Thursday I made the right decision by not attending the Chamber of Commerce trip to Washington. Instead, I attended the anti-gang meeting sponsored by the Board of Education, and also attended a NAACP function. Both were positive and empowering for the community. Mayor Robinson-Briggs honored women in the community for their services at the NAACP function. I was happy to be able to congratulate the honorees because these are individuals who on a daily basis, make life in the City better for all of us. Dr. Gallon invited me to the anti-gang meeting which was very insightful. I was able to attend the question-and-answer segment of the anti-gang program.
Listening to some of the concerns which were raised and the responses, it became clear that the most important issue is presenting viable solutions to the gang problem that is affecting not only local municipalities, but also the state and nation. As pointed out in Friday’s Courier News, federal officials report that gangs are responsible for up to 80 percent of crimes nationwide. Obviously this is not just a local problem.
This Saturday I am chairing a meeting of my colleagues in the New Jersey State Legislative Black caucus with Governor Jon Corzine. We will discuss New Jersey’s financial woes and how to deal with the State’s budget. We must ensure that the bulk of the funding which should come to our inner cities is not reduced, so that it can be used to deal with issues of crime.
In this year’s gubernatorial race, crime will obviously be at the top of the list for both parties. Former US Attorney Chris Christie, and Governor Jon Corzine and his Attorney General have focused on crime. But my concern on Saturday will be, how do we deal with the gang activity crippling our communities? And what plans can we put into place to deal with some of the concerns raised at Thursday’s anti-gang meeting here in Plainfield?
These concerns are not new. It is time to move forward in overcoming gang activity by helping our young people and taking back our communities. Therefore when we meet with the Governor Saturday, I will address the issues of gang-related activity and the development of time-tables of solution-based initiatives.
On Thursday, many powerful questions were posed. What made them even more powerful was that they came from our young people. Here are some of those questions:
-If I want to get out of a gang, who can I go to for help without putting my life in jeopardy?
-If I want to start making a legitimate living, who do I go to for help in getting a job?
-If I have already paid my debt to society, how do I get my record clean so that when I apply for a job, my application does not get thrown into the garbage because I have a my record?
-Without a job, how am I supposed to support myself and my family?
These questions are just the tip of the iceberg. We are not even talking about the societal impacts that gangs have on all of us. During these harsh times, our young people are looking to us for answers and for help, and I do not want them to be discouraged and turn to the streets or criminal lifestyles.
We need to do more as a community. We are only as strong as our weakest link. Moving forward, I would like to see more focus and more feedback in identifying problems and offering solutions. This means that we as a community are going to have to continue in the direction our President Barack Obama is leading us – unity and progress. We cannot afford to sit on our hands; our children are the ones who suffer from our inaction.
I would sincerely appreciate it, and so would our town and neighboring communities, any input or help concerned citizens can offer. Since both gubernatorial candidates will be addressing this issue in their respective platforms, let’s help get the ball rolling. I look forward to getting feedback in helping our young people turn their lives around and making our city safer.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Staying on Pace With Our President and His Goal of Relief
I would like to congratulate President Barack Obama in moving our country in the right direction in dealing with the financial crisis that we are experiencing in this country. As part of leadership here in the State of New Jersey, I have been allowed opportunities to first-hand, deal with the governor’s office on what impact the federal stimulus package will have on the State of New Jersey. I find it very surprising when no one at this particular time has been told, including Governor Corzine, exactly how these funds can be used, and what they can be used for. So when I read people guessing about what the plan happens to be, it is very misleading to the public.
So I would like to reassure the people that I represent in the 22nd District that I will make sure, to the BEST of my ability, that these funds are used in a way that will help everyone, with the taxpayers being our number one priority. I have been in constant communication with the mayors in my district regarding the Pension Deferral Plan, as well as the county of Union, hoping to ensure that whatever is being done is beneficial to the communities that I represent. Regarding this issue I again have stayed abreast and informative with the municipalities in my district, openly soliciting advice and encouragement. There are avenues that allow communities to use some of their pension funds in aiding their local budget because it will be reimbursed in the long run. I appreciate the Governor’s efforts in this delicate matter, not forcing hands in how to bring solutions to the table.
Therefore I do not want anyone to be misled by misinformation from those who have NO CLUE as to what is going on; because at the present time, the communication that the federal government has had with the State of New Jersey is that there will be guidelines to the usage and functions of this funding.
I want to at this time congratulate the mayor and council president who have been in constant touch with my office regarding this issue, and I am confident that they will continue to make the right decisions in the planning and execution of this funding. Unfortunately, some towns in New Jersey do not have the ability to have someone work diligently with them on a daily basis, or do not have the working relationship that I have with the Mayor and Council President of Plainfield.
