate all information, then to publish a Resource Directory.
5. Develop information for website.
6. Provide resources and support for public events arranged by Outreach Subcommittee.
Tasks:
1. Foreclosure Resources flyer in process of being updated and translated into languages of Haitian/Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, and Polish.
2. Kara Davis/Sheriff’s Department is following up on mandatory foreclosure mediation notice that is to be attached to Sheriff’s Department summons and complaints. Contact with Janine Matton/Attorney General’s Office.
Neighborhood Stabilization/Research/Policy & Legislation
Goals/Objectives:
1. Work with Bloustein to update and publish Union County foreclosure data.
2. Develop and identify pending legislation on state and federal levels and develop positions.
3. Identify models for Neighborhood Stabilization.
Tasks:
1. Letter will be sent to Mayors in Union County’s seven highest foreclosure towns requesting their assistance by acting as a direct link to their communities; requesting mayors to distribute information to public; tenant brochures (English and Spanish) will be provided.
2. Municipal officials: free subscription to Union County Clerk’s Property website allowing complete access to property documents for foreclosure assistance to residents.
3. Chief Justice Stuart Rabner: developing mediation process with attorneys specializing in foreclosures to deal with these issues pro bono.
4. Union County Assignment Judge Karen Cassidy: input and outreach within the court system.
If there is anymore information that you want or need, feel free to reach out to my District Office at (908) 561-5757.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Congratulations to the Garden State Equality Organization
I had the opportunity to attend the 2009 Legends Dinner sponsored by the Garden State Equality Organization. Those who attended would agree with me that it was an affair that all of us can be proud of and had the privilege to attend. It was a room filled with excitement from beginning to end. From the honorees acknowledged for their services in the State of New Jersey as well as our Governor, it was an awesome event-filled evening with top-notch entertainment. As a State Legislator, I am excited with the future goals, plans, and commitments outlined by the Garden State Equality Organization. There were well over 800 people in attendance.
The Palace at Somerset Park, the site of the event, made you feel as if you were in Hollywood attending the Oscars. It was first class all the way. Those who worked the event were professional, while the attendees were upbeat and enjoying themselves. I have to take my hat off to Steve Goldstein, Chairman of the Garden State Equality Organization, for putting on such a successful event. The event was professionally structured, organized, and ran very smoothly.
Again, I would to congratulate everyone who participated in this event. All of us can be very proud of the way everyone came together to show respect for one another.
The Palace at Somerset Park, the site of the event, made you feel as if you were in Hollywood attending the Oscars. It was first class all the way. Those who worked the event were professional, while the attendees were upbeat and enjoying themselves. I have to take my hat off to Steve Goldstein, Chairman of the Garden State Equality Organization, for putting on such a successful event. The event was professionally structured, organized, and ran very smoothly.
Again, I would to congratulate everyone who participated in this event. All of us can be very proud of the way everyone came together to show respect for one another.
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