Good afternoon. I have mailed a thank you letter to those who participated in last week's Corzine/Obama Rally. If for some reason, you were an attendee and have not recieved a letter, I have attach the letter to this blog so that all who attended, through our buses or through your own means of transportation, are aware of my sincere thanks as we rallied as a District, to support our fellow Democrats:
Jerry Green
1460 Prospect Ave
Plainfield, NJ
07060
Dear Neighbor,
I write to extend my deepest gratitude in your attendance of the Corzine/Obama Rally on the 16th of July.
The event itself went very smooth, and it was an honor to be in the presence of our great President Barack Obama, and hear him support our Governor, Jon Corzine. As President Obama stated, Governor Corzine is the right choice for New Jersey, especially in the midst of such economic turmoil.
As you can see, the Democratic Party, from President Obama, to Governor Corzine, to Green/Stender, and the entire Democratic slate, have been and will continue to work for the State of New Jersey.
Again, it was my pleasure to have participated in the Corzine/Obama Rally this past week. The State of New Jersey again, saw the demonstration of the united Democratic Party that the 22nd District has to offer. We showed the State the staggering voter turnout during the Presidential Election last November, and I ask that we keep that same energy up and vote this November for Jerry Green and Linda Stender for the New Jersey General Assembly, as well as the entire Democratic line.
Our volunteer operations have been very successful, especially in the recent Presidential, Assembly, and local elections. We would love for you to join the ranks as we continue to unite the 22nd District through our voter-based initiatives. If you would like to volunteer on behalf of our campaign, please contact Jeffrey Williams at (908) 380-0862 or by email at Jawilliams008@yahoo.com, or Keri Baucum at (732) 770-2244 or by email at kebaucum@yahoo.com. So that we can be sure our records are up to date, please email Jeffrey or Keri your most recent contact information; please include your email address.
Sincerely yours,
Jerry Green
Plainfield Democratic Committee Chairman
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Green: Christie Lacks Specific Solutions for New Jersey
PLAINFIELD – Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Jerry Green (D-Union) today issued the following statement in response to conservative Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie’s recent visit to Plainfield:
“Last week I had the occasion to see conservative Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie campaign in Plainfield, and even now, several days later, I am appalled at what I heard.
“Conservative candidate Christie spouted a lot of nice-sounding talk about issues ranging from jobs to housing, yet he offers no specific solutions. He offered nothing about where the money would come from to pay for his plans. He offered nothing but vague answer-after-answer to questions that impact cities and suburbs alike.
“Unfortunately, the complete and utter lack of substance we saw in Plainfield is par for the Christie course.
“Christie offers nothing more than partisan rhetoric that sounds no different from the Bush-Cheney agenda that helped shove our nation into a painful recession. Chris Christie’s lack of respect is a disservice to New Jersey voters who deserve and demand specific solutions.
“His conservative right wing values are the wrong choices for New Jersey. Christie can shrug off all tough questions all he wants, but that does nothing to create a job or find decent housing for hard-working residents like teachers and firefighters.
“As last week showed, President Obama sees what we are doing here in New Jersey and he knows we are on the right track. The Governor and the President share the same values. The Governor and the President both work to protect our children, our seniors and our most vulnerable. They see is emerging stronger with and resolving the problems that have been long neglected, such as health care reform and education. They share an optimistic vision for New Jersey and the nation.”
“Last week I had the occasion to see conservative Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie campaign in Plainfield, and even now, several days later, I am appalled at what I heard.
“Conservative candidate Christie spouted a lot of nice-sounding talk about issues ranging from jobs to housing, yet he offers no specific solutions. He offered nothing about where the money would come from to pay for his plans. He offered nothing but vague answer-after-answer to questions that impact cities and suburbs alike.
“Unfortunately, the complete and utter lack of substance we saw in Plainfield is par for the Christie course.
“Christie offers nothing more than partisan rhetoric that sounds no different from the Bush-Cheney agenda that helped shove our nation into a painful recession. Chris Christie’s lack of respect is a disservice to New Jersey voters who deserve and demand specific solutions.
“His conservative right wing values are the wrong choices for New Jersey. Christie can shrug off all tough questions all he wants, but that does nothing to create a job or find decent housing for hard-working residents like teachers and firefighters.
“As last week showed, President Obama sees what we are doing here in New Jersey and he knows we are on the right track. The Governor and the President share the same values. The Governor and the President both work to protect our children, our seniors and our most vulnerable. They see is emerging stronger with and resolving the problems that have been long neglected, such as health care reform and education. They share an optimistic vision for New Jersey and the nation.”
Monday, July 20, 2009
7/20/2009
As we begin to move toward Election Day, I feel it is important that both Democrats and Republicans discuss issues and solutions to the problems that the State of New Jersey is up against.
I have worked very hard with the Mayor of the City of Plainfield to deal with issues that not only affected the State of New Jersey, but also Plainfield and the 22nd District. It is unfortunate that whatever I do to help the Mayor and Council, some people take it the wrong way. I try to help all of the towns in my district, and I have a very good relationship with all of the elected officials within the 22nd district.
Unfortunately, I have never had a good relationship with Martin Marks, the ex-Mayor of Scotch Plains. In fact, the majority of the Republicans in central New Jersey do not have a good relationship with Martin Marks, although, with this being campaign time, they will most likely not go public with that side of their relationship.
My relationship with the Mayor and Council of Plainfield is one that I am a phone call away if ever needed, just as I am with the other municipalities in my district. For example, the mayor is recommending two key employees to her administration. I hope that they are successful, and I hope they can do the job the Mayor feels they can do. I do not know these individuals; I have never met nor interviewed them, so it should be clear that whether they perform well or not, I do not want to hear I had anything to do with these appointments.
So I am hoping that as the City moves forward, that the public realizes I am not a ‘boss’ or a dictator, but an elected official trying to do what is best for the municipalities in which I represent.
Unfortunately, the Republican Party’s strategy is to keep me busy defending local issues, when they are out of my control, and are not apart of my direct responsibility; but are issues in which the local Mayor and Council’s are responsible. I would rather discuss housing issues, which the Republican Party brings absolutely no solutions to; being that this issue is a state and national problem. Health issues, which is yet another crisis throughout the country, because the federal government for the past eight years, catered to the health insurance industry, rather than look out for the public, the doctors, and nurses, leaving the deficit on the
In education, New Jersey made some tough decisions in terms of how we fund education, as well as taking steps to improve the quality of education within the State. We are beginning to downsize government, while exploring innovative ways to save tax dollars and give them back to taxpayers.
Thus moving forward, I would like to be able to share information with the constituents of my district, but at the same time, I do not want to continuously be blamed for things out of my control.
I have worked very hard with the Mayor of the City of Plainfield to deal with issues that not only affected the State of New Jersey, but also Plainfield and the 22nd District. It is unfortunate that whatever I do to help the Mayor and Council, some people take it the wrong way. I try to help all of the towns in my district, and I have a very good relationship with all of the elected officials within the 22nd district.