With that said, if anyone feels that the City of Plainfield is not on top of this issue, then it is them, not the City, who is in the dark, because the City of Plainfield has been on top of this issue since day one.
Ps. We are going to separate third-hand information, which is heavily present in a particular blog, from that of actual, factual, truthful information. A blog reads today that ‘towns may receive funding…etc’ Operating on the principle of may, maybe, or might is not one that our President Barack Obama operates on or in. In dealing with this funding issue, the President CLEARLY stated that those states that have immediate need for such funding WILL receive it. That sounds a lot different from what a blogger wrote when he said that towns may receive funding.
I do have one answer to blatant lies that Dan Damon preaches. Yes Plainfield is aboard; when it comes to educational dollars, tax relief, and figuring out if any of these dollars can be used to re-open Muhlenberg. The voices of Plainfield and the 22nd District are heard loud and clear throughout the State of New Jersey when standing up for such initiatives. I find Dan Damon’s remarks to be embarrassing and misleading. Maybe Dan is operating in such a fashion because none of the Republicans have been sitting in on these meetings, which is why he has not been able to get a taste of the truth.
So I would like to reassure the people that I represent in the 22nd District that I will make sure, to the BEST of my ability, that these funds are used in a way that will help everyone, with the taxpayers being our number one priority. I have been in constant communication with the mayors in my district regarding the Pension Deferral Plan, as well as the county of Union, hoping to ensure that whatever is being done is beneficial to the communities that I represent. Regarding this issue I again have stayed abreast and informative with the municipalities in my district, openly soliciting advice and encouragement. There are avenues that allow communities to use some of their pension funds in aiding their local budget because it will be reimbursed in the long run. I appreciate the Governor’s efforts in this delicate matter, not forcing hands in how to bring solutions to the table.
Therefore I do not want anyone to be misled by misinformation from those who have NO CLUE as to what is going on; because at the present time, the communication that the federal government has had with the State of New Jersey is that there will be guidelines to the usage and functions of this funding.
I want to at this time congratulate the mayor and council president who have been in constant touch with my office regarding this issue, and I am confident that they will continue to make the right decisions in the planning and execution of this funding. Unfortunately, some towns in New Jersey do not have the ability to have someone work diligently with them on a daily basis, or do not have the working relationship that I have with the Mayor and Council President of Plainfield.
With that said, if anyone feels that the City of Plainfield is not on top of this issue, then it is them, not the City, who is in the dark, because the City of Plainfield has been on top of this issue since day one.
Ps. We are going to separate third-hand information, which is heavily present in a particular blog, from that of actual, factual, truthful information. A blog reads today that ‘towns may receive funding…etc’ Operating on the principle of may, maybe, or might is not one that our President Barack Obama operates on or in. In dealing with this funding issue, the President CLEARLY stated that those states that have immediate need for such funding WILL receive it. That sounds a lot different from what a blogger wrote when he said that towns may receive funding.
I do have one answer to blatant lies that Dan Damon preaches. Yes Plainfield is aboard; when it comes to educational dollars, tax relief, and figuring out if any of these dollars can be used to re-open Muhlenberg. The voices of Plainfield and the 22nd District are heard loud and clear throughout the State of New Jersey when standing up for such initiatives. I find Dan Damon’s remarks to be embarrassing and misleading. Maybe Dan is operating in such a fashion because none of the Republicans have been sitting in on these meetings, which is why he has not been able to get a taste of the truth.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office
Defendants Charged with Additional Counts of Robbery
Somerville – Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne J. Forrest and North Plainfield Chief of Police William Parenti announce that detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Squad in conjunction with detectives from the North Plainfield Police Department have charged Marquis Smith, 19, of Easton, Pennsylvania, with an additional count of first degree Robbery and one count of second degree Robbery. Nathanial Johnson Jr., 18, of Plainfield was also charged with an additional count of second degree Robbery.
Prosecutor Forrest stated that during the evening hours on Wednesday, January 21, 2009, the North Plainfield Police Department was contacted by a witness reporting observing a fight in progress. The North Plainfield Police Department responded to the area of Lincoln Place and determined that the incident was a robbery which involved several black male suspects and a handgun. Police then observed five individuals matching the description of the robbery suspects given to police by the witness sitting in a nearby vehicle. Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle occupied by the five individuals and located a silver BB style handgun inside the car. Within minutes of this robbery being reported, the North Plainfield Police were summoned to Chatham Street where they discovered another robbery victim. Police determined the same individuals responsible for the other robbery were involved with the second attack.
