I have asked the State Comptroller to come in and examine the entire operation of the PMUA before I make any personal comments about the agency. It is important because of the high rate of dissatisfaction with this agency. By asking the State Comptroller for a thorough deduction of the PMUA, this asks a neutral entity to deduce its operation, allowing us to make decisions on facts, not worrying about partiality.
Reading Dan Damon’s blog today, I am rather surprised that he is not aware of all the trips and benefits he negatively criticizes regarding the PMUA, when his partner was an active member of its Board, wherein for him it should have been a norm. Now, he wants to pretend, as usual, that these sorts of behaviors are new to him. When his partner was a member of the PMUA, I am certain that Dan was privy to these sorts of practices. Already, Dan is lobbying that if Adrian Mapp were voted Mayor, he would like his partner to go back to the PMUA’s Board of Commissioners. Now that the public is demanding answers for the lack of the PMUA’s fiscal accountability, Dan is trying to run away from the agency.
A few months ago, Adrian Mapp met with the Director of the PMUA, Eric Watson. Adrian Mapp solicited to Mr. Watson that if he [Watson] encouraged the election of Adrian Mapp for Mayor, he would not only close his eyes to PMUA’s problems, but would also support Watson as the new Chairman of the Democratic Party of the City of Plainfield.
Mr. Watson, upon refusing Adrian Mapp’s offer, is now being thrown under the bus by Adrian Mapp. Recently in the Courier News, Mapp was asked the question, “If the City assumed ownership of PMUA, would the taxes increase?” He answered in the affirmative.
I hope that with the balance of this election, issues like Muhlenberg hospital, as well as the PMUA’s services, would not become a political football. I hope that these issues bring about discussions of solutions, and not political advantage.
Again, I have asked the State to look into PMUA’s operation so that we can make professional decisions, rather than political decisions. These past few months, many fingers have been pointed in targeting blame, while solutions and action have not been yielded. The public is too smart to be caught up in negative campaigns; the public wants answers.
As usual, some of the bloggers will want to challenge me. I welcome such challenges. My only defense is this: ask Mr. Watson if he was offered such a deal.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Political Accuracy
Reading Maria Pellum’s blog this morning, I am hoping that the comments I make are not taken as me attacking her or anyone else. I am very surprised that she has not realized that what President Obama has done on a national level regarding Senator Arlen Specter’s party switching, I too have done for the last three years in Plainfield, particularly with the New Democrats.
Let us discuss then, my record dealing with New Democrats. I supported Rayland Van Blake when he ran for Freeholder. I supported Linda Carter for re-election as a councilmember. I supported Cory Storch for re-election as a councilmember. I supported Rashid Burney for re-election as a councilmember. I supported Don Davis for re-election as a councilmember. The above-mentioned individuals all ran on the New Democratic slate. I have supported these individuals in the primaries. In this last November election, I supported Annie McWilliams as well as Adrian Mapp, also New Democrats.
With that, I cannot give merit to Maria’s statements regarding my intolerance toward New Democrats. Again, I am hoping that after the June primary we can all come together as a party. For, if you really deduced Senator Specter in his transition from Republican to Democrat, one can see it was a clear-cut move. He did not spend time dancing around labels, trying to manufacture newness, however false it may be. Senator Specter’s move is one I respect because there was no gray area, Republican to Democrat.
This sort of defined practice Maria, as illustrated by Senator Specter, has not been conducted with leading voices in the New Democratic camp. Adrian Mapp and his team, for example, since his running for mayor, have publically come out as New Democrats. Just this Monday however, Mr. Mapp and his team tried to bracket themselves with neighboring towns as an Independent Democrat. This flip-flopping practicing of politics is shifty, distracting, and detrimental to our community. That sort of political practice serves self, and not community.
If you are successful in your running for a committee seat Maria, I hope that you will participate as a Democrat.
Ps
On a State level, I have a very good working relationship with all of the Republican Senate and Assembly members. Over the years, we have worked together to move the State in the right direction. A prime example: Ten years ago, I had to go to the Republican members to get Plainfield reinstated as an Abbott School District. When the Plainfield Board of Education went through the court system to try to get this accomplished, they could not get this done. With Republican support, I was able to accomplish the task. This feat was through the efforts of some of the Republican members of the General Assembly, specifically out of the Neptune district. Over the last 10 years, the City of Plainfield has benefitted over $1 billion in State aid for educational funding. Imagine how Plainfield’s taxes would look if they had to pay that $1billion out of their pocket.
Let us discuss then, my record dealing with New Democrats. I supported Rayland Van Blake when he ran for Freeholder. I supported Linda Carter for re-election as a councilmember. I supported Cory Storch for re-election as a councilmember. I supported Rashid Burney for re-election as a councilmember. I supported Don Davis for re-election as a councilmember. The above-mentioned individuals all ran on the New Democratic slate. I have supported these individuals in the primaries. In this last November election, I supported Annie McWilliams as well as Adrian Mapp, also New Democrats.
With that, I cannot give merit to Maria’s statements regarding my intolerance toward New Democrats. Again, I am hoping that after the June primary we can all come together as a party. For, if you really deduced Senator Specter in his transition from Republican to Democrat, one can see it was a clear-cut move. He did not spend time dancing around labels, trying to manufacture newness, however false it may be. Senator Specter’s move is one I respect because there was no gray area, Republican to Democrat.
This sort of defined practice Maria, as illustrated by Senator Specter, has not been conducted with leading voices in the New Democratic camp. Adrian Mapp and his team, for example, since his running for mayor, have publically come out as New Democrats. Just this Monday however, Mr. Mapp and his team tried to bracket themselves with neighboring towns as an Independent Democrat. This flip-flopping practicing of politics is shifty, distracting, and detrimental to our community. That sort of political practice serves self, and not community.
If you are successful in your running for a committee seat Maria, I hope that you will participate as a Democrat.
Ps
On a State level, I have a very good working relationship with all of the Republican Senate and Assembly members. Over the years, we have worked together to move the State in the right direction. A prime example: Ten years ago, I had to go to the Republican members to get Plainfield reinstated as an Abbott School District. When the Plainfield Board of Education went through the court system to try to get this accomplished, they could not get this done. With Republican support, I was able to accomplish the task. This feat was through the efforts of some of the Republican members of the General Assembly, specifically out of the Neptune district. Over the last 10 years, the City of Plainfield has benefitted over $1 billion in State aid for educational funding. Imagine how Plainfield’s taxes would look if they had to pay that $1billion out of their pocket.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Department of Health and Senior Services Continues to Monitor State for Swine Cases
As of today, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has no new updates on cases of swine flu in New Jersey.
Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard and Department officials continued outreach to health care providers and county and local health departments on the evolving swine flu outbreak in the U.S. and Mexico. As of this afternoon, the CDC has confirmed 64 cases in the U.S. in five states – New York (45), Ohio (1), Kansas (2), Texas (6), and California (10).
The Department also distributed a statewide situational update to all of its partners.
The Department is awaiting test results from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Monday, the Department identified five probably cases of swine flu. All five individuals have mild forms of the flu and are recovering at home. None were hospitalized. Four of the five probable cases had traveled recently to Mexico and fifth had traveled to California. The patients include residents from various counties throughout New Jersey.
New Jersey continues to take steps to prepare if the outbreak widens. The Department increased its surveillance system to identify potential cases of swine fly, particularly in individuals who have travelled to infected areas in California and Mexico or have had contact with those who have travelled.
“We cannot emphasize enough that there are effective methods of prevention that everyone should continue to follow,” said Commissioner Howard. “Good hygiene habits such as washing your hands frequently and thoroughly will greatly reduce the chance of getting sick. Also, people should be covering coughs and sneezes. Most important, if you are sick, stay home from work or school.”
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may causes worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
For more information on swine flu, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.nj.gov/health.
Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard and Department officials continued outreach to health care providers and county and local health departments on the evolving swine flu outbreak in the U.S. and Mexico. As of this afternoon, the CDC has confirmed 64 cases in the U.S. in five states – New York (45), Ohio (1), Kansas (2), Texas (6), and California (10).
The Department also distributed a statewide situational update to all of its partners.
The Department is awaiting test results from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Monday, the Department identified five probably cases of swine flu. All five individuals have mild forms of the flu and are recovering at home. None were hospitalized. Four of the five probable cases had traveled recently to Mexico and fifth had traveled to California. The patients include residents from various counties throughout New Jersey.
New Jersey continues to take steps to prepare if the outbreak widens. The Department increased its surveillance system to identify potential cases of swine fly, particularly in individuals who have travelled to infected areas in California and Mexico or have had contact with those who have travelled.
“We cannot emphasize enough that there are effective methods of prevention that everyone should continue to follow,” said Commissioner Howard. “Good hygiene habits such as washing your hands frequently and thoroughly will greatly reduce the chance of getting sick. Also, people should be covering coughs and sneezes. Most important, if you are sick, stay home from work or school.”
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may causes worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
For more information on swine flu, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.nj.gov/health.
Citywide Clean-Up Initiatives
Yesterday I had an opportunity with Mayor Sharon to work with eight different agencies to highlight the City’s initiatives with the County with cleaning up empty lots and parks citywide. This is a very important issue; the community is starting to see a positive difference in the city. We are demolishing buildings that are eyesores throughout the City with the $500,000 grant we received from the County of Union for such projects.
I reached out for the State of New Jersey, whose responsibility is to inspect buildings that are four units and above, and I have asked the Plainfield City Committee to inform the residents in their wards and districts to reach out for their neighbors, so that if there are any buildings or lots that need to be cleaned, they can notify the Mayor’s office and/or my office. I am confident that this initiative will help usher in more pride into this City, reaffirming a clean atmosphere and pleasing sights.
Working with these groups yesterday and being part of cleaning up the areas between Greenbrook Park and Plainfield was more important than spending a day reiterating the court’s decision on Adrian Mapp’s embarrassing challenges. Even the Superior Court Judge had to laugh at Adrian Mapp’s allegations.
Is this the agenda of Adrian Mapp’s team if elected mayor? Spending taxpayers’ money on silly issues in court? Adrian Mapp said that Plainfield wants a new face; Mapp's face is the same one that 25,000 people voted against when he ran for Freeholder. The only reason he won the 3rd ward seat is because his friends ran a negatively charged campaign against Don Davis, accusing him of being a drunk and an embarrassment to the City. Is this the type of Mayor you want for Plainfield? Even when the courts ruled Don Davis innocent?
I reached out for the State of New Jersey, whose responsibility is to inspect buildings that are four units and above, and I have asked the Plainfield City Committee to inform the residents in their wards and districts to reach out for their neighbors, so that if there are any buildings or lots that need to be cleaned, they can notify the Mayor’s office and/or my office. I am confident that this initiative will help usher in more pride into this City, reaffirming a clean atmosphere and pleasing sights.
Working with these groups yesterday and being part of cleaning up the areas between Greenbrook Park and Plainfield was more important than spending a day reiterating the court’s decision on Adrian Mapp’s embarrassing challenges. Even the Superior Court Judge had to laugh at Adrian Mapp’s allegations.
Is this the agenda of Adrian Mapp’s team if elected mayor? Spending taxpayers’ money on silly issues in court? Adrian Mapp said that Plainfield wants a new face; Mapp's face is the same one that 25,000 people voted against when he ran for Freeholder. The only reason he won the 3rd ward seat is because his friends ran a negatively charged campaign against Don Davis, accusing him of being a drunk and an embarrassment to the City. Is this the type of Mayor you want for Plainfield? Even when the courts ruled Don Davis innocent?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Swine Flu and Our Medical Neighborhood
The taskforce that I assembled last year has been in constant contact with the area hospitals regarding the issue of this swine flu. The mayor and I have been talking from day one in dealing with this issue. Anyone that has any concerns in reference to this issue should reach out to Solaris, and they will give you the information that you need in terms of treatment, prevention, and other valuable information to combat this flu. They have outlined a plan, which they submitted to the State. Therefore, the State, the County, as well as Plainfield are all aware of this outline.
Fortunately, working with the Mayor, we have been able to identify how we can deal with this issue if it begins to affect Plainfield as well as our neighboring communities.
If anyone has any further questions regarding this issue, please do not hesitate to call JFK Hospital and/or my District Office so I can put you in touch with the appropriate authorities.
I want to publically thank the Mayor of Plainfield, as well as the other mayors in my district for moving in a proactive approach in dealing with this issue.
Fortunately, working with the Mayor, we have been able to identify how we can deal with this issue if it begins to affect Plainfield as well as our neighboring communities.
If anyone has any further questions regarding this issue, please do not hesitate to call JFK Hospital and/or my District Office so I can put you in touch with the appropriate authorities.
I want to publically thank the Mayor of Plainfield, as well as the other mayors in my district for moving in a proactive approach in dealing with this issue.
Monday, April 27, 2009
The PUBLIC Wants Answers
Reading today’s blog, Dan Damon’s in particular, I find it to be the biggest joke in the State of New Jersey. We have mayoral candidates who would like to run for the office of mayor, and Mapp is trying to deny them the ability to run for technical reasons. My position to Mapp, Smiley, and all the other candidates, let them run and have the public weigh on and make the decision.
