Friday, May 29, 2015

If you have any questions regarding Tuesday's elections or would like to know where you have to vote, please call 908-380-5619.

100 New Employment Opportunities Available in Union County

 
 
 

Thank you!

I want to personally thank everyone who attended last night's Column A mixer. Your support will help us continue our work to improve our communities. I want to especially thank the young children who performed their traditional Mexican dances. Here are a few pictures. Gracias!                                                                            -Assemblyman Jerry Green
 





Thursday, May 28, 2015

The Plainfield Fire Officers Endorse Column A


The Plainfield Fire Officers have chosen to endorse Assemblyman Jerry Green, Steve Hockday and Charles Eke for the office of City Council for the City Of Plainfield. 

We Serve The City With Ours Lives Trust Us Vote Column A.

TONIGHT: Column A Mixer in Plainfield!


We're five days out from election day! Please feel free to stop by and help us spread the word about Column A. As for tonight, we will be meeting for a community mixer from 5:30pm- 7:30pm at 221 Park Avenue in Plainfield. Please stop by, invite your friends and join us! Hope to see you soon. 
                                        
                                                                                - Assemblyman Jerry Green 

Plainfield Has Rhythm!




All are welcome to attend. The soul festival is happening on May 30 in Cedar Brook Park.

For more information, please call 908-436-2900. 

Union County’s historic Cedar Brook Park is located in Plainfield, New Jersey. A map of the park is available at ucnj.org.  The concert area is in the large multipurpose field across Cedar Brook Park Drive from the tennis courts.

One of Union County’s best loved warm-weather traditions is back: the annual Rhythm and Blues by the Brook free outdoor music festival, which returns to historic Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield, on Saturday, May 30th, 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.

This year, Rhythm and Blues by the Brook features the high energy funk of The Family Stone, one of the most influential bands of the ’60s and ’70s, and the iconic R&B super group of the ’70s, War. Also featured is “world music on jet fuel” Safro-Rock artist Mthakathi and the RT Funk Band.


Rhythm and Blues by the Brook also features free activities for young children, including inflatable activity rides, a petting zoo, and pony rides. The children’s area will open at 12:00 noon and close at 4:30, when the main act takes the stage.

Also returning to Cedar Brook Park on May 30 is a classic car show, located near the basketball court across the park from the concert area.

Food vendors will be on site, and a number of picnic tables will be conveniently located under a tent in the concert “outfield.” Concert-goers are also welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Column A-All the Way Mixer


You are Cordially Invited to the

“Column A-All the Way Mixer”

*Assemblyman Jerry Green

*Steve Hockaday 1st  & 4th Ward (at Large)

*Charles Eke 2nd Ward

 
Take Place at:

Campaign Headquarters

Thursday, May 28th

5:30-7:30pm

221 Park Ave

Plainfield, NJ 07060

 

Call if you have further questions

609-389-5330 or 908-380-5619

 

Remember to

VOTE

COLUMN “A”

ALL THE WAY

 

Democrats United for a Stronger Plainfield

June 2nd

 

Jueves Sociable para la Columna A


Están cordialmente invitados al

“Jueves Sociable” para la Columna A.
Acompañen a nuestros candidatos y disfrute de una noche de presentaciones y funciones.

*Asambleísta JERRY GREEN
*STEVE HOCKADAY- Distrito Electoral 1 y 4
*CHARLES EKE- Distrito Electoral 2

 Lugar:

Sede de la Campana

221 Park Ave

Plainfield, NJ 07060

 
Fecha y Hora:

Jueves, 28 de Mayo

5:30-7:30pm

 

Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor llámenos al:

(609) 389-5330 o (908)380-5619

Vote Por la COLUMNA “A”

                                                                                                                                 

Este 2 de Junio!

 

Demócratas unidos para un mejor Plainfield!

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Happy Anniversary!

 
I would like to extend a sincere congratulations to one of the most adorable couples I know. Bonnie and Bill are so blessed to have found each other.  Here's to continued happiness, love, and eternal bliss!
                                                                  - Assemblyman Jerry Green

Passing of Robert James Weatherly

It's with great sadness I share the news of the passing of Robert James Weatherly. My deepest condolences to his friends and family during this time. May the multitude of prayers and fond memories help comfort them through this time of sorrow.
 
- Assemblyman Jerry Green

Wednesday, May 13, 2015



 
FOR RELEASE:

CONTACT:
May 13, 2015

Majority Press Office
609-847-3500


Assembly Democratic Legislation to Reform NJ’s Expungement Laws Continues Advancing

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Jerry Green, Grace L. Spencer, Reed Gusciora, Gordon Johnson, John F. McKeon, Thomas Giblin, Benjie Wimberly, Charles Mainor and Annette Quijano to reform New Jersey’s expungement laws was recently approved by a Senate panel.
 
The bill (A-206-471-1663-2879-3060-3108) would reduce the statutory waiting period for an expungement of a criminal conviction from 10 years to five years from the date of the person’s last conviction, payment of fine, satisfactory completion of probation or parole, or release from incarceration, whichever is later. In the case of a disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense, the waiting period would be reduced from five years to three years. Individuals with a criminal conviction or a conviction for a disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense would have to apply for an expungement to the Superior Court in the county where the conviction was adjudged.
 