On January 21, 2009 defendant Marquis Smith, 19, and defendant Nathaniel Johnson, 18, were charged with one count of first degree Robbery and one count of second degree Robbery and have been lodged in the Somerset County Jail. Juveniles K.T., 17, of Plainfield, N.A., 17, of Plainfield, and A.S., 17, of Plainfield were also charged with one count of first degree Robbery and one count of second degree Robbery and were lodged at the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center.
Since the arrest of the five defendants, detectives have conducted additional interviews and continued to investigate these individuals for this possible involvement in a string of unsolved robberies. Detectives identified the suspects responsible for the following two robberies:
On Monday December 29, 2008, the North Plainfield PD responded at approximately 9:57 p.m. to a reported robbery that occurred at the intersection of Duer Street and Park Place. Police spoke to the victim who indicated he was approached and punched in the face by two black males and they subsequently took his wallet and cell phone from his pocket. The victim stated that two black males fled on foot and entered a four door beige sedan. Through the course of the investigation, police conducted several interviews and were able to identify defendant Marquis Smith as one of the assailants. The other assailants were identified as juveniles and their names cannot be released at this time.
On Thursday, January 15, 2009, the North Plainfield PD received a report of a robbery that occurred at approximately 7:42 p.m. in the area of Manning Avenue. Police responded and located the victim who indicated he was approached by three black males. One of the black males subsequently pointed a handgun at his chest and riffled through his pants pockets removing his wallet. The wallet contained $50.00 in U.S. currency. The victim sated the individuals returned to a mid-sized brown vehicle and fled the scene. Through the course of the investigation police conducted several interviews and were able to identify defendants Marquis Smith and Nathanial Johnson as two of the assailants.
Defendant Marquis Smith, 19, and defendant Nathanial Johnson, 18, remain in the Somerset County Jail in lieu of $100,000.00 cash or bond bail.
Prosecutor Forrest and Chief Parenti request that anyone with information pertaining to the robberies to contract the North Plainfield PD at (908) 769-2937, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Squad at (908) 231-7100, or the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888577tips.org or www.scpo.net and clock on either “Crime Stoppers” or “TIPS HOTLINE”. All calls are confidential.
Note: We are required by the Rules of Court to include herein a statement explaining that the charges are merely an accusation and that the defendants and juveniles are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty or adjudicated delinquent.
Somerville – Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne J. Forrest and North Plainfield Chief of Police William Parenti announce that detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Squad in conjunction with detectives from the North Plainfield Police Department have charged Marquis Smith, 19, of Easton, Pennsylvania, with an additional count of first degree Robbery and one count of second degree Robbery. Nathanial Johnson Jr., 18, of Plainfield was also charged with an additional count of second degree Robbery.
Prosecutor Forrest stated that during the evening hours on Wednesday, January 21, 2009, the North Plainfield Police Department was contacted by a witness reporting observing a fight in progress. The North Plainfield Police Department responded to the area of Lincoln Place and determined that the incident was a robbery which involved several black male suspects and a handgun. Police then observed five individuals matching the description of the robbery suspects given to police by the witness sitting in a nearby vehicle. Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle occupied by the five individuals and located a silver BB style handgun inside the car. Within minutes of this robbery being reported, the North Plainfield Police were summoned to Chatham Street where they discovered another robbery victim. Police determined the same individuals responsible for the other robbery were involved with the second attack.
On January 21, 2009 defendant Marquis Smith, 19, and defendant Nathaniel Johnson, 18, were charged with one count of first degree Robbery and one count of second degree Robbery and have been lodged in the Somerset County Jail. Juveniles K.T., 17, of Plainfield, N.A., 17, of Plainfield, and A.S., 17, of Plainfield were also charged with one count of first degree Robbery and one count of second degree Robbery and were lodged at the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center.
Since the arrest of the five defendants, detectives have conducted additional interviews and continued to investigate these individuals for this possible involvement in a string of unsolved robberies. Detectives identified the suspects responsible for the following two robberies:
On Monday December 29, 2008, the North Plainfield PD responded at approximately 9:57 p.m. to a reported robbery that occurred at the intersection of Duer Street and Park Place. Police spoke to the victim who indicated he was approached and punched in the face by two black males and they subsequently took his wallet and cell phone from his pocket. The victim stated that two black males fled on foot and entered a four door beige sedan. Through the course of the investigation, police conducted several interviews and were able to identify defendant Marquis Smith as one of the assailants. The other assailants were identified as juveniles and their names cannot be released at this time.
On Thursday, January 15, 2009, the North Plainfield PD received a report of a robbery that occurred at approximately 7:42 p.m. in the area of Manning Avenue. Police responded and located the victim who indicated he was approached by three black males. One of the black males subsequently pointed a handgun at his chest and riffled through his pants pockets removing his wallet. The wallet contained $50.00 in U.S. currency. The victim sated the individuals returned to a mid-sized brown vehicle and fled the scene. Through the course of the investigation police conducted several interviews and were able to identify defendants Marquis Smith and Nathanial Johnson as two of the assailants.