I am shocked and surprised at the language in the blogs I am reading, implying that I am nervous and scared. I am not afraid nor am I nervous. I am confident that the voters will vote for the candidate who is prepared to move the City in the right direction, to deal with the issues the City is facing, and bring the community together. Mr. Mapp fails to realize that he voted with all of the other Democratic Freeholders on a consistent basis. Yet and still, there were over 25,000 voters who voted him OUT of office. So I do have a problem with him trying to lump me in with all the other elected officials, because I have no problem in what line or slate he and Mr. Smiley run on. I am shocked that the New Democrats here in the City would allow Mr. Mapp to use their support for his own personal gain. Mr. Mapp is doing this because he works for the Mayor of Roselle, thus left with no choice but to try to save his $100,000+ job in that Borough. A similar position in a neighboring town, which is double the size of Roselle, makes $30,000 less than Mr. Mapp.
On another issue, Council President Rashid Burney reached out for me to ask the County Superintendent to come in and speak to the Council in reference to the new formula for school funding. With the school budget defeated by the public, the Council now has to examine it. This is exactly why I supported this new formula; it gives the City and the community an opportunity to ask questions about the budget, bringing forth accuracy and accountability.
The Council President advised me that the leadership at the Plainfield Board of Education apparently has a problem with him reaching out to me for information regarding this issue. I have made it very clear to the Council President and the Mayor, that if they have any problems or questions with issues in the community, to not hesitate in calling on me so that I can direct them accordingly to appropriate State Commissioners. This is a vital part of my job within my district, a courtesy and responsibility belonging to every Council President and Mayor in my Legislative District.
With that, I spoke to the State Commissioner of Education and she made it very clear to me that if I need her or a staff member to come in and answer any questions officials in the City might have, she would me more than happy to do so. For the public to have defeated the budget, it is clear to me that the public has questions they want answered.
Finally, to those members of the Board of Education who have a problem with me erring on the side of accountability and duty as a Legislator: I do not have to get an ‘ok’ from anyone at the Board of Education as to who I speak to. I answer to the voters, to the communities in my Legislative District.
I am shocked and surprised at the language in the blogs I am reading, implying that I am nervous and scared. I am not afraid nor am I nervous. I am confident that the voters will vote for the candidate who is prepared to move the City in the right direction, to deal with the issues the City is facing, and bring the community together. Mr. Mapp fails to realize that he voted with all of the other Democratic Freeholders on a consistent basis. Yet and still, there were over 25,000 voters who voted him OUT of office. So I do have a problem with him trying to lump me in with all the other elected officials, because I have no problem in what line or slate he and Mr. Smiley run on. I am shocked that the New Democrats here in the City would allow Mr. Mapp to use their support for his own personal gain. Mr. Mapp is doing this because he works for the Mayor of Roselle, thus left with no choice but to try to save his $100,000+ job in that Borough. A similar position in a neighboring town, which is double the size of Roselle, makes $30,000 less than Mr. Mapp.
On another issue, Council President Rashid Burney reached out for me to ask the County Superintendent to come in and speak to the Council in reference to the new formula for school funding. With the school budget defeated by the public, the Council now has to examine it. This is exactly why I supported this new formula; it gives the City and the community an opportunity to ask questions about the budget, bringing forth accuracy and accountability.
The Council President advised me that the leadership at the Plainfield Board of Education apparently has a problem with him reaching out to me for information regarding this issue. I have made it very clear to the Council President and the Mayor, that if they have any problems or questions with issues in the community, to not hesitate in calling on me so that I can direct them accordingly to appropriate State Commissioners. This is a vital part of my job within my district, a courtesy and responsibility belonging to every Council President and Mayor in my Legislative District.
With that, I spoke to the State Commissioner of Education and she made it very clear to me that if I need her or a staff member to come in and answer any questions officials in the City might have, she would me more than happy to do so. For the public to have defeated the budget, it is clear to me that the public has questions they want answered.
Finally, to those members of the Board of Education who have a problem with me erring on the side of accountability and duty as a Legislator: I do not have to get an ‘ok’ from anyone at the Board of Education as to who I speak to. I answer to the voters, to the communities in my Legislative District.
Friday, April 24, 2009
$3 Million / Ps
Today I read a couple of the local blogs. The voters in the April 21st election sent a strong message to the ‘business-as-usual’ faction in the City. Their message was simple: we want our School District to move in a new direction!
Again, when I put information out in the community that I find to be truthful and correct, there are still those who want to challenge that information by attacking me, saying that I am still not really telling the truth.
One blogger mentioned that the mismanaging of 3 million dollars by the past school administration is a lot of money, and I agree with him. So let me explain in detail this mismanagement error:
This error occurred during Paula Howard’s administration. This error was made by a staff member, not by her. She was just as surprised as I was when we were alerted to this error. This was the year when $1.8 million was not put into the budget for one of the Plainfield charter schools. The $3 million I am discussing are the salaries that were not used during that time. The Board did not fill these open salary positions, thus leaving open positions totaling 3 million dollars.
However, it was not presented to the State in that fashion, therefore the State could have taken this one of two ways, false information, or a legitimate error. Therefore, when I presented this case to the State and Commissioner Davy of the New Jersey State Department of Education, we were able to use from the $3 million, which was accumulated by not filling those positions, $1.8 million to correct the error in the School Board budget.
Again, a lot of this was on the borderline of sending the State misinformation, but the State chose to receive it as mismanagement. So the State could have come up with two outcomes. They had to decide whether this was done fostering criminality or mismanagement. I with the State chalked this poor accounting up as mismanagement.
Ps
The new formula for calculating the awarding of State-aided school funding that I support has been widely criticized by a handful of bloggers who do not have a clue about the formula. Under this new formula, the City of Plainfield will receive from the State over $100 million dollars. This funding, along with the Federal Stimulus funding from Washington, ensures the there will be more money coming in for our New Jersey schools, as well as their programs and expansion, provided they can prove their need for such support. This is a crucial principle of accountability, making towns like Plainfield more responsible.
This new formula says, “Show us your need, and we will support you", which defeats the attitude of drowning problems with money. Our State has seen the negative brunt in blindly pouring money into a school district without calling it to be accountable. This new formula now calls for these school districts to be responsible with State funding, ensuring the progression and advancement of our children’s education.
Again, when I put information out in the community that I find to be truthful and correct, there are still those who want to challenge that information by attacking me, saying that I am still not really telling the truth.
One blogger mentioned that the mismanaging of 3 million dollars by the past school administration is a lot of money, and I agree with him. So let me explain in detail this mismanagement error:
This error occurred during Paula Howard’s administration. This error was made by a staff member, not by her. She was just as surprised as I was when we were alerted to this error. This was the year when $1.8 million was not put into the budget for one of the Plainfield charter schools. The $3 million I am discussing are the salaries that were not used during that time. The Board did not fill these open salary positions, thus leaving open positions totaling 3 million dollars.