Unfortunately, I have never had a good relationship with Martin Marks, the ex-Mayor of Scotch Plains. In fact, the majority of the Republicans in central New Jersey do not have a good relationship with Martin Marks, although, with this being campaign time, they will most likely not go public with that side of their relationship.
My relationship with the Mayor and Council of Plainfield is one that I am a phone call away if ever needed, just as I am with the other municipalities in my district. For example, the mayor is recommending two key employees to her administration. I hope that they are successful, and I hope they can do the job the Mayor feels they can do. I do not know these individuals; I have never met nor interviewed them, so it should be clear that whether they perform well or not, I do not want to hear I had anything to do with these appointments.
So I am hoping that as the City moves forward, that the public realizes I am not a ‘boss’ or a dictator, but an elected official trying to do what is best for the municipalities in which I represent.
Unfortunately, the Republican Party’s strategy is to keep me busy defending local issues, when they are out of my control, and are not apart of my direct responsibility; but are issues in which the local Mayor and Council’s are responsible. I would rather discuss housing issues, which the Republican Party brings absolutely no solutions to; being that this issue is a state and national problem. Health issues, which is yet another crisis throughout the country, because the federal government for the past eight years, catered to the health insurance industry, rather than look out for the public, the doctors, and nurses, leaving the deficit on the
In education, New Jersey made some tough decisions in terms of how we fund education, as well as taking steps to improve the quality of education within the State. We are beginning to downsize government, while exploring innovative ways to save tax dollars and give them back to taxpayers.
Thus moving forward, I would like to be able to share information with the constituents of my district, but at the same time, I do not want to continuously be blamed for things out of my control.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Plainfield Democrats Hit Home-Run!!
I want to thank everyone who took part in the Corzine Rally wherein President Obama endorsed Governor Corzine in his campaign for re-election. I think a lot of what was said yesterday will begin to move this campaign in the right direction in terms of solutions to key issues within the State.
Republicans would like you to think that some of the problems that Gov. Corzine and the leaders in State government, which I am a part of, is the problem. The President made it very clear that that is not the case. States like New Jersey are suffering due to the failed leadership of the Bush administration, and not Jon Corzine.
A prime example: the Governor, Assemblywoman Linda Stender, and I were blamed for the closure of Muhlenberg Hospital. The President made it very clear yesterday that issues like healthcare for individuals, hospitals, doctors and nurses, have been overlooked for the past eight years by the Bush administration. So if hospitals around the country are closing and not being treated fair, then it is obvious that hospitals like Muhlenberg also felt the pain.
Currently, the President made it clear yesterday that he is asking members of the United States Senate and Congress, for the first time in 50 years, to change their way of thinking in terms of how we deliver health services for ALL in the State of New Jersey.
So when my opponents, and others who want to blame me and/or Jon Corzine for the closure of Muhlenberg, if anyone listened to the President on yesterday, that statement is not true! He made it very clear that this problem started in Washington eight years ago, and there are still members of the Republican party in Washington still fighting against what is right for everyone to receive the most affordable medical care.
I want to take this opportunity to thank ALL of the people who was involved in going to the Corzine Rally, because everyone in the Democratic Party throughout the State realized how committed we are not only to our President, but also to our Governor, Jon Corzine. Out of the eight buses that left Union County, we had six filled. That meant there were over 300 people on the buses combined. I also had over 100 lawn tickets that I shared with individuals who were able to use other means of travel to the event. So we had approximately 450 people who had been involved with the grass-roots organization constructed last year during the course of the Obama Campaign, and these individuals as one can see, are still very active. This grass-rooted movement we started in the 22nd District is in fact, alive and well.
So again, I want to thank everyone for your support. Now it is time to roll up our sleeves to make phone calls, knock on doors, and ensure that we get ALL Democratic candidates in the November elected, elected. Like the President said on yesterday, he loves New Jersey, he plans to return to New Jersey, and he is looking forward to working with the Democrats in New Jersey to move the Democratic Party, as well as the country, in the right direction. This puts the people first.
Ps
Everything I have been standing for regarding healthcare was backed up by our President when he said in his own words, that the positions I am taking are correct. Now who is lying, our President, or my opponents?
Republicans would like you to think that some of the problems that Gov. Corzine and the leaders in State government, which I am a part of, is the problem. The President made it very clear that that is not the case. States like New Jersey are suffering due to the failed leadership of the Bush administration, and not Jon Corzine.
A prime example: the Governor, Assemblywoman Linda Stender, and I were blamed for the closure of Muhlenberg Hospital. The President made it very clear yesterday that issues like healthcare for individuals, hospitals, doctors and nurses, have been overlooked for the past eight years by the Bush administration. So if hospitals around the country are closing and not being treated fair, then it is obvious that hospitals like Muhlenberg also felt the pain.
Currently, the President made it clear yesterday that he is asking members of the United States Senate and Congress, for the first time in 50 years, to change their way of thinking in terms of how we deliver health services for ALL in the State of New Jersey.
So when my opponents, and others who want to blame me and/or Jon Corzine for the closure of Muhlenberg, if anyone listened to the President on yesterday, that statement is not true! He made it very clear that this problem started in Washington eight years ago, and there are still members of the Republican party in Washington still fighting against what is right for everyone to receive the most affordable medical care.
I want to take this opportunity to thank ALL of the people who was involved in going to the Corzine Rally, because everyone in the Democratic Party throughout the State realized how committed we are not only to our President, but also to our Governor, Jon Corzine. Out of the eight buses that left Union County, we had six filled. That meant there were over 300 people on the buses combined. I also had over 100 lawn tickets that I shared with individuals who were able to use other means of travel to the event. So we had approximately 450 people who had been involved with the grass-roots organization constructed last year during the course of the Obama Campaign, and these individuals as one can see, are still very active. This grass-rooted movement we started in the 22nd District is in fact, alive and well.
So again, I want to thank everyone for your support. Now it is time to roll up our sleeves to make phone calls, knock on doors, and ensure that we get ALL Democratic candidates in the November elected, elected. Like the President said on yesterday, he loves New Jersey, he plans to return to New Jersey, and he is looking forward to working with the Democrats in New Jersey to move the Democratic Party, as well as the country, in the right direction. This puts the people first.
Ps
Everything I have been standing for regarding healthcare was backed up by our President when he said in his own words, that the positions I am taking are correct. Now who is lying, our President, or my opponents?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Law Enforcement and Courier News Says Crime is Down; Can You Trust the Christie/Vastine/Marks Trio to Run the State?
Just in case anyone missed today’s Courier News, the paper has a huge article citing that serious, violent crimes are down in the City. Contrary to what my opponents Chris Christie, Bo Vastine, and Marty Marks say about crime going up and being out of control in Plainfield, the Courier News accurately cites the decrease in serious crimes within the City. Here is the article in case anyone missed it:
SERIOUS AND VIOLENT CRIME IN PLAINFIELD DIPS TO FIVE-YEAR LOW
PLAINFIELD — Serious and violent crime in the city has dipped to a five-year low, according to a midyear report compiled by the city's Police Division.