Defendant Marquis Smith, 19, and defendant Nathanial Johnson, 18, remain in the Somerset County Jail in lieu of $100,000.00 cash or bond bail.
Prosecutor Forrest and Chief Parenti request that anyone with information pertaining to the robberies to contract the North Plainfield PD at (908) 769-2937, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Squad at (908) 231-7100, or the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888577tips.org or www.scpo.net and clock on either “Crime Stoppers” or “TIPS HOTLINE”. All calls are confidential.
Note: We are required by the Rules of Court to include herein a statement explaining that the charges are merely an accusation and that the defendants and juveniles are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty or adjudicated delinquent.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thank You 22nd District
On Tuesday night, I had the opportunity to celebrate here in central New Jersey, the swearing in of our newly elected President, our first African-American President, President Barack Hussein Obama. The Inauguration Ball that we had the night of the swearing in was absolutely beautiful! The support we received was one that we can all be proud of. I would like to take a moment first to apologize to those who were unable to come into the ball due to over-occupancy capacity restrictions. The huge room we used for the event proved unable to hold all of those who came out. For that I do apologize, and moving forward, please feel obliged to give me a call so that in the future, I can ensure your convenience.
I feel that what we accomplished Tuesday was no small feat. We as a community were able to bring together grass-roots members from not just our district, but also neighboring communities to celebrate the dawning of an age of progressive change. This change is one that leaves us voters with the feeling of confidence in our federal government. The promises of transparency and accountability starting at the top on the federal level, and seeping all the way to the municipal levels are reassuring. This is empowering for us as voters because we can be reassured that our voices will indeed be heard.
At our Inaugural Ball, it was especially rewarding to have some of our state senators there, who repeatedly acknowledged the fine job we did here in the City of Plainfield in taking the lead in terms of how we got the vote out for Pres. Obama and also how well we were organized. With these encouraging and strengthening achievements, Pres. Obama has challenged us as a nation to not let this newly-found vigor and passion expire: but we are to hold tightly to the patriotism and hope that will help to usher in the change we need, the change we can believe in.
Therefore, we as a community, are going to keep President Obama’s hope and stance for and on change alive by building a new coalition of people who WANT to be a part of the nationwide movement of change; this change consisting of having your voices heard by those at the top, and also having your efforts heard, supported, and moved upon from those at the top.
I want to publically thank the Mayor, Sharon Robinson-Briggs, the Plainfield City Council, and the Plainfield Democratic City Committee for acknowledging my efforts here in New Jersey, as well as thank Senator Ray Lesniak who acknowledged what the City of Plainfield has accomplished in helping to elect President Barack Obama to office. It was very encouraging to feel and hear the response of the large crowd at our Inaugural Ball when I informed them of our construction and sustainment of the coalition in which we have started on behalf of Pres. Obama and his movement for local and national change.
In issues such as healthcare, our economic crisis, crime, and other quality of life issues, we as a nation can now feel confident that we have the right person heading our federal government, as well as us feeling that our efforts will not fall upon deaf ears. A renewed feeling of pride as an American citizen is washing across our nation, and I am excited about the work we have in front of us.
I am looking forward to working with the communities and elected officials of the 22nd District to strengthen it in order to solidify our President’s desire for change and productivity. Based upon Tuesday night, I feel the communities and our elected officials are ready, and those officials that attended the Ball most certainly KNOW that the 22nd District is ready for change. So again, I want to thank everyone who participated Tuesday night, from the organizers to the door-knockers, from the bottom of my heart, Thank You.
I feel that what we accomplished Tuesday was no small feat. We as a community were able to bring together grass-roots members from not just our district, but also neighboring communities to celebrate the dawning of an age of progressive change. This change is one that leaves us voters with the feeling of confidence in our federal government. The promises of transparency and accountability starting at the top on the federal level, and seeping all the way to the municipal levels are reassuring. This is empowering for us as voters because we can be reassured that our voices will indeed be heard.
At our Inaugural Ball, it was especially rewarding to have some of our state senators there, who repeatedly acknowledged the fine job we did here in the City of Plainfield in taking the lead in terms of how we got the vote out for Pres. Obama and also how well we were organized. With these encouraging and strengthening achievements, Pres. Obama has challenged us as a nation to not let this newly-found vigor and passion expire: but we are to hold tightly to the patriotism and hope that will help to usher in the change we need, the change we can believe in.