However, it was not presented to the State in that fashion, therefore the State could have taken this one of two ways, false information, or a legitimate error. Therefore, when I presented this case to the State and Commissioner Davy of the New Jersey State Department of Education, we were able to use from the $3 million, which was accumulated by not filling those positions, $1.8 million to correct the error in the School Board budget.
Again, a lot of this was on the borderline of sending the State misinformation, but the State chose to receive it as mismanagement. So the State could have come up with two outcomes. They had to decide whether this was done fostering criminality or mismanagement. I with the State chalked this poor accounting up as mismanagement.
Ps
The new formula for calculating the awarding of State-aided school funding that I support has been widely criticized by a handful of bloggers who do not have a clue about the formula. Under this new formula, the City of Plainfield will receive from the State over $100 million dollars. This funding, along with the Federal Stimulus funding from Washington, ensures the there will be more money coming in for our New Jersey schools, as well as their programs and expansion, provided they can prove their need for such support. This is a crucial principle of accountability, making towns like Plainfield more responsible.
This new formula says, “Show us your need, and we will support you", which defeats the attitude of drowning problems with money. Our State has seen the negative brunt in blindly pouring money into a school district without calling it to be accountable. This new formula now calls for these school districts to be responsible with State funding, ensuring the progression and advancement of our children’s education.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Congratulations to the Newly Elected Plainfield Board of Education Members
I would like to congratulate all of the winners in yesterday’s Board of Education election. All of the candidates, other than Rasheed Abdul-Haqq, ran campaigns without personal, negative attacks about on another. They stuck to the issues. I am hoping that in the future, all candidates on all levels in the City will use this campaign as an example as to what the public in the City of Plainfield is looking for.
I felt the personal attacks Abdul-Haqq used against me during the campaign were unnecessary. It is clear, through the back lashing response from voters, that his antics were also not appreciated. Out of the ten candidates that ran for the Board of Education, Abdul-Haqq came in dead last, receiving the least amount of votes.
It is very, very amusing to read Dan Damon’s blog today, when the best he can do is talk about a cemetery, and not give credit to all of the candidates, who I feel, did a very good job campaigning. I feel that I am constantly being accused of attacking people, when in reality, reading Bernice Paglia’s blog today; its negative tone is a driving factor as to why she is losing so much respect and accountability in the community. It would have been nice if she could have limited her comments to congratulating all of the candidates for the job well done, rather than talking about me trying to influence any of the candidates. I supported them personally, as well as financially, which was the extent of my involvement. Our relationship is strictly putting the kids here in Plainfield first.
Ps
Bernice, you seem to delight in campaign tactics that include elected officials cutting each other up and naming calling one another. I am glad to inform you that such days are over. Maybe it is time you move into a community that enjoy such tactics and coverage, because Plainfield, as reflected through Abdul-Haqq’s extremely low voter turnout (the lowest of ALL ten candidates), will not and does not support such agendas.
You Bernice will probably take these comments as an attack, but they are not. I am simply informing you that your writing style and divisive tactics are not acceptable forms of reporting in Plainfield, nor are they welcome. I have nothing but respect for the three candidates that I supported who won, and I have absolutely no interest in politically influencing them, but rather seek to continue in putting the children first.
I felt the personal attacks Abdul-Haqq used against me during the campaign were unnecessary. It is clear, through the back lashing response from voters, that his antics were also not appreciated. Out of the ten candidates that ran for the Board of Education, Abdul-Haqq came in dead last, receiving the least amount of votes.
It is very, very amusing to read Dan Damon’s blog today, when the best he can do is talk about a cemetery, and not give credit to all of the candidates, who I feel, did a very good job campaigning. I feel that I am constantly being accused of attacking people, when in reality, reading Bernice Paglia’s blog today; its negative tone is a driving factor as to why she is losing so much respect and accountability in the community. It would have been nice if she could have limited her comments to congratulating all of the candidates for the job well done, rather than talking about me trying to influence any of the candidates. I supported them personally, as well as financially, which was the extent of my involvement. Our relationship is strictly putting the kids here in Plainfield first.
Ps
Bernice, you seem to delight in campaign tactics that include elected officials cutting each other up and naming calling one another. I am glad to inform you that such days are over. Maybe it is time you move into a community that enjoy such tactics and coverage, because Plainfield, as reflected through Abdul-Haqq’s extremely low voter turnout (the lowest of ALL ten candidates), will not and does not support such agendas.
You Bernice will probably take these comments as an attack, but they are not. I am simply informing you that your writing style and divisive tactics are not acceptable forms of reporting in Plainfield, nor are they welcome. I have nothing but respect for the three candidates that I supported who won, and I have absolutely no interest in politically influencing them, but rather seek to continue in putting the children first.
Monday, April 20, 2009
An Address to Maria's Blog and Plainfield Voters
In reading the blogs over the weekend and this morning, I would like to first, respond to Maria Pellum’s recent blog post. It is one that I have to agree with in terms of her bringing concerns of the City to my attention. We do not always agree on issues, but I find her committed to the City of Plainfield, putting Plainfield first. I am hoping that other residents in the Plainfield area would take the same approach instead of entertaining lies and misinformation. Please call my office so that I have an opportunity to share accurate and truthful answers, or at the very least, put you in the direction to attain such answers. I am not always looking for people to agree with my approach to politics, but at the same time, we can always agree to put our communities first.
Many in the past, when on the receiving end of criticism, have given up and walked away from the table just because of differences in thought and opinion. I am happy to see however that Maria has not gotten discouraged by criticisms she has received. She is beginning to see that locally in Plainfield, when a person is honest and expresses genuine concern with an issues, criticism floods in from those who want it ‘their way or no way’. I hope these individuals do not deter her from speaking her mind.
I realize that Maria is running on the New Democratic Committee slate, and I can respect her for that. Reason being is that for the last 3 years, I have worked with and supported New Democratic candidates. I believe that it is important that we come together as Democrats after the primary, to support our Democratic slate in the November election against our Republican opponents. This past November, I supported the entire Democratic slate, from our President Barack Obama all the way down to our local Democratic candidates, Annie McWilliams and Adrian Mapp.
There are a series of questions I hope Plainfield voters will consider in June for the primary. These questions center on truthfulness and the ability to make productive community efforts. The first question is which slate of candidates has been truthful regarding the Muhlenberg issue, crime, and quality of life issues in the community? The second is who has a tangible, productive plan for the future of this City? Finally, which slate has the means and ability to maintain accountability, make progress, and sustain chords of community? These are the sorts of questions that voters should be asking of their candidates, questions that seek out solutions rather than circular discussion.