The report compared incidences of Part I crimes, which are tracked nationwide through the FBI's Uniform Crime Report and include murder, robbery, auto theft, burglary, rape, aggravated assault and larceny. The city had experienced 806 Part I crimes through July 6, the report said, constituting more than a 35 percent drop from a five-year high of 1,091 recorded through the same time in 2006 and about a 15 percent drop from last year's figure of 923.
"They're heartening," Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig said of the statistics at Monday evening's City Council meeting, during which details of the report were released to the public. "They're a reflection of what these men and women (police officers) do on a daily basis. They risk their lives."
Part I violent crimes also have dropped from a five-year high of 251 in 2006 to 190 during the first 27 weeks of the year, the report indicated. Part I property crimes have dropped from a five-year high of 840 in 2006 to 616.
The city experienced more than 2,000 Part I crimes in 2005 and 2006 before 1,774 occurred in 2007. The figure climbed to 1,891 thanks to a late-year crime surge in 2008, but the city is on pace for barely 1,500 this year.
The city's homicide rate, after climbing to an all-time high of 15 in 2005, dipped to four in 2007; just one homicide has been recorded this year, that of 18-year-old North Plainfield resident Christian Tigsi, who in February was gunned down on North Avenue near the city's downtown train station.
Hellwig on Monday attributed the improvements to a number of factors, including an influx of officers performing street patrols, increased usage of the division's mobile command unit and a renewed emphasis on community policing. He said the division currently is targeting repeat offenders who contribute to the city's crime rates, which remain higher than those of surrounding municipalities.
"I think we can do even better," Hellwig said, "if we get the individuals who are driving these numbers up off the streets."
Several council members praised the police division for its work, including Annie McWilliams, who said a recent request for assistance from West End residents complaining of drug activity and quality-of-life issues near the Liberty Village area resulted in the mobile command unit being parked there for a week with accompanying foot patrols. McWilliams said she received several phone calls from residents since, all thanking police for their efforts.
"The council appreciates this work," Council President Rashid Burney said. "It doesn't go unnoticed."
SERIOUS AND VIOLENT CRIME IN PLAINFIELD DIPS TO FIVE-YEAR LOW
PLAINFIELD — Serious and violent crime in the city has dipped to a five-year low, according to a midyear report compiled by the city's Police Division.
The report compared incidences of Part I crimes, which are tracked nationwide through the FBI's Uniform Crime Report and include murder, robbery, auto theft, burglary, rape, aggravated assault and larceny. The city had experienced 806 Part I crimes through July 6, the report said, constituting more than a 35 percent drop from a five-year high of 1,091 recorded through the same time in 2006 and about a 15 percent drop from last year's figure of 923.
"They're heartening," Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig said of the statistics at Monday evening's City Council meeting, during which details of the report were released to the public. "They're a reflection of what these men and women (police officers) do on a daily basis. They risk their lives."
Part I violent crimes also have dropped from a five-year high of 251 in 2006 to 190 during the first 27 weeks of the year, the report indicated. Part I property crimes have dropped from a five-year high of 840 in 2006 to 616.
The city experienced more than 2,000 Part I crimes in 2005 and 2006 before 1,774 occurred in 2007. The figure climbed to 1,891 thanks to a late-year crime surge in 2008, but the city is on pace for barely 1,500 this year.
The city's homicide rate, after climbing to an all-time high of 15 in 2005, dipped to four in 2007; just one homicide has been recorded this year, that of 18-year-old North Plainfield resident Christian Tigsi, who in February was gunned down on North Avenue near the city's downtown train station.
Hellwig on Monday attributed the improvements to a number of factors, including an influx of officers performing street patrols, increased usage of the division's mobile command unit and a renewed emphasis on community policing. He said the division currently is targeting repeat offenders who contribute to the city's crime rates, which remain higher than those of surrounding municipalities.
"I think we can do even better," Hellwig said, "if we get the individuals who are driving these numbers up off the streets."
Several council members praised the police division for its work, including Annie McWilliams, who said a recent request for assistance from West End residents complaining of drug activity and quality-of-life issues near the Liberty Village area resulted in the mobile command unit being parked there for a week with accompanying foot patrols. McWilliams said she received several phone calls from residents since, all thanking police for their efforts.
"The council appreciates this work," Council President Rashid Burney said. "It doesn't go unnoticed."
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Chris Christie Comes to Plainfield Without Any Plans to Move the City Foward
This afternoon I had an opportunity to meet with the Republican Gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie. I listened very politely when he was asked what he would do if elected for cities such as Plainfield and the like. After listening to his response, I introduced myself as Assemblyman Jerry Green, representative of the 22nd District.
My first question to Mr. Christie was, “Since no one on a national level has dealt with the day-worker issue, as well as himself being US Attorney for eight years, if elected, what would he do to deal with this problem, which is the number one problem facing the downtown area of Plainfield?” Mr. Christie never gave me an answer. My second question to him was, “With the comments he made regarding affordable housing here in the State of New Jersey, he mentioned that he would build more low-income housing units in cities like Plainfield.”
At this point, I disagreed with him. I believe Plainfield has its share of affordable housing(which includes low-income housing). He never mentioned what type of housing he would recommend for suburban communities, such as like in Morris County, where he lives. This is nothing new to me personally, because low-income housing in suburban communities is not housing units Republican leaders want in their backyards.
I was very surprised to hear from him the lack of a plan in how to deal with cities such as Plainfield. Once these questions went unanswered by Mr. Christie, he decided to walk away. Therefore, it is obvious that Mr. Christie does not have a plan to move cities like Plainfield forward.
One of my opponents, former mayor Marty Marks who is running on the Republican line for the 22nd District, decided to get involved in the conversation. The first comment, which has been one that everyone in the medical industry acknowledges I was not the problem, by him was the closing of Muhlenberg. When it comes down to servicing people and keeping hospitals open, the buck stopped with George Bush, who went to sleep at the switch. It is obvious that the Republicans are trying to use that angle to blame myself, Aswm. Stender, and Gov. Corzine for the closure of the hospital, which is not true.
The second issue in our conversation was school funding. The new formula that I supported that funds education for ALL children, and not just Plainfield, again an issue the Republicans in Trenton did not support, even when it helped children in districts such as Scotch Plains for example. There were just as many students in Scotch Plains that received special education and language barrier support as there were in Plainfield, but these are issues that my opponents and Chris Christie care nothing about.
After listening to the Republican candidates today, they want to paint a picture that the Democrats, not the George Bush Republicans, are responsible for all of the problems resonating in New Jersey. Today I heard no solutions to the problems New Jersey is facing, no plans to be put in place to deal with quality of life issues. Therefore I am confident that the voters in New Jersey, especially those in Plainfield, will see through the negative campaign that will be run by the Republicans here in New Jersey.
I thought by now that the Republicans would have learned their lesson from last year’s campaign. When their whole campaign was run on lies and misinformation. Today, I witnessed firsthand, my opponent who I feel is hoping he can blame the Democrats for all the problems in New Jersey while forgetting about the eight years George Bush took in putting us into this predicament.