Therefore, we as a community, are going to keep President Obama’s hope and stance for and on change alive by building a new coalition of people who WANT to be a part of the nationwide movement of change; this change consisting of having your voices heard by those at the top, and also having your efforts heard, supported, and moved upon from those at the top.
I want to publically thank the Mayor, Sharon Robinson-Briggs, the Plainfield City Council, and the Plainfield Democratic City Committee for acknowledging my efforts here in New Jersey, as well as thank Senator Ray Lesniak who acknowledged what the City of Plainfield has accomplished in helping to elect President Barack Obama to office. It was very encouraging to feel and hear the response of the large crowd at our Inaugural Ball when I informed them of our construction and sustainment of the coalition in which we have started on behalf of Pres. Obama and his movement for local and national change.
In issues such as healthcare, our economic crisis, crime, and other quality of life issues, we as a nation can now feel confident that we have the right person heading our federal government, as well as us feeling that our efforts will not fall upon deaf ears. A renewed feeling of pride as an American citizen is washing across our nation, and I am excited about the work we have in front of us.
I am looking forward to working with the communities and elected officials of the 22nd District to strengthen it in order to solidify our President’s desire for change and productivity. Based upon Tuesday night, I feel the communities and our elected officials are ready, and those officials that attended the Ball most certainly KNOW that the 22nd District is ready for change. So again, I want to thank everyone who participated Tuesday night, from the organizers to the door-knockers, from the bottom of my heart, Thank You.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Honesty is a Virtue
I feel that Dan Damon takes every opportunity to try to embarrass me or paint the picture that I am somehow breaking the law. I feel in his blog today, when he asks people to call my Legislative Office in reference to a political function; he is trying to encourage unlawful practices. My Legislative Office is used for ONLY Legislative business, and my Political Office is used for ONLY political business. Everyone knows that I do NOT permit my Legislative Office to be used for ANY political reasons, and to do so would be unbecoming of my character. This is not the first time Mr. Damon has gone to such lengths to make the public feel I have made illegal moves.
I take this very seriously and like all of the other gray areas that Dan Damon tries to fit me into, I will share this with the proper authorities. I want Mr. Damon to show or prove that I am using or have used my Legislative Office for political business, for in his blog, he is claiming just that. This city knows that I have a political office here, and they know that I have a phone number to that office, that is where I handle my political business.
Those individuals who worked tirelessly, diligently, and whole-hearted on the Obama Campaign felt that we built such a good relationship with the community, that they wanted to do something so that we can all come together and enjoy history in the making; hence the Inauguration Fundraising Ball. In the past, there have been non-profit functions that I have either supported or given loans to, just like this function. There is no profit from this event that will benefit Assemblyman Jerry Green. This fundraising event gives me a chance however to make donations to non-profits in my district. For example, donations to the Plainfield P.A.L and local area church organizations who help the needy.
In addition to Mr. Damon’s misguided and false information, his comment of ‘this event is free for city committee members’, is very misleading and incorrect. Not only have these city committee members worked day-in and day-out on the Obama Campaign, but they also helped sell the tickets for this event. Their time and effort they invested earned them the right to be treated fairly.
Within these last 3 years, Dan has gone to law enforcement agencies here in the State of New Jersey with these types of misleading endeavors, where he tries to pass off his ‘factual spin’ from his misguided reality of my operations, as truth. Not ONCE has anyone proven that I have done ANYTHING wrong or illegal. It is only a matter of time before Mr. Damon crosses the line. Once that line is crossed, I will no longer have to be worried about public perception, but then will have the tide changed that will have Mr. Damon worrying about the judge and jury judging him for the embarrassment and harassment he has caused both me and my family over the years. I take these comments very personally because over my lifetime, I have never been found guilty of any illegal dealings; therefore, I am not going to allow a person like Dan Damon to tarnish my reputation.
PS: Dan and his friends, I want to start the New Year off right. If you cannot speak anything nice about me, I would appreciate you keeping your negative and misleading comments to yourself, because with the new responsibility the Speaker of the General Assembly has given me dealing with health issues and housing issues here in New Jersey, I prefer not to spend my valuable time dealing with you and your friends’ negative approach to politics. I would prefer in the future to hire a lawyer to make those decisions for me. And when you do indeed cross the line, I will see you in court.
I take this very seriously and like all of the other gray areas that Dan Damon tries to fit me into, I will share this with the proper authorities. I want Mr. Damon to show or prove that I am using or have used my Legislative Office for political business, for in his blog, he is claiming just that. This city knows that I have a political office here, and they know that I have a phone number to that office, that is where I handle my political business.