I just want to leave you with one example of how Maria Pellum has helped me deal with the quality of life issues here in the City. I have notified the Mayor’s office, as well as the NJ Department of Community Affairs, where multiple-dwelling housing issues are under their jurisdiction. Already we have taken on the Connelly Properties, where people have complained about unfair treatment, as well as boarded-up buildings (particularly in the North Ave section). I am currently working with the County of Union with a major campaign to clean up County parks, as well as using their S.L.A.P. program to clean up empty lots here in Plainfield, especially in the Crescent Avenue area. There are buildings that are vacant that deserve to be kept up so that they are presentable.
Please continue to send me your thoughts, questions, and comments to my email, Asmgreen@njleg.org, my District Office, (908) 561-5757, or by sending comments to my blog inbox.
Many in the past, when on the receiving end of criticism, have given up and walked away from the table just because of differences in thought and opinion. I am happy to see however that Maria has not gotten discouraged by criticisms she has received. She is beginning to see that locally in Plainfield, when a person is honest and expresses genuine concern with an issues, criticism floods in from those who want it ‘their way or no way’. I hope these individuals do not deter her from speaking her mind.
I realize that Maria is running on the New Democratic Committee slate, and I can respect her for that. Reason being is that for the last 3 years, I have worked with and supported New Democratic candidates. I believe that it is important that we come together as Democrats after the primary, to support our Democratic slate in the November election against our Republican opponents. This past November, I supported the entire Democratic slate, from our President Barack Obama all the way down to our local Democratic candidates, Annie McWilliams and Adrian Mapp.
There are a series of questions I hope Plainfield voters will consider in June for the primary. These questions center on truthfulness and the ability to make productive community efforts. The first question is which slate of candidates has been truthful regarding the Muhlenberg issue, crime, and quality of life issues in the community? The second is who has a tangible, productive plan for the future of this City? Finally, which slate has the means and ability to maintain accountability, make progress, and sustain chords of community? These are the sorts of questions that voters should be asking of their candidates, questions that seek out solutions rather than circular discussion.
I just want to leave you with one example of how Maria Pellum has helped me deal with the quality of life issues here in the City. I have notified the Mayor’s office, as well as the NJ Department of Community Affairs, where multiple-dwelling housing issues are under their jurisdiction. Already we have taken on the Connelly Properties, where people have complained about unfair treatment, as well as boarded-up buildings (particularly in the North Ave section). I am currently working with the County of Union with a major campaign to clean up County parks, as well as using their S.L.A.P. program to clean up empty lots here in Plainfield, especially in the Crescent Avenue area. There are buildings that are vacant that deserve to be kept up so that they are presentable.
Please continue to send me your thoughts, questions, and comments to my email, Asmgreen@njleg.org, my District Office, (908) 561-5757, or by sending comments to my blog inbox.
Friday, April 17, 2009
4/17/2009
I would like to take this time to provide further answers to the questions Maria Pellum raised in recent blog postings. I must be careful how I respond to personal attacks and in accusing anyone of mismanagement due to my position as an elected official. But any question as to facts I will answer for every constituent, even those who treat others with as much disrespect as Ms. Pellum consistently does.
For example, I have already responded to Ms. Pellum’s questions regarding the $400,000 the Plainfield Board of Education recently sent back to the State. Informing my constituents about this matter was in no way an attack on Dr. Gallon. I have made it very clear that this issue did not happen on his watch but rather on the watch of others. Our children need every last dollar in school aid that we can get for their education. It should bother any resident that the New Democrats on the Board of Education did not take advantage of this money so that it could be used for our children. The New Democrats’ mismanagement of our schools has been constant. Under a previous School Administration, the School District accumulated $3,000,000 that it attempted to keep rather than spend on what the State intended them to, the children. The State asked the District to return this money. I worked very hard with the State Department of Education to allow the School District to keep some of this money to plug a hole in their budget caused by its poor accounting of its charter schools. Only through hard work and coordination were we able to come up with a solution. Our School District will not stop running into these types of problems unless our residents know about them. It is my duty as your representative to make sure that my constituents know about these issues when I learn of them.
Now, in response to Ms. Pellum’s remaining question regarding a previous $500,000 grant that the City did not use. This grant was part of money meant for use in Plainfield to be given by the NJ Department of Community Affairs in fiscal year 2005. Councilman Cory Storch was part of the City Council at this time. This money could not be used to help our residents because of problems with the City Administration at that time. However, everyone now has enough information to research this issue further if they wish.
On another matter, I have a question to Mrs. Pellum and other bloggers. I recently attended a National Community Development Celebration on April 15, 2009 in Linden where different non-profit organizations were honored for their service to Union County. The Plainfield Chapter of the YMCA was honored, but neither the former director nor anyone else represented the Chapter. This was embarrassing and done solely out of political pettiness. Ms. Addy Bonet, the highly regarded former director, took an agency that was essentially a homeless shelter and brought it back to the point where it received respect as a YMCA when compared to other YMCA’s in Central Jersey. I would like the bloggers to comment on this. This is an embarrassment to all those who helped restore the Plainfield YMCA to an actual YMCA. Ms. Bonet moved to Plainfield and put her heart and soul into improving our YMCA and she deserved better than she received.
Many people know about these issues, but no one has come to her defense. I just want to see if anyone will step up and give her respect and show that they can put the Queen City ahead of petty politics. This is just another example of how partisan these bloggers are rather than being an honest source of community information.
For example, I have already responded to Ms. Pellum’s questions regarding the $400,000 the Plainfield Board of Education recently sent back to the State. Informing my constituents about this matter was in no way an attack on Dr. Gallon. I have made it very clear that this issue did not happen on his watch but rather on the watch of others. Our children need every last dollar in school aid that we can get for their education. It should bother any resident that the New Democrats on the Board of Education did not take advantage of this money so that it could be used for our children. The New Democrats’ mismanagement of our schools has been constant. Under a previous School Administration, the School District accumulated $3,000,000 that it attempted to keep rather than spend on what the State intended them to, the children. The State asked the District to return this money. I worked very hard with the State Department of Education to allow the School District to keep some of this money to plug a hole in their budget caused by its poor accounting of its charter schools. Only through hard work and coordination were we able to come up with a solution. Our School District will not stop running into these types of problems unless our residents know about them. It is my duty as your representative to make sure that my constituents know about these issues when I learn of them.
Now, in response to Ms. Pellum’s remaining question regarding a previous $500,000 grant that the City did not use. This grant was part of money meant for use in Plainfield to be given by the NJ Department of Community Affairs in fiscal year 2005. Councilman Cory Storch was part of the City Council at this time. This money could not be used to help our residents because of problems with the City Administration at that time. However, everyone now has enough information to research this issue further if they wish.
