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.