Those individuals who worked tirelessly, diligently, and whole-hearted on the Obama Campaign felt that we built such a good relationship with the community, that they wanted to do something so that we can all come together and enjoy history in the making; hence the Inauguration Fundraising Ball. In the past, there have been non-profit functions that I have either supported or given loans to, just like this function. There is no profit from this event that will benefit Assemblyman Jerry Green. This fundraising event gives me a chance however to make donations to non-profits in my district. For example, donations to the Plainfield P.A.L and local area church organizations who help the needy.
In addition to Mr. Damon’s misguided and false information, his comment of ‘this event is free for city committee members’, is very misleading and incorrect. Not only have these city committee members worked day-in and day-out on the Obama Campaign, but they also helped sell the tickets for this event. Their time and effort they invested earned them the right to be treated fairly.
Within these last 3 years, Dan has gone to law enforcement agencies here in the State of New Jersey with these types of misleading endeavors, where he tries to pass off his ‘factual spin’ from his misguided reality of my operations, as truth. Not ONCE has anyone proven that I have done ANYTHING wrong or illegal. It is only a matter of time before Mr. Damon crosses the line. Once that line is crossed, I will no longer have to be worried about public perception, but then will have the tide changed that will have Mr. Damon worrying about the judge and jury judging him for the embarrassment and harassment he has caused both me and my family over the years. I take these comments very personally because over my lifetime, I have never been found guilty of any illegal dealings; therefore, I am not going to allow a person like Dan Damon to tarnish my reputation.
PS: Dan and his friends, I want to start the New Year off right. If you cannot speak anything nice about me, I would appreciate you keeping your negative and misleading comments to yourself, because with the new responsibility the Speaker of the General Assembly has given me dealing with health issues and housing issues here in New Jersey, I prefer not to spend my valuable time dealing with you and your friends’ negative approach to politics. I would prefer in the future to hire a lawyer to make those decisions for me. And when you do indeed cross the line, I will see you in court.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Jan. 12, 2009
A Community on the Rise
On tomorrow, January 13, Governor Jon S. Corzine will deliver his State of the State Address at the State House. As a part of leadership in the State Government, I have been asked by the Governor to sit in on his briefing tomorrow morning regarding the vision for the State while in the midst of these financial crises consuming our state and our country.
This past week I had the opportunity to meet with Congressman Frank Palone and other elected officials representing the State of New Jersey to discuss not only the financial crises, but also the debilitating health crisis. Our discussions were very productive and reassuring; leaving on the note that our Congressmen as well as other elected officials committed to extending their services to the City of Plainfield in means of restoring Muhlenberg to a full-service hospital. I am thus looking forward to working with the Mayor and Council on financial, health, and crime issues.
Unfortunately, we still have people in the city who do not want to give the Mayor and Council credit for moving the City in the right direction in terms of crime prevention and containment. I recently was afforded the opportunity to talk with law enforcement agents on the State and County levels, and they conveyed feelings of pride and satisfaction in the way in which Plainfield’s leadership has been dealing with issues of crime.
I would now like to set the record straight regarding harsh and unmerited criticisms of Plainfield and its leadership that seeks to tear down the city without the thought of rebuilding it. Those who engage in this sort of injurious behavior are beginning to realize the tide which is turning in our City. I am happy to see for the first time in 20 years that the community as a whole is seeing through this sort of behavior and is no longer failing victim to it. I am seeing that as a community, we have turned the corner, and we will continue to move forward in progression and productivity.
The political climate of change that is sweeping across America, beginning with our President Elect Barack Obama, and manifesting itself here within our city, dictates a message to those who look to undermine and harm our community to ‘Put Up or Shut Up’. For, these same individuals, if asked for their contributions to SOLUTIONS and not just criticisms, would not be able to supply ONE initiative that they have promoted.
To my blog readers, I also would like to address head-on the fact that I made it my business to support ALL new democratic council members for re-election, hoping to foster unity in the city. So when I read the blogs today, some stating that ‘the voters sent ME a message’, it is obvious that 12 months earlier, the voters in the city returned me to office with overwhelming support. As stated earlier, as Chairman of the Plainfield Democratic Committee, it is my duty to get the vote out and promote those running, NOT to run the city, nor tell the mayor or council how to vote or think. If they ask for my advice or opinion, I will be there for them.
Thus the message I am sending today is that the blame game that has gone on throughout our neighborhood, especially from certain habitual writers/parties needs to come to a swift end. Acknowledging and practicing this truth will enable Plainfield as a community to move forward in PROGRESSIVE and WHOLESOME change.
P.S. Below is a brief list of council members that were initially elected as New Democrats that I have supported and the COMMUNITY recognized were not a part of those who I personally endorsed, yet have a positive working relationship with: Councilman Cory Storch, 2nd ward, Council President Rashid Burney, 2nd and 3rd wards, former Councilman Don Davis, 3rd ward, Council Chairwoman Linda Carter, 1st and 4th wards, and Union County Freeholder Rayland Van Blake.