On another matter, I have a question to Mrs. Pellum and other bloggers. I recently attended a National Community Development Celebration on April 15, 2009 in Linden where different non-profit organizations were honored for their service to Union County. The Plainfield Chapter of the YMCA was honored, but neither the former director nor anyone else represented the Chapter. This was embarrassing and done solely out of political pettiness. Ms. Addy Bonet, the highly regarded former director, took an agency that was essentially a homeless shelter and brought it back to the point where it received respect as a YMCA when compared to other YMCA’s in Central Jersey. I would like the bloggers to comment on this. This is an embarrassment to all those who helped restore the Plainfield YMCA to an actual YMCA. Ms. Bonet moved to Plainfield and put her heart and soul into improving our YMCA and she deserved better than she received.
Many people know about these issues, but no one has come to her defense. I just want to see if anyone will step up and give her respect and show that they can put the Queen City ahead of petty politics. This is just another example of how partisan these bloggers are rather than being an honest source of community information.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A Letter For All
I received an email from Maria Pellum yesterday evening and I prefer not to get involved with personal exchanges with her. Over the past year, as she for one has increasingly attempted to provoke such interaction, my attorney has advised me not to participate in such behavior with certain individuals in the Plainfield area. For these individuals are unable to adhere to the distinct dividing line of person versus politics. Therefore I will respond publically in a blanketed response.
Questions that were emailed me regarding issues in Plainfield have been addressed in previous blogs, so if one is not satisfied with my answers, feel free to reach out to my counterpart in the 22nd District, Assemblywoman Linda Stender, and if I have said something incorrectly, please
reach out to the Attorney General’s office.
As I mentioned in earlier posts, the City of Plainfield had to return a $500,000 grant to the Department of Community Affairs a few years ago. Plainfield was asked to return this grant money because of its poor management of said funds; Cory Storch was on councilman at that time, he should be well versed with that information. But please, contact the Department of Community Affairs for direct information, being that they are the direct source of the returned funding.
With regard to the $400,000 that the Plainfield Board of Education returned to the State, I encourage those who want an answer to call the Board directly to get specifics as to whom responsibility of the $400,000 being returned belongs. A duty of mine as a State elected official is to keep my voters/constituents informed as to the dealings of issues within my district (and not to point fingers).
Next, the responsibility of Muhlenberg’s closing solely rests on the shoulders of Solaris. Solaris made the business decision to close the hospital because they could not afford to keep the hospital open. There decision went beyond the efforts of the City and State because they are a private entity.
Finally, I was asked “who do you talk to and get your information?” The question itself is out of line and quite frankly, above those who are asking. I will however, remind those asking that I have respective working relations with those on the Federal, State, County, and local levels of government. That line of questioning I believe should be directed toward those spreading rumors and misinformation.
As always, I am willing to discuss any alleged wrongdoings done by my policymaking and position as a State Legislator, if any. But since I know that if I were guilty of any wrongdoings, I would be drawn and quartered by a select forum of local ‘politicos’ immediately. I however, neither see nor hear any wagons in the distance; thus I am reassured, as my record contends repeatedly, that I am in the clear.
Thus, on the basis of legal counsel, I have no intentions of dealing with Maria Pellum on a personal level, but as a voter/constituent I will continue to field any and all questions she may have. I also encourage her to voice these concerns in written form and send them to my legislative email.
Regards,
Jerry Green
Questions that were emailed me regarding issues in Plainfield have been addressed in previous blogs, so if one is not satisfied with my answers, feel free to reach out to my counterpart in the 22nd District, Assemblywoman Linda Stender, and if I have said something incorrectly, please
reach out to the Attorney General’s office.
As I mentioned in earlier posts, the City of Plainfield had to return a $500,000 grant to the Department of Community Affairs a few years ago. Plainfield was asked to return this grant money because of its poor management of said funds; Cory Storch was on councilman at that time, he should be well versed with that information. But please, contact the Department of Community Affairs for direct information, being that they are the direct source of the returned funding.
With regard to the $400,000 that the Plainfield Board of Education returned to the State, I encourage those who want an answer to call the Board directly to get specifics as to whom responsibility of the $400,000 being returned belongs. A duty of mine as a State elected official is to keep my voters/constituents informed as to the dealings of issues within my district (and not to point fingers).
Next, the responsibility of Muhlenberg’s closing solely rests on the shoulders of Solaris. Solaris made the business decision to close the hospital because they could not afford to keep the hospital open. There decision went beyond the efforts of the City and State because they are a private entity.
Finally, I was asked “who do you talk to and get your information?” The question itself is out of line and quite frankly, above those who are asking. I will however, remind those asking that I have respective working relations with those on the Federal, State, County, and local levels of government. That line of questioning I believe should be directed toward those spreading rumors and misinformation.
As always, I am willing to discuss any alleged wrongdoings done by my policymaking and position as a State Legislator, if any. But since I know that if I were guilty of any wrongdoings, I would be drawn and quartered by a select forum of local ‘politicos’ immediately. I however, neither see nor hear any wagons in the distance; thus I am reassured, as my record contends repeatedly, that I am in the clear.
Thus, on the basis of legal counsel, I have no intentions of dealing with Maria Pellum on a personal level, but as a voter/constituent I will continue to field any and all questions she may have. I also encourage her to voice these concerns in written form and send them to my legislative email.
Regards,
Jerry Green
Monday, April 13, 2009
Clarity and Resolve
There are a few grey issues circulating that I want to bring clarity to and resolution. It seems that some of the people responsible for the City losing money that the taxpayers could use, are beginning to use the word ‘attack’ when I inform the community of such blights and correct misinformation. Citing facts are not attacks, especially when the city, let alone the nation, is in a fiscal crisis, and there are local elected officials who have a history of being poor fiscal managers.
For example, a few years ago, the City had to give $500,000 back to the State because of poor fiscal management: Fact. The City then had to lay off 15 police officers, yet another fact. These are not attacks; they are facts that show the truth of the Storch/Mapp team and its inability to manage finances productively and responsibly. In a year when the City, State, and Nation are in the middle of an economic crisis, our School District had to return $400,000 that could have been used to avoid laying off 75 employees at the Board of Education. Again, this is a fact and not an attack. Using the negative verbiage of ‘attack’ when I am simply laying out researchable truths is again, misinformation.
In addition, I would like to correct a comment that was made in one of the blogs: I did not vote against Abbott District funding, I voted for a new formula of school funding that avoided Abbott Districts from being dismantled. The courts told the State of New Jersey that it had to find a new way of funding communities such as Plainfield, and other districts that are not Abbott Districts but maintain similar criteria, like Hillside and Roselle for example. Under this new formula, Plainfield still received over $100 million dollars in aid, and qualified for even more federal dollars provided the City illustrates our legitimate need for this funding. So moving forward, we cannot look for handouts, we need to show our need for the funding.