Ps
I want to take this opportunity to thank the people in Plainfield and the surrounding communities who have signed up to participate in President Obama’s rally to support Governor Jon Corzine. We have over 400 people who have signed up to be at this rally. Out of the eleven buses leaving Union County, eight of them will be coming from Plainfield. So it is going to take more than Chris Christie showing up in Plainfield to convince the public that they are better off with a Christie/Obama relationship versus a Corzine/Obama relationship. If today’s showing is any example of how the people in Plainfield is going to vote, by the 1st of November, people will see the Corzine/Obama relationship is the best thing here for the people in the State of New Jersey.
Here we have 400 people that want to attend a rally, and today, the only people in the downtown area to meet with Chris Christie were the news media. I am confident that he realizes that coming into Plainfield, as a Republican running for office is a huge mistake.
My first question to Mr. Christie was, “Since no one on a national level has dealt with the day-worker issue, as well as himself being US Attorney for eight years, if elected, what would he do to deal with this problem, which is the number one problem facing the downtown area of Plainfield?” Mr. Christie never gave me an answer. My second question to him was, “With the comments he made regarding affordable housing here in the State of New Jersey, he mentioned that he would build more low-income housing units in cities like Plainfield.”
At this point, I disagreed with him. I believe Plainfield has its share of affordable housing(which includes low-income housing). He never mentioned what type of housing he would recommend for suburban communities, such as like in Morris County, where he lives. This is nothing new to me personally, because low-income housing in suburban communities is not housing units Republican leaders want in their backyards.
I was very surprised to hear from him the lack of a plan in how to deal with cities such as Plainfield. Once these questions went unanswered by Mr. Christie, he decided to walk away. Therefore, it is obvious that Mr. Christie does not have a plan to move cities like Plainfield forward.
One of my opponents, former mayor Marty Marks who is running on the Republican line for the 22nd District, decided to get involved in the conversation. The first comment, which has been one that everyone in the medical industry acknowledges I was not the problem, by him was the closing of Muhlenberg. When it comes down to servicing people and keeping hospitals open, the buck stopped with George Bush, who went to sleep at the switch. It is obvious that the Republicans are trying to use that angle to blame myself, Aswm. Stender, and Gov. Corzine for the closure of the hospital, which is not true.
The second issue in our conversation was school funding. The new formula that I supported that funds education for ALL children, and not just Plainfield, again an issue the Republicans in Trenton did not support, even when it helped children in districts such as Scotch Plains for example. There were just as many students in Scotch Plains that received special education and language barrier support as there were in Plainfield, but these are issues that my opponents and Chris Christie care nothing about.
After listening to the Republican candidates today, they want to paint a picture that the Democrats, not the George Bush Republicans, are responsible for all of the problems resonating in New Jersey. Today I heard no solutions to the problems New Jersey is facing, no plans to be put in place to deal with quality of life issues. Therefore I am confident that the voters in New Jersey, especially those in Plainfield, will see through the negative campaign that will be run by the Republicans here in New Jersey.
I thought by now that the Republicans would have learned their lesson from last year’s campaign. When their whole campaign was run on lies and misinformation. Today, I witnessed firsthand, my opponent who I feel is hoping he can blame the Democrats for all the problems in New Jersey while forgetting about the eight years George Bush took in putting us into this predicament.
Ps
I want to take this opportunity to thank the people in Plainfield and the surrounding communities who have signed up to participate in President Obama’s rally to support Governor Jon Corzine. We have over 400 people who have signed up to be at this rally. Out of the eleven buses leaving Union County, eight of them will be coming from Plainfield. So it is going to take more than Chris Christie showing up in Plainfield to convince the public that they are better off with a Christie/Obama relationship versus a Corzine/Obama relationship. If today’s showing is any example of how the people in Plainfield is going to vote, by the 1st of November, people will see the Corzine/Obama relationship is the best thing here for the people in the State of New Jersey.
Here we have 400 people that want to attend a rally, and today, the only people in the downtown area to meet with Chris Christie were the news media. I am confident that he realizes that coming into Plainfield, as a Republican running for office is a huge mistake.
Clarity on Maria's Posting re Community Advisory Group
I had an opportunity to read Maria’s blog today. Normally, if I read something true and accurate on her blog, I support it. But her latest post regarding the Community Advisory Committee, dealing with where some of the information came from, is very misleading.
For one, Mayor Robinson-Briggs and I have brought together the initial taskforce that I assembled last year, and her taskforce, as well as Solaris and the State having a representative on the task force. Since this is a taskforce that the mayor and I are co-chairing due to the involvement of surrounding communities, two members from surrounding hospitals, and a member from the State Health Department that I felt was vital to our need, were added to the taskforce.
Therefore, the initial task forces have been consolidated and combined, and since I sit as co-chairperson, I felt I should share this information. So to make that statement that this should have come from the Mayor, I needed to address why this came from me and not the Mayor’s office. There are other issues pertaining to the City that the Mayor and Council President will be happy to address.
As far as my son is concerned, the reason why he is on the committee as an alternate is because he heads the Emergency Management Department in Plainfield. It is a volunteer position, which calls for him to assume first-call response for any major crisis in the community. So as an alternate, his sole responsibility is to give us any information that we may need to help Plainfield in case of a crisis.
For one, Mayor Robinson-Briggs and I have brought together the initial taskforce that I assembled last year, and her taskforce, as well as Solaris and the State having a representative on the task force. Since this is a taskforce that the mayor and I are co-chairing due to the involvement of surrounding communities, two members from surrounding hospitals, and a member from the State Health Department that I felt was vital to our need, were added to the taskforce.
Therefore, the initial task forces have been consolidated and combined, and since I sit as co-chairperson, I felt I should share this information. So to make that statement that this should have come from the Mayor, I needed to address why this came from me and not the Mayor’s office. There are other issues pertaining to the City that the Mayor and Council President will be happy to address.
As far as my son is concerned, the reason why he is on the committee as an alternate is because he heads the Emergency Management Department in Plainfield. It is a volunteer position, which calls for him to assume first-call response for any major crisis in the community. So as an alternate, his sole responsibility is to give us any information that we may need to help Plainfield in case of a crisis.
Marty Who?
Reading former mayor Marty Marks’ comments in his blog, I find it very embarrassing by his comments, saying I have ignored the other 10 towns in my district. On about a weekly basis, I reach out to these towns to survey their issues and concerns, and how to bring about solutions to their tables.
Unfortunately, because Mr. Marks is so far to the right in terms of being a conservative, his views on abortion and gay rights are detrimental. When it comes to abortion, he feels women should not have any say in the matter. When it comes to gay rights, he feels gays should not have any rights. Just last year I had a meeting in the City of Plainfield and all the surrounding districts dealing with school funding. Mr. Marks refused to show up. We were discussing Abbott Districts and funding for children in need of special services, disabled children, speech impaired, and the like. In the western part of my district for example, many children speak English as a second language. These issues however, are of no concern to Mr. Marks.
I had numerous meetings pertaining to the Green Brook flood control, but Mr. Marks again was nowhere to be found. He has run for US Congress and New Jersey Senate, and lost both races. Therefore, the people in the 22nd District are not new to Mr. Marks’ type of politicking. I hope that he will talk about the issues, rather than resort to a negative campaign.