On tomorrow, January 13, Governor Jon S. Corzine will deliver his State of the State Address at the State House. As a part of leadership in the State Government, I have been asked by the Governor to sit in on his briefing tomorrow morning regarding the vision for the State while in the midst of these financial crises consuming our state and our country.
This past week I had the opportunity to meet with Congressman Frank Palone and other elected officials representing the State of New Jersey to discuss not only the financial crises, but also the debilitating health crisis. Our discussions were very productive and reassuring; leaving on the note that our Congressmen as well as other elected officials committed to extending their services to the City of Plainfield in means of restoring Muhlenberg to a full-service hospital. I am thus looking forward to working with the Mayor and Council on financial, health, and crime issues.
Unfortunately, we still have people in the city who do not want to give the Mayor and Council credit for moving the City in the right direction in terms of crime prevention and containment. I recently was afforded the opportunity to talk with law enforcement agents on the State and County levels, and they conveyed feelings of pride and satisfaction in the way in which Plainfield’s leadership has been dealing with issues of crime.
I would now like to set the record straight regarding harsh and unmerited criticisms of Plainfield and its leadership that seeks to tear down the city without the thought of rebuilding it. Those who engage in this sort of injurious behavior are beginning to realize the tide which is turning in our City. I am happy to see for the first time in 20 years that the community as a whole is seeing through this sort of behavior and is no longer failing victim to it. I am seeing that as a community, we have turned the corner, and we will continue to move forward in progression and productivity.
The political climate of change that is sweeping across America, beginning with our President Elect Barack Obama, and manifesting itself here within our city, dictates a message to those who look to undermine and harm our community to ‘Put Up or Shut Up’. For, these same individuals, if asked for their contributions to SOLUTIONS and not just criticisms, would not be able to supply ONE initiative that they have promoted.
To my blog readers, I also would like to address head-on the fact that I made it my business to support ALL new democratic council members for re-election, hoping to foster unity in the city. So when I read the blogs today, some stating that ‘the voters sent ME a message’, it is obvious that 12 months earlier, the voters in the city returned me to office with overwhelming support. As stated earlier, as Chairman of the Plainfield Democratic Committee, it is my duty to get the vote out and promote those running, NOT to run the city, nor tell the mayor or council how to vote or think. If they ask for my advice or opinion, I will be there for them.
Thus the message I am sending today is that the blame game that has gone on throughout our neighborhood, especially from certain habitual writers/parties needs to come to a swift end. Acknowledging and practicing this truth will enable Plainfield as a community to move forward in PROGRESSIVE and WHOLESOME change.
P.S. Below is a brief list of council members that were initially elected as New Democrats that I have supported and the COMMUNITY recognized were not a part of those who I personally endorsed, yet have a positive working relationship with: Councilman Cory Storch, 2nd ward, Council President Rashid Burney, 2nd and 3rd wards, former Councilman Don Davis, 3rd ward, Council Chairwoman Linda Carter, 1st and 4th wards, and Union County Freeholder Rayland Van Blake.
Friday, January 9, 2009
S-1599/A3506: Measures to Procure Help for NJ Homeowners AND Lenders
(Trenton) – Legislation eight Assembly Democratic lawmakers sponsored to help homeowners facing impending foreclosure, Bill S-1599/A3506, was signed into law today by Gov. Jon S. Corzine.
“New Jersey’s deepening mortgage crisis makes it imperative that we provide direct assistance to ensure families can stay in their homes and out of foreclosure,” said a leading sponsor, Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer). “We need to open lines for borrowers and lenders to work together to preserve the dream of homeownership that is quickly becoming a nightmare for too many families.”
The law is also sponsored by Assembly members Jerry Green, Ralph R. Caputo, Mila M. Jasey, Nellie Pou, Ruben J. Ramos Jr., Joseph Vas and L. Harvey Smith.
“As the number of New Jersey homeowners facing foreclosure increases, so must our vigilance to provide a means for these families to keep their homes,” said Green (D-Union).
The bill (A-3506) establishes the Mortgage Stabilization Program and Mortgage Stabilization Fund in the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) to provide loans of up to $25,000 to homeowners and lenders willing to refinance a first mortgage that is in imminent danger of foreclosure.
Loans are available to lenders who agree to modify or refinance mortgages for qualifying homeowners to provide for more manageable monthly payments or to calculate a new loan amount.
The measure also creates a $15 million Housing Assistance and Recovery Program Support Fund with HMFA to assist state-certified foreclosure prevention and counseling groups, many of whom are dealing with record numbers of new cases.