Also, let me put to rest a baseless rumor: Dr. Gallon and I have no quarrels nor misunderstandings regarding the School Board returning the $400,000 of needed aid back to the State. Not once have I even attempted to lay any blame at his feet. We both have spoken about this issue and recognize that we will continue to keep an agreement we made since day one: an agreement of putting the children of this City first. Unfortunately, there are some in the community that would love to point the finger at him, and tried to use my statement to make that happen. He and I both recognized that when he took over the district, Dr, Bailey began to move the District in the right direction, which made it a lot easier to do damage control. When Dr. Bailey and Dr. Gallon took over the district, it was in total disarray. The previous ideology was to ignore mistakes and move forward. However, both Dr. Bailey and Dr. Gallon understand that constructive criticism is crucial in bringing about productivity and wellness. If one does not discuss problems of the past, one cannot move forward in progress.
So this word ‘attack’ I take to be very negative, vindictive, and far from the truth. My expressions are aimed to shed light on areas of question, and to bring clarity and accuracy to the issues in my Legislative District.
For example, a few years ago, the City had to give $500,000 back to the State because of poor fiscal management: Fact. The City then had to lay off 15 police officers, yet another fact. These are not attacks; they are facts that show the truth of the Storch/Mapp team and its inability to manage finances productively and responsibly. In a year when the City, State, and Nation are in the middle of an economic crisis, our School District had to return $400,000 that could have been used to avoid laying off 75 employees at the Board of Education. Again, this is a fact and not an attack. Using the negative verbiage of ‘attack’ when I am simply laying out researchable truths is again, misinformation.
In addition, I would like to correct a comment that was made in one of the blogs: I did not vote against Abbott District funding, I voted for a new formula of school funding that avoided Abbott Districts from being dismantled. The courts told the State of New Jersey that it had to find a new way of funding communities such as Plainfield, and other districts that are not Abbott Districts but maintain similar criteria, like Hillside and Roselle for example. Under this new formula, Plainfield still received over $100 million dollars in aid, and qualified for even more federal dollars provided the City illustrates our legitimate need for this funding. So moving forward, we cannot look for handouts, we need to show our need for the funding.
Also, let me put to rest a baseless rumor: Dr. Gallon and I have no quarrels nor misunderstandings regarding the School Board returning the $400,000 of needed aid back to the State. Not once have I even attempted to lay any blame at his feet. We both have spoken about this issue and recognize that we will continue to keep an agreement we made since day one: an agreement of putting the children of this City first. Unfortunately, there are some in the community that would love to point the finger at him, and tried to use my statement to make that happen. He and I both recognized that when he took over the district, Dr, Bailey began to move the District in the right direction, which made it a lot easier to do damage control. When Dr. Bailey and Dr. Gallon took over the district, it was in total disarray. The previous ideology was to ignore mistakes and move forward. However, both Dr. Bailey and Dr. Gallon understand that constructive criticism is crucial in bringing about productivity and wellness. If one does not discuss problems of the past, one cannot move forward in progress.
So this word ‘attack’ I take to be very negative, vindictive, and far from the truth. My expressions are aimed to shed light on areas of question, and to bring clarity and accuracy to the issues in my Legislative District.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
A Lesson for Maria and Her Friends
After reading the blogs this morning, I cannot help but to respond to Maria’s blog. Here is a woman that is constantly calling me an embarrassment to the City and the State, showing no respect for me as a person, let alone as an elected official. Maria, along with some of her friends, have always tried to embarrass me as an elected official, but always end up embarrassing themselves.
How can I be an embarrassment to the City as well as the 22nd District when the Adrian Mapp team is trying to convince people that I am responsible for the closing of Muhlenberg? This is a complete lie because elected officials on all levels across the State know and recognize my efforts in trying to keep the hospital open, keep the campus resources accessible to the Plainfield medical community, as well as hold Solaris to its agreements. As long as they proclaim this lie (a word Maria and her friends like to use) they will force people to examine that story, and in the end, the truth of the matter will be heard.
Let us remember that Maria is the one comparing herself to a child in the classroom. I may disagree with people, but I resent Maria’s claim of me dividing the community and character assassination. If what I printed in my blog regarding the $400,000 that the Plainfield Board of Education had to send back to the State, then tell me the truth: did it or did it not happen?
A few years ago when the Storch/Mapp team had to send back $500,000 to the State, was that the truth or is that a lie? Would you agree that the residents of Plainfield deserve to know the poor managerial skills of their faction? Which is more important, me bringing to the attention of the public the mismanagement at the hands of some of our elected officials, or me closing an eye to this behavior because they are friends of Maria?
My policy has always been to bring these sorts of issues to the attention of the public so that we do not repeat such actions and behaviors. I for one have worked very hard for the City and have not used my position for personal gain. If people then, want to continuously spread misinformation, then I will continue to rebut them with truths until their detrimental agendas are seen for what they really are. If there are any untruths in my latest blogs, please put corrections in writing with substantiated research so that I may be as accurate as possible.
Ps
I have not always agreed with some of the New Democrats, but that has never nor will ever alter my personal feelings and respect for the late mayor, Al McWilliams. Al and I had our political differences, but we respected each other as men. Unfortunately in life, often in the political arena, people have their differences. Yet one thing I can say about Al and myself is that we were not involved in politics for personal gain. That is why I am happy to see that the community sees through Adrian Mapp’s political agenda; he is involved with politics for the benefit of self, and not the community. People on the State, County, and local levels of government are recognizing that he has absolutely no problem using people in order to get to where he wants to go.
Something about Al that I gave him credit for was that he never lied nor misled people. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about Adrian. The bottom line is that I do not tolerate a liar. If Adrian Mapp’s whole campaign is going to be centralized around me being responsible for the closing of Muhlenberg, then show us the proof, or stop the lying.
How can I be an embarrassment to the City as well as the 22nd District when the Adrian Mapp team is trying to convince people that I am responsible for the closing of Muhlenberg? This is a complete lie because elected officials on all levels across the State know and recognize my efforts in trying to keep the hospital open, keep the campus resources accessible to the Plainfield medical community, as well as hold Solaris to its agreements. As long as they proclaim this lie (a word Maria and her friends like to use) they will force people to examine that story, and in the end, the truth of the matter will be heard.
Let us remember that Maria is the one comparing herself to a child in the classroom. I may disagree with people, but I resent Maria’s claim of me dividing the community and character assassination. If what I printed in my blog regarding the $400,000 that the Plainfield Board of Education had to send back to the State, then tell me the truth: did it or did it not happen?
A few years ago when the Storch/Mapp team had to send back $500,000 to the State, was that the truth or is that a lie? Would you agree that the residents of Plainfield deserve to know the poor managerial skills of their faction? Which is more important, me bringing to the attention of the public the mismanagement at the hands of some of our elected officials, or me closing an eye to this behavior because they are friends of Maria?
