Assembly Bill 444, For The Record

In reading Doc’s blog, I would like to set the record straight. The bill that I am sponsoring, A-444, in the Assembly is also being co-sponsored by 22 other Legislators in the Assembly. This bill disqualifies members of the board of education for conviction of certain crimes and requires members to undergo criminal history background investigation, specifically if they are not able to get their records expunged. Obviously, other Legislators have shown their interest in this bill. In fact, when this bill was voted out of the Assembly, the vote tally was 80-0.

As usual Doc, when I received word that the Council allowed this issue to be discussed at a Council meeting with false information, it showed me that the Council is more adamant about listening to misinformation and lies than they are about running the City. It is obvious that they are not concerned about the public image of this City. We are going into the 12th month of this year and the Council cannot show me anything that they have accomplished, other than feeding into this type of nonsense.

Let me explain this issue so that everyone understands why 80 members of the NJ Assembly have supported this legislation. One, Doc mentioned the individual that he feels is being targeted. Let me be clear, this bill targets a statewide issue, not a Plainfield issue. Also, we are not talking about a juvenile who stole a pack of gum.

In the past, no individual had the ability to work for the BOE with any type of record. What this bill does is give those who have chosen to live a decent life after making a mistake a second chance. If you are eligible to get your record expunged, then you have an opportunity to work in this school system.

So what we are trying to accomplish is giving a person an opportunity to get a second chance. I am trying to give those who deserve a second chance, just that. Unfortunately, Mr. Haqq cannot get his record expunged. The law is very clear, if you cannot get your record expunged, you have done something very serious. No one involved in serious criminal activity should be involved in our school districts. This bill is not targeting one individual, but is giving those who need a second chance, who are able to receive one, just that. Now, if they get their record expunged, they will have that opportunity.

Unfortunately, Mr. Haqq decided early in life to be involved in criminal activities. That was his choice, not mine. If the courts make it clear that he is not qualified to get his record expunged, then why should the people in Plainfield take a chance on being embarrassed because we are doing something the courts would not do; which is clearing his record even though the courts ruled against it.

So Doc, before you jump on a bandwagon, you should get the truth and understanding about this issue, before you make it sound like we are penalizing some young innocent juvenile.

Ps

Last week’s activities proved to me that he has yet to change his ways.