The sponsors noted a provision requires banks to maintain foreclosed homes to prevent against neighborhoods becoming blighted by rows of empty houses and unkempt properties.
“The worsening mortgage crisis is forcing the state to navigate uncharted and increasingly turbulent waters,” said Caputo (D-Essex). “It would be a failure of leadership to sit idly by and let entire neighborhoods fall overboard.”
“With tens of thousands of foreclosures across the state last year and Camden, Edison and Newark ranked as three of the hardest-hit cities in the nation, we have to do all we can to preserve their dream of homeownership,” said Jasey (D-Essex).
The bill is among about 40 considered by the Assembly in recent months to help New Jersey emerge strong from the global economic crisis. This includes several bills designed to prevent mortgage foreclosures.
“Foreclosures risk tearing families, neighborhoods, and our economy apart, but this is a lifeline to homeowners and lenders alike,” said Pou (D-Passaic). “While we can only do so much to stem this global economic meltdown, this is another step we’re taking in the right direction.”
“The foreclosure crisis and deepening recession threaten to undo the progress our urban centers have made to rebuild themselves and attract new residents,” said Ramos (D-Hudson). “Keeping families in their homes will ensure that revitalized neighborhoods sound and lenders in good shape so New Jersey can emerge stronger from this worldwide economic turmoil,” said Vas (D-Middlesex). “Helping struggling homeowners and lenders is a smart step that will help keep both afloat and give them the momentum New Jersey needs to weather this storm.”
“Buying a home is a dream for all New Jerseyans,” said Smith (D-Hudson). “This assistance will go a long way to protect that dream by making it easier for residents to stay in their homes and avoid the very real threat of foreclosure that continues to loom over too many of our neighborhoods.”
“New Jersey’s deepening mortgage crisis makes it imperative that we provide direct assistance to ensure families can stay in their homes and out of foreclosure,” said a leading sponsor, Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer). “We need to open lines for borrowers and lenders to work together to preserve the dream of homeownership that is quickly becoming a nightmare for too many families.”
The law is also sponsored by Assembly members Jerry Green, Ralph R. Caputo, Mila M. Jasey, Nellie Pou, Ruben J. Ramos Jr., Joseph Vas and L. Harvey Smith.
“As the number of New Jersey homeowners facing foreclosure increases, so must our vigilance to provide a means for these families to keep their homes,” said Green (D-Union).
The bill (A-3506) establishes the Mortgage Stabilization Program and Mortgage Stabilization Fund in the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) to provide loans of up to $25,000 to homeowners and lenders willing to refinance a first mortgage that is in imminent danger of foreclosure.
Loans are available to lenders who agree to modify or refinance mortgages for qualifying homeowners to provide for more manageable monthly payments or to calculate a new loan amount.
The measure also creates a $15 million Housing Assistance and Recovery Program Support Fund with HMFA to assist state-certified foreclosure prevention and counseling groups, many of whom are dealing with record numbers of new cases.
The sponsors noted a provision requires banks to maintain foreclosed homes to prevent against neighborhoods becoming blighted by rows of empty houses and unkempt properties.
“The worsening mortgage crisis is forcing the state to navigate uncharted and increasingly turbulent waters,” said Caputo (D-Essex). “It would be a failure of leadership to sit idly by and let entire neighborhoods fall overboard.”
“With tens of thousands of foreclosures across the state last year and Camden, Edison and Newark ranked as three of the hardest-hit cities in the nation, we have to do all we can to preserve their dream of homeownership,” said Jasey (D-Essex).
The bill is among about 40 considered by the Assembly in recent months to help New Jersey emerge strong from the global economic crisis. This includes several bills designed to prevent mortgage foreclosures.
“Foreclosures risk tearing families, neighborhoods, and our economy apart, but this is a lifeline to homeowners and lenders alike,” said Pou (D-Passaic). “While we can only do so much to stem this global economic meltdown, this is another step we’re taking in the right direction.”
“The foreclosure crisis and deepening recession threaten to undo the progress our urban centers have made to rebuild themselves and attract new residents,” said Ramos (D-Hudson). “Keeping families in their homes will ensure that revitalized neighborhoods sound and lenders in good shape so New Jersey can emerge stronger from this worldwide economic turmoil,” said Vas (D-Middlesex). “Helping struggling homeowners and lenders is a smart step that will help keep both afloat and give them the momentum New Jersey needs to weather this storm.”
“Buying a home is a dream for all New Jerseyans,” said Smith (D-Hudson). “This assistance will go a long way to protect that dream by making it easier for residents to stay in their homes and avoid the very real threat of foreclosure that continues to loom over too many of our neighborhoods.”
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