My policy has always been to bring these sorts of issues to the attention of the public so that we do not repeat such actions and behaviors. I for one have worked very hard for the City and have not used my position for personal gain. If people then, want to continuously spread misinformation, then I will continue to rebut them with truths until their detrimental agendas are seen for what they really are. If there are any untruths in my latest blogs, please put corrections in writing with substantiated research so that I may be as accurate as possible.
Ps
I have not always agreed with some of the New Democrats, but that has never nor will ever alter my personal feelings and respect for the late mayor, Al McWilliams. Al and I had our political differences, but we respected each other as men. Unfortunately in life, often in the political arena, people have their differences. Yet one thing I can say about Al and myself is that we were not involved in politics for personal gain. That is why I am happy to see that the community sees through Adrian Mapp’s political agenda; he is involved with politics for the benefit of self, and not the community. People on the State, County, and local levels of government are recognizing that he has absolutely no problem using people in order to get to where he wants to go.
Something about Al that I gave him credit for was that he never lied nor misled people. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about Adrian. The bottom line is that I do not tolerate a liar. If Adrian Mapp’s whole campaign is going to be centralized around me being responsible for the closing of Muhlenberg, then show us the proof, or stop the lying.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Plainfield Board of Education Loses $400,000
I was notified today that the Plainfield School District had to send back $400,000 in State aid. No one in the district has called my office to share this information with me. This is not the first time that the City of Plainfield had to send money back to Trenton because of a lack of communication with my office.
I want to share with you how embarrassing this is to the City. Economically, this is a time when we are fighting to bring money in to offset tax increases, monies the City deserves, yet the school district is plagued with dismal financial management. As a councilperson at City Hall, Adrian Mapp and his team had to send back half a million dollars in State aid because of poor financial management, and now he and his supporters at the School Board are sending back $400,000 in State aid. When everyone across the State is crying out for State aid, Plainfield is sending State aid back. I believe the public deserves an answer to “How did this happen?” and “Why was this not brought to the public’s attention?”
Adrian Mapp and his team have a resounding reputation for poor management skills. Take for another example, the $3million in which the School Board mismanaged a few years back. The Board accumulated over $3million in unearned salaries, and tried to hide it. These monies should have been returned to the State. This behavior was borderline criminal. I was able to bring resolve to this issue in working closely with the State to remedy any criminal allegations. For some reason, Adrian Mapp and his team are bent on trying to embarrass me, rather than trying to work with me to resolve problems and foster solutions.
At a meeting I held Friday, the City Committee was told by a representative from the State that there is money available for economic studies that the Council is currently discussing. Rather than council members Cory Storch and Adrian Mapp reaching out for this aid, they are asking the City to spend $65,000 for this study. The last study that Adrian and Cory supported cost the City $40,000, and was filled with errors and misleading information. If we had followed their study, today the downtown area would be blocks and blocks of empty lots.
It is time now that we begin to discuss problems that City is facing, as well as solutions. In some of our schools, parents are saying their children are not getting enough lunchtime meals, books, and other materials, but yet in still, we can send $400,000 back to the State.
I want to share with you how embarrassing this is to the City. Economically, this is a time when we are fighting to bring money in to offset tax increases, monies the City deserves, yet the school district is plagued with dismal financial management. As a councilperson at City Hall, Adrian Mapp and his team had to send back half a million dollars in State aid because of poor financial management, and now he and his supporters at the School Board are sending back $400,000 in State aid. When everyone across the State is crying out for State aid, Plainfield is sending State aid back. I believe the public deserves an answer to “How did this happen?” and “Why was this not brought to the public’s attention?”
Adrian Mapp and his team have a resounding reputation for poor management skills. Take for another example, the $3million in which the School Board mismanaged a few years back. The Board accumulated over $3million in unearned salaries, and tried to hide it. These monies should have been returned to the State. This behavior was borderline criminal. I was able to bring resolve to this issue in working closely with the State to remedy any criminal allegations. For some reason, Adrian Mapp and his team are bent on trying to embarrass me, rather than trying to work with me to resolve problems and foster solutions.
At a meeting I held Friday, the City Committee was told by a representative from the State that there is money available for economic studies that the Council is currently discussing. Rather than council members Cory Storch and Adrian Mapp reaching out for this aid, they are asking the City to spend $65,000 for this study. The last study that Adrian and Cory supported cost the City $40,000, and was filled with errors and misleading information. If we had followed their study, today the downtown area would be blocks and blocks of empty lots.
It is time now that we begin to discuss problems that City is facing, as well as solutions. In some of our schools, parents are saying their children are not getting enough lunchtime meals, books, and other materials, but yet in still, we can send $400,000 back to the State.
Friday, April 3, 2009
The 22nd Legislative District Recognizes Mark Spivey
Congratulations to Mark Spivey, a Courier News staff writer, who was crowned winner of the 2008 Best Newspaper Contest by the New Jersey Press Association. Mark Spivey is a talented writer who duly services the communities in which he covers. Mark Spivey is not only a distinguished writer, but is also an objective writer. Often, you will see writers who write subjectively, offering more opinion rather than fact, thus tainting stories and perspectives. In the past, that sort of writing style was employed by former Courier News writers who covered Plainfield. In the past we had negative publicity and dim light shed upon our County, Plainfield namely, letting truth and accuracy fall to the wayside.
Not so, however, with Mark Spivey. A trait of Mr. Spivey that rings true about his writing style and character is that he is consistent. Again, his writing is objective, following the story rather than people and their personal agendas. Since Mark Spivey began covering our local area, Plainfield and our neighboring communities have gotten accurate publicity, allowing for our achievements and advancements to be shared with the State. This is a luxury Plainfield and our district was not able to enjoy in the past due to maleficent writers.
Mark Spivey’s talent and skill in efficient and objective writing has generated positive feedback throughout central New Jersey. It is with great honor that I tip my hat to Mr. Spivey and his remarkable achievement in winning the 2008 Nest Newspaper Contest for his reporting and writing.
Not so, however, with Mark Spivey. A trait of Mr. Spivey that rings true about his writing style and character is that he is consistent. Again, his writing is objective, following the story rather than people and their personal agendas. Since Mark Spivey began covering our local area, Plainfield and our neighboring communities have gotten accurate publicity, allowing for our achievements and advancements to be shared with the State. This is a luxury Plainfield and our district was not able to enjoy in the past due to maleficent writers.
Mark Spivey’s talent and skill in efficient and objective writing has generated positive feedback throughout central New Jersey. It is with great honor that I tip my hat to Mr. Spivey and his remarkable achievement in winning the 2008 Nest Newspaper Contest for his reporting and writing.
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