He talks about my involvement in Plainfield; yes, I have fought to deal with the crime, housing, and quality of life issues because they affect all of the towns in the western part of my district. Mr. Marks decided not to run for Mayor again because they pay some of the highest property taxes in my district, and he left City Hall in a mess. He cannot point to one thing he has done to improve the quality of life in Scotch Plains.
Now he and his running mate’s only concern in this campaign is to try to divide the Democratic votes. This type of campaign is not going to work, for I have no intentions of backing off or allowing two individuals, who walk, talk, and act like former President George Bush, who feel that lying and misleading the public will get them elected, divide the party. So I am hoping that moving forward that these lies and misinformation, Muhlenberg for example, an issue that everyone in the State House recognized I fought hard to try to keep it open, and am fighting even hoarder to get it re-opened.
Also, to take a cheap shot at the Plainfield student’s test scores, which is similar to every other Abbott District in New Jersey, really speaks to his character. The State recognizes that low test scores are a problem, but are trying to bring about feasible solutions to this issue. Just recently, a Republican member of the General Assembly stood and said, “We should stop sending money into Abbott Districts because we are not getting results.” This is the same attitude Marty Marks and his mate are going to take. But what they fail to realize is that some of the money in the new funding formula helps students in Scotch Plains who need the help. So Mr. Marks, you cannot have it both ways.
My understanding is that your running mate lived in Texas and has the same mindset as George Bush, and because of this mindset every area of a person’s life has been affected; economically, decent housing for families, and healthcare. So let us talk about these issues rather than trying to make it sound like I am the problem, versus the failed leadership of the Bush administration that gave birth to every one of these problems.
Ps
I have met with the Board of Education of Scotch Plains on numerous occasions dealing with issues pertaining to the children of Scotch Plains. Scotch Plains send just as many students outside of their district for schooling so that those who need special educational support receive it, just like Plainfield. But then again, this is a population that Marks and Vastine could care less about.
So when you talk about Plainfield students, both of you need to look in your own backyard and see what kinds of problems some of the students in Scotch Plains and Fanwood are facing; problems I am trying to help them overcome, rather than act as if they do not exist. Whether it is a learning disability or a language barrier, these students need proper support. I am working very hard to make sure Trenton recognizes their needs so that help can be allotted.
Unfortunately, because Mr. Marks is so far to the right in terms of being a conservative, his views on abortion and gay rights are detrimental. When it comes to abortion, he feels women should not have any say in the matter. When it comes to gay rights, he feels gays should not have any rights. Just last year I had a meeting in the City of Plainfield and all the surrounding districts dealing with school funding. Mr. Marks refused to show up. We were discussing Abbott Districts and funding for children in need of special services, disabled children, speech impaired, and the like. In the western part of my district for example, many children speak English as a second language. These issues however, are of no concern to Mr. Marks.
I had numerous meetings pertaining to the Green Brook flood control, but Mr. Marks again was nowhere to be found. He has run for US Congress and New Jersey Senate, and lost both races. Therefore, the people in the 22nd District are not new to Mr. Marks’ type of politicking. I hope that he will talk about the issues, rather than resort to a negative campaign.
He talks about my involvement in Plainfield; yes, I have fought to deal with the crime, housing, and quality of life issues because they affect all of the towns in the western part of my district. Mr. Marks decided not to run for Mayor again because they pay some of the highest property taxes in my district, and he left City Hall in a mess. He cannot point to one thing he has done to improve the quality of life in Scotch Plains.
Now he and his running mate’s only concern in this campaign is to try to divide the Democratic votes. This type of campaign is not going to work, for I have no intentions of backing off or allowing two individuals, who walk, talk, and act like former President George Bush, who feel that lying and misleading the public will get them elected, divide the party. So I am hoping that moving forward that these lies and misinformation, Muhlenberg for example, an issue that everyone in the State House recognized I fought hard to try to keep it open, and am fighting even hoarder to get it re-opened.
Also, to take a cheap shot at the Plainfield student’s test scores, which is similar to every other Abbott District in New Jersey, really speaks to his character. The State recognizes that low test scores are a problem, but are trying to bring about feasible solutions to this issue. Just recently, a Republican member of the General Assembly stood and said, “We should stop sending money into Abbott Districts because we are not getting results.” This is the same attitude Marty Marks and his mate are going to take. But what they fail to realize is that some of the money in the new funding formula helps students in Scotch Plains who need the help. So Mr. Marks, you cannot have it both ways.
My understanding is that your running mate lived in Texas and has the same mindset as George Bush, and because of this mindset every area of a person’s life has been affected; economically, decent housing for families, and healthcare. So let us talk about these issues rather than trying to make it sound like I am the problem, versus the failed leadership of the Bush administration that gave birth to every one of these problems.
Ps
I have met with the Board of Education of Scotch Plains on numerous occasions dealing with issues pertaining to the children of Scotch Plains. Scotch Plains send just as many students outside of their district for schooling so that those who need special educational support receive it, just like Plainfield. But then again, this is a population that Marks and Vastine could care less about.
So when you talk about Plainfield students, both of you need to look in your own backyard and see what kinds of problems some of the students in Scotch Plains and Fanwood are facing; problems I am trying to help them overcome, rather than act as if they do not exist. Whether it is a learning disability or a language barrier, these students need proper support. I am working very hard to make sure Trenton recognizes their needs so that help can be allotted.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Community Advisory Group; Defeating Misinformation / Ps
After months of negotiating with the State and Solaris, Mayor Robinson-Briggs and I have been able to work with Council President Rashid Burney, in putting together an advisory committee to deal with issues that are facing Plainfield and the neighboring communities regarding Muhlenberg Hospital.
Unfortunately, there are people in the community that are clueless when it comes to this advisory board, yet blast on their blogs personal attacks, lies, and misinformation. I will not feed into that sort of behavior, and will respond only by saying that all parties involved in the restoration of Muhlenberg agree in principle with moving forward with what is best for the Muhlenberg campus as well as Plainfield and its neighboring communities.
When people are left out in the cold and clueless regarding issues, they resort to putting out negative comments and fabrications. At the appropriate time, the Mayor and Council will share what we have been able to accomplish regarding the construction of an advisory board, and that Plainfield and the neighboring communities get the healthcare they deserve.
I want to share with you a list of the people who have been identified by the Mayor, Council, Solaris, and the State as to who will serve on this committee. I advise anyone who has any concerns to reach out for the Mayor, Council President, or anyone on the taskforce so that they can give you correct answers:
Community Advisory Group (CAG)
1) Assemblyman Jerry Green
2) Sharon Robinson-Briggs, Mayor
3) Marc Dashield, City Administrator
4) Rashid Burney, Council President
5) Marc Collicchio, Municipal Health Officer
6) Jenny Purnell, Plainfield Rescue Squad
7) B.J. Fleming, Captain – Plainfield Fire Division (alt. Firefighter Sheldon Green)
8) Troy Edwards, Sgt. – Plainfield Police Division (alt. P.O. William Tyler)
9) Colleen Mahr, Mayor (Fanwood)
10) Carmen Salvarrietta, Community Activist
11) Dottie Gutenkauf, Community Activist
12) Jay Jimenez, St. Peters University Hospital
13) Lynn Kearny, Rahway Hospital
14) Dennis McGill, MD, Somerset Regional Medical Center
Ps
I have spoken to the Governor and State Commissioner on numerous occasions regarding Muhlenberg. The Commissioner agreed, when I brought it to her attention, in reference to other hospitals being able to keep their license active, that Muhlenberg was not given the opportunity to do so. She put it in writing however, that Muhlenberg will not have to go through the same process if we find a buyer. No hospital that has closed in the past has been a recipient of the types of commitments we have received from the State and Solaris.
Unfortunately, we have a blogger in the City of Plainfield who has not been on the side of the people of Plainfield, but has been in constant league with Solaris. His job has been to try to embarrass me as well as pump out false information. It is clear that this person is bitter from the recent primary election. To that, I say the voters of the 22nd District have spoken. The time is now for this individual to get a life.
Unfortunately, there are people in the community that are clueless when it comes to this advisory board, yet blast on their blogs personal attacks, lies, and misinformation. I will not feed into that sort of behavior, and will respond only by saying that all parties involved in the restoration of Muhlenberg agree in principle with moving forward with what is best for the Muhlenberg campus as well as Plainfield and its neighboring communities.
When people are left out in the cold and clueless regarding issues, they resort to putting out negative comments and fabrications. At the appropriate time, the Mayor and Council will share what we have been able to accomplish regarding the construction of an advisory board, and that Plainfield and the neighboring communities get the healthcare they deserve.
I want to share with you a list of the people who have been identified by the Mayor, Council, Solaris, and the State as to who will serve on this committee. I advise anyone who has any concerns to reach out for the Mayor, Council President, or anyone on the taskforce so that they can give you correct answers:
Community Advisory Group (CAG)
1) Assemblyman Jerry Green
2) Sharon Robinson-Briggs, Mayor
3) Marc Dashield, City Administrator
4) Rashid Burney, Council President
5) Marc Collicchio, Municipal Health Officer
6) Jenny Purnell, Plainfield Rescue Squad
7) B.J. Fleming, Captain – Plainfield Fire Division (alt. Firefighter Sheldon Green)
8) Troy Edwards, Sgt. – Plainfield Police Division (alt. P.O. William Tyler)
9) Colleen Mahr, Mayor (Fanwood)
10) Carmen Salvarrietta, Community Activist
11) Dottie Gutenkauf, Community Activist
12) Jay Jimenez, St. Peters University Hospital
13) Lynn Kearny, Rahway Hospital
14) Dennis McGill, MD, Somerset Regional Medical Center
Ps
I have spoken to the Governor and State Commissioner on numerous occasions regarding Muhlenberg. The Commissioner agreed, when I brought it to her attention, in reference to other hospitals being able to keep their license active, that Muhlenberg was not given the opportunity to do so. She put it in writing however, that Muhlenberg will not have to go through the same process if we find a buyer. No hospital that has closed in the past has been a recipient of the types of commitments we have received from the State and Solaris.
Unfortunately, we have a blogger in the City of Plainfield who has not been on the side of the people of Plainfield, but has been in constant league with Solaris. His job has been to try to embarrass me as well as pump out false information. It is clear that this person is bitter from the recent primary election. To that, I say the voters of the 22nd District have spoken. The time is now for this individual to get a life.
Friday, July 10, 2009
What Bo Don't Know
I had an opportunity to read my opponent Bo Vastine’s comments in the blog. Mr. Vastine is a person whom I have never met, a person who over my years involved in politics, I’ve heard nothing that he’s accomplished, especially when it comes to moving the 22nd district in the right direction. Therefore, I cannot talk about what he has accomplished and what he has done to make life better here in the 22nd district. In Mr. Vastine’s comments he mentioned that he will be running against Linda Stender and Jerry Green in the November campaign, he also mentioned that he is a Republican and that he would probably be blamed for the failed Bush administration for the last eight years. He then went on to say that I stood by while Muhlenberg hospital closed and did not stop the closing, as if it was in my control. What he does not talk about is what he is going to do, IF he is elected, to make life better for the residents of the 22nd district. I think the public needs to know what he has done, other than be critical of me, and what he plans to do in order to get their support.
I’m just going to bring to his attention, because it’s obvious to the majority of the people in the 22nd district, especially in the City of Plainfield, know what I have done because over the last 20 years I have been able to get re-elected, I’m part of the leadership in the State Assembly, showing that my colleagues recognize my commitment to making life better for all of the people of the state of New Jersey. I am Chairman of Housing and Local Government, not because I have not done anything, but because I have shown leadership in terms of making sure that everyone in the state of New Jersey has an opportunity to live in their community as well as, living in conditions that everyone can be proud of. When it came to Muhlenberg hospital the last ten years I have been able to bring in subsidized dollars to keep the facility open and servicing people in the Plainfield area. Healthcare is a crisis that is facing all of the people here in this country. Because of the failed policies of the Bush Administration in the last 8 years, Plainfield is like any other urban community where they have to service so many people that are uninsured. Solaris made a business decision because they were losing over $12 million a year. So it wasn’t something that Jerry Green did wrong, it was Mr. Vastine’s friend George Bush that went to sleep at the switch.
He mentioned educating our children, but he failed to tell the Plainfield people that every year his Republican friends in Trenton tried to eliminate the Abbott funding (which gives the City of Plainfield over $100 million towards educating our children) from the budget. If that happens one can only imagine what is going to happen to the people of Plainfield’s taxes. By the way, he and his running mate do not live in Plainfield, so why would he care. If he really wanted to be the Independent candidate that he is making the people in Plainfield feel he wants to be, then why don’t he and his running mate run as Independents?
The other issue, which is a major issue for the City of Plainfield, is our growing gay community. This is a community that I have been supportive of, one that I have stood up for when it comes to fighting for their rights, but if you look at the record of Mr. Vastine’s Republican friends in Trenton, you will see that, when it comes to the rights of the gay community, they feel that this community shouldn’t have any rights. After 20 years in the Assembly there has never been a time that I have seen his Republican friends stand up and not only show the gay community respect but more importantly be supportive of them and their rights. So I’m going to get right to the point, I’m not going to allow Mr. Vastine and his running mate to make the gay community and the rest of the people in the community feel they will work on their behalf and be supportive.
I am proud to be a Democrat, I am proud to say that I am looking forward to working with the President of the United States, as well as Governor Jon Corzine to move this country and this state in the right direction. I am looking forward to talking about my record as well as the Democratic team record versus Mr. Vastine’s record and the Republican team record. Just like what’s happening on a national level, they want to blame the President because of the condition of this country, when it is actually the Republican party that is ripping off the country; whether it’s the stock market, credit cards, bad mortgages, or allowing immigrants to come into the country without making sure that they have an opportunity to get decent housing, healthcare and jobs. Now the taxpayers, including those in the 22nd district, have to pick up this cost. This major problem is facing every city.
While the surrounding Republican towns don’t have to deal with the type of problems that the City of Plainfield has to deal with in making sure that there’s affordable housing for everyone, making sure that when a family is in a crisis they give them more then taxi fare and a voucher to live in the Park Hotel here in Plainfield rather than setting aside decent housing and programs that deal with people who fall on hard times. Plainfield has done its share and it is now time that these Republican towns do their share.
I’m just going to bring to his attention, because it’s obvious to the majority of the people in the 22nd district, especially in the City of Plainfield, know what I have done because over the last 20 years I have been able to get re-elected, I’m part of the leadership in the State Assembly, showing that my colleagues recognize my commitment to making life better for all of the people of the state of New Jersey. I am Chairman of Housing and Local Government, not because I have not done anything, but because I have shown leadership in terms of making sure that everyone in the state of New Jersey has an opportunity to live in their community as well as, living in conditions that everyone can be proud of. When it came to Muhlenberg hospital the last ten years I have been able to bring in subsidized dollars to keep the facility open and servicing people in the Plainfield area. Healthcare is a crisis that is facing all of the people here in this country. Because of the failed policies of the Bush Administration in the last 8 years, Plainfield is like any other urban community where they have to service so many people that are uninsured. Solaris made a business decision because they were losing over $12 million a year. So it wasn’t something that Jerry Green did wrong, it was Mr. Vastine’s friend George Bush that went to sleep at the switch.
He mentioned educating our children, but he failed to tell the Plainfield people that every year his Republican friends in Trenton tried to eliminate the Abbott funding (which gives the City of Plainfield over $100 million towards educating our children) from the budget. If that happens one can only imagine what is going to happen to the people of Plainfield’s taxes. By the way, he and his running mate do not live in Plainfield, so why would he care. If he really wanted to be the Independent candidate that he is making the people in Plainfield feel he wants to be, then why don’t he and his running mate run as Independents?
The other issue, which is a major issue for the City of Plainfield, is our growing gay community. This is a community that I have been supportive of, one that I have stood up for when it comes to fighting for their rights, but if you look at the record of Mr. Vastine’s Republican friends in Trenton, you will see that, when it comes to the rights of the gay community, they feel that this community shouldn’t have any rights. After 20 years in the Assembly there has never been a time that I have seen his Republican friends stand up and not only show the gay community respect but more importantly be supportive of them and their rights. So I’m going to get right to the point, I’m not going to allow Mr. Vastine and his running mate to make the gay community and the rest of the people in the community feel they will work on their behalf and be supportive.
I am proud to be a Democrat, I am proud to say that I am looking forward to working with the President of the United States, as well as Governor Jon Corzine to move this country and this state in the right direction. I am looking forward to talking about my record as well as the Democratic team record versus Mr. Vastine’s record and the Republican team record. Just like what’s happening on a national level, they want to blame the President because of the condition of this country, when it is actually the Republican party that is ripping off the country; whether it’s the stock market, credit cards, bad mortgages, or allowing immigrants to come into the country without making sure that they have an opportunity to get decent housing, healthcare and jobs. Now the taxpayers, including those in the 22nd district, have to pick up this cost. This major problem is facing every city.
While the surrounding Republican towns don’t have to deal with the type of problems that the City of Plainfield has to deal with in making sure that there’s affordable housing for everyone, making sure that when a family is in a crisis they give them more then taxi fare and a voucher to live in the Park Hotel here in Plainfield rather than setting aside decent housing and programs that deal with people who fall on hard times. Plainfield has done its share and it is now time that these Republican towns do their share.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Transparency Exposed
Over the past few days, I have had very constructive conversations with many concerned residents in Plainfield. The one that impacted me the most was with Maria Pellum. She shared some of her issues, likes, and concerns as they relate to the City of Plainfield. Reading her blog today, I have to agree with the majority of her points. She writes with an understanding of Plainfield politics; the City having a strong Council, one that I have never had a majority of the Council, work with me in terms of dealing with the issues, being that I am the Plainfield Democratic Chairman. Even with this truth, the true municipal power belonging to the Council and Mayor, why is it that I am blamed by a constant group of individuals, for so much as a person stepping on a crack on a sidewalk?
Let us engage then in a brief conversation regarding the political history of Plainfield. There was a time when the New Democrats were in total control of the Council, the Mayor’s office, as well as the City Committee. This New Democratic faction of power chose not to identify faults, problems, or issues in the City, but simply chose to ignore them. For example, under their watch, Plainfield’s murder rate spiked with 15 murders in one year, the City returned grant money that would have benefitted the municipality, and the only new development in the City was the Tepper’s Building, which is a low-income facility.
It is time now that concerned citizens, much like Maria Pellum, get on the horn and speak up for their city, the City of Plainfield. This action calls for responsibility. Therefore, if I as a resident or as Democratic Chairman make a mistake, I will continue in the practice of assuming responsibility and move forward in a direction that would remedy the situation. This is a practice in which every resident should be engaged. Accountability and responsibility are two practices of life that will guarantee success and positive change in our neighborhoods, in our communities. Having arguments or disagreements with political colleagues, across the aisle or even within my party, does not and should not denote irrational assignments of blame in any particular case.
If we practice procuring unity and positive change in our community we will defeat dishonesty and poor leadership, as seen in the two Republican candidates running against Assemblywoman Stender and me for the General Assembly. Already they are blaming me for every problem or issue within the 22nd District. They are rather quick however to forget they had an administration in the White House for eight years who turned its back on New Jersey many times. I encourage you to examine the records of the two Republicans running against Linda Stender and I, for my record is one that any Statesman would be proud of.
Bill Hetfield in one of the blogs also decided to put the blame on me personally. I have tried to work with Mr. Hetfield over the years, responding to his phone calls and concerns. As I have acted responsibly in dealing with his issues as an Assemblyman, I will not sit back and have my reputation destroyed by him or anyone else. Bill Hetfield has lived in Plainfield all of his life, and yet, he sat back and watched as low-income projects were being built in the City, and he said nothing. He watched a halfway house be built right across the street from one of his buildings and again, he said nothing. For his whole life then, Mr. Hetfield has witnessed how Plainfield was being dumped on, and yet when the Republicans were in control, directing most of the damage, he said nothing.
Now, when any type of revitalization plan comes into Plainfield which does not satisfy his liking, I am the first one to be accused of bringing in low-income units. Let me be clear, I am NOT in support of constructing any more low-income housing units; I AM in support of constructing affordable housing and up-scale housing units within the City of Plainfield. I do not want the property values in Plainfield to decrease any more, but rather drive them up. It is now time for Bill and his friends to do their homework and get their stories straight.
If I were involved in Plainfield politics as long as Bill Hetfield has been, being a Plainfield lifer, I would not have allowed these travesties to come to pass. I am surprised he has not moved to Watchung like his buddies who ran to the hills when these low-income housing units were built in Plainfield. I am surprised at how he and his Republican friends made sure that towns like Watchung, five minutes away from Plainfield, do not have these types of housing units in their communities, but yet, they want to thumb their noses at Plainfield. It is obvious that this campaign is going to be filled with negativity brewing from the Republican camp. No matter how negative they go, I will not close my eyes to the Republican Assembly candidates that time and time again vote against anything that would help the City of Plainfield, including educating our children.
So come the first of the year, if the Republicans win in the general election, and take control of the Assembly and Governor’s office, the first thing Hetfield and his buddies will do is run to the hills of Watchung, and take away the $100million Plainfield receives from the State as an Abbott District to educate our children.
Let us engage then in a brief conversation regarding the political history of Plainfield. There was a time when the New Democrats were in total control of the Council, the Mayor’s office, as well as the City Committee. This New Democratic faction of power chose not to identify faults, problems, or issues in the City, but simply chose to ignore them. For example, under their watch, Plainfield’s murder rate spiked with 15 murders in one year, the City returned grant money that would have benefitted the municipality, and the only new development in the City was the Tepper’s Building, which is a low-income facility.
It is time now that concerned citizens, much like Maria Pellum, get on the horn and speak up for their city, the City of Plainfield. This action calls for responsibility. Therefore, if I as a resident or as Democratic Chairman make a mistake, I will continue in the practice of assuming responsibility and move forward in a direction that would remedy the situation. This is a practice in which every resident should be engaged. Accountability and responsibility are two practices of life that will guarantee success and positive change in our neighborhoods, in our communities. Having arguments or disagreements with political colleagues, across the aisle or even within my party, does not and should not denote irrational assignments of blame in any particular case.
If we practice procuring unity and positive change in our community we will defeat dishonesty and poor leadership, as seen in the two Republican candidates running against Assemblywoman Stender and me for the General Assembly. Already they are blaming me for every problem or issue within the 22nd District. They are rather quick however to forget they had an administration in the White House for eight years who turned its back on New Jersey many times. I encourage you to examine the records of the two Republicans running against Linda Stender and I, for my record is one that any Statesman would be proud of.
Bill Hetfield in one of the blogs also decided to put the blame on me personally. I have tried to work with Mr. Hetfield over the years, responding to his phone calls and concerns. As I have acted responsibly in dealing with his issues as an Assemblyman, I will not sit back and have my reputation destroyed by him or anyone else. Bill Hetfield has lived in Plainfield all of his life, and yet, he sat back and watched as low-income projects were being built in the City, and he said nothing. He watched a halfway house be built right across the street from one of his buildings and again, he said nothing. For his whole life then, Mr. Hetfield has witnessed how Plainfield was being dumped on, and yet when the Republicans were in control, directing most of the damage, he said nothing.
Now, when any type of revitalization plan comes into Plainfield which does not satisfy his liking, I am the first one to be accused of bringing in low-income units. Let me be clear, I am NOT in support of constructing any more low-income housing units; I AM in support of constructing affordable housing and up-scale housing units within the City of Plainfield. I do not want the property values in Plainfield to decrease any more, but rather drive them up. It is now time for Bill and his friends to do their homework and get their stories straight.
If I were involved in Plainfield politics as long as Bill Hetfield has been, being a Plainfield lifer, I would not have allowed these travesties to come to pass. I am surprised he has not moved to Watchung like his buddies who ran to the hills when these low-income housing units were built in Plainfield. I am surprised at how he and his Republican friends made sure that towns like Watchung, five minutes away from Plainfield, do not have these types of housing units in their communities, but yet, they want to thumb their noses at Plainfield. It is obvious that this campaign is going to be filled with negativity brewing from the Republican camp. No matter how negative they go, I will not close my eyes to the Republican Assembly candidates that time and time again vote against anything that would help the City of Plainfield, including educating our children.
So come the first of the year, if the Republicans win in the general election, and take control of the Assembly and Governor’s office, the first thing Hetfield and his buddies will do is run to the hills of Watchung, and take away the $100million Plainfield receives from the State as an Abbott District to educate our children.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
I just received a letter from Governor Corzine regarding an exciting event that will be taking place in our great State of New Jersey. If any other information is shared with me, I will certainly make the information public via my blog. Enjoy!
Dear Jerry,
I've written to you before about the importance of keeping our hard-won progressive victories from November going and about moving New Jersey forward in-step with the Obama Administration.
Now, I want you to hear it directly from the President himself.
Vice President Biden was already here and got our campaign started with a bang. On July 16th, President Barack Obama will join me at Rutgers University in New Brunswick to help to kick our campaign into a whole new gear.
Click here to RSVP for your FREE tickets.
A Corzine 09 Rally Featuring President Barack Obama and Governor Jon Corzine
Thursday, July 16th.
Voorhees Mall, Rutgers University in New Brunswick
Additional details and start-time to be announced soon
President Obama isn't just a close friend of mine; he's a great friend to our state. After eight long years, we finally have a partner in Washington who shares our values and vision for a more progressive New Jersey.
Together, we are creating green jobs, providing universal access to healthcare for kids, protecting the most vulnerable among us, and ensuring all our children have access to a quality education -- regardless of where they live.
We are doing all of this despite a challenging worldwide economic crisis, and I'm proud of the great progress that Barack Obama and I have already have made.
But we still have more to do, and with a partner in Washington who shares our values and priorities, I'm confident in what we can accomplish in the next four years.
I'm honored that President Obama will be on hand in New Jersey to recognize the important work we're doing, and I hope you will join us.
Click here to RSVP for your FREE tickets.
A Corzine 09 Rally Featuring President Barack Obama and Governor Jon Corzine
Thursday, July 16th.
Voorhees Mall, Rutgers University in New Brunswick
Additional details and start-time to be announced soon
See you at Rutgers!
Governor Jon Corzine
Dear Jerry,
I've written to you before about the importance of keeping our hard-won progressive victories from November going and about moving New Jersey forward in-step with the Obama Administration.
Now, I want you to hear it directly from the President himself.
Vice President Biden was already here and got our campaign started with a bang. On July 16th, President Barack Obama will join me at Rutgers University in New Brunswick to help to kick our campaign into a whole new gear.
Click here to RSVP for your FREE tickets.
A Corzine 09 Rally Featuring President Barack Obama and Governor Jon Corzine
Thursday, July 16th.
Voorhees Mall, Rutgers University in New Brunswick
Additional details and start-time to be announced soon
President Obama isn't just a close friend of mine; he's a great friend to our state. After eight long years, we finally have a partner in Washington who shares our values and vision for a more progressive New Jersey.
Together, we are creating green jobs, providing universal access to healthcare for kids, protecting the most vulnerable among us, and ensuring all our children have access to a quality education -- regardless of where they live.
We are doing all of this despite a challenging worldwide economic crisis, and I'm proud of the great progress that Barack Obama and I have already have made.
But we still have more to do, and with a partner in Washington who shares our values and priorities, I'm confident in what we can accomplish in the next four years.
I'm honored that President Obama will be on hand in New Jersey to recognize the important work we're doing, and I hope you will join us.
Click here to RSVP for your FREE tickets.
A Corzine 09 Rally Featuring President Barack Obama and Governor Jon Corzine
Thursday, July 16th.
Voorhees Mall, Rutgers University in New Brunswick
Additional details and start-time to be announced soon
See you at Rutgers!
Governor Jon Corzine
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