“Expungement offers an incentive against recidivism. It gives people who currently have little chance of finding legal employment the opportunity to leave past mistakes behind them, find a job and be productive,” said Green (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union). “The fact of the matter is, the system is working against those individuals who have served their time and want to change and do better.”
 
“A criminal record can affect a person’s ability to secure housing, employment and even loans for school,” said Spencer (D-Essex). “How is a person supposed to successfully reintegrate back into society when almost every road to self-dependence is blocked by a criminal record?"
 
“Individuals who have learned from their mistakes should not be defined by their criminal records for the rest of their lives,” said Gusciora (D-Mercer/Hunterdon). “These folks are going back into our communities. It makes sense that we make it easier for them to become constructive citizens.”
 
“Putting your life back together after being incarcerated can take time. It can take even longer with a criminal record looming over you,” said Johnson (D-Bergen). “It is a greater benefit to society when these individuals are able to put their past behind them and lead better, more productive lives.”
 
The bill would also allow expungement of the records of a criminal conviction to certain persons who have completed a sentence to a term of special probation, commonly referred to as drug court. The court would be permitted to order the expungement of all records and information relating to all prior criminal arrests, detention, convictions and proceedings for any offense enumerated in the Criminal Code, Title 2C of the New Jersey statutes. A person would not be eligible for expungement if his or her records include a conviction for any offense barred from expungement under current law.
 
For individuals who are successfully discharged on or after the bill’s effective date, the individual would only be eligible to have all prior matters expunged if the person was not convicted of any crime, disorderly persons offense or petty disorderly persons offense while on special probation. For individuals who were successfully discharged prior to the bill’s effective date, they would only be eligible to have all matters expunged that existed at the time of discharge from the program if the individual has not been convicted of any crime of offense since the person’s discharge date.
“Participants in drug court have a far lower recidivism rate than offenders who are incarcerated in state prisons,” said McKeon (D-Essex/Morris). “If we want these individuals to continue on the right path, then we have to give them the chance to do better instead of setting up roadblocks.”
 
“There’s no benefit to continually punish people who have served their time and now want to redeem themselves,” said Giblin (D-Essex/Passaic). “We have to create opportunities for individuals who want to be productive members of society, which is very hard to do with a criminal record.”
 
“These individuals successfully completed a substance abuse program. They did not break any laws while in the program. They have demonstrated a desire to be and do better,” said Wimberly (D-Bergen/Passaic). “Expunging their criminal records can help them continue on the path to recovery.”
 
In the case of individuals with an arrest or charge that did not result in a conviction or finding of guilt – whether the proceedings were dismissed, or the person was acquitted or discharged – the following would apply:
 
·       if the proceedings took place in Superior Court, the court, at the time of dismissal, acquittal, or discharge, would order the expungement of all records and information relating to the arrest or charge; or
 
·       if the proceedings took place in municipal court, the municipal court would provide the person, upon request, with appropriate documentation to transmit to the Superior Court to request an expungment, and the Superior Court, upon receipt of the documentation with an expungement request would take action to order the expungement of all records and information relating to the arrest or charge. A person seeking such an expungement would not be charged an application fee for taking such action.
 
 “It is unfair to further penalize an individual who has been cleared of a crime,” said Mainor (D-Hudson). “A criminal record can create barriers that make it difficult to prosper. If a person is acquitted or their charges are dropped, then their criminal record should be immediately expunged.”
 
 “The lingering effects of a criminal record can make the difference between successful reintegration and reentry. These individuals went through the judicial process and were absolved,” said Quijano (D-Union). “The sooner their records are expunged, the sooner they can get back to normal.”
 
 The bill was released by the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 7, and has been referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for further consideration.



Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Meet my Team

 Meet my Team


Please support Charles Eke, Assemblyman Jerry Green, Steve Hockaday and the Democratic team on Column A on Tuesday, June 2. We appreciate your support! 

Let's continue to move forward. Election Day, Tuesday June 2.

Thank you. 

- Assemblyman Jerry Green

NOTICE OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION

 
Please be advised that E. Front St from Watchung Ave to Terrill Rd in Plainfield
will be under construction on or about Wednesday, May 13, 2015. It is anticipated
that the work will take approximately 9 days to complete, weather permitting.

Affected residents and businesses should be aware that there may be mobilization and
prep work on the part of the contractor about a week or two in advance of the actual
start day. This activity should have little or no impact on local traffic.

The work being performed will consist of various road improvements, such as
milling, paving, and striping of the road. Due to the nature of the work involved, the
amount of men and machinery required, full road closure will be necessary in the
area of work to optimize the safety of the work crews and motoring public alike. The
road will be closed from approximately 6:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day.

A clearly marked detour route will be established and maintained by County forces.
Emergency vehicles will be allowed through at all times. Access to residences,
including deliveries and other services, will be allowed as much as possible.

Please note that parking will be prohibited on E. Front St within the work zone
during the operation of milling and paving. Your cooperation in this matter is
greatly appreciated.

The County recognizes the inconvenience that any road construction may cause and
apologizes for any difficulties encountered. The County shall make every effort to
have the work completed as soon as possible.

Should you have any traffic questions, please call our Traffic Bureau at (908) 789-
6011 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. If any emergencies should arise,
please contact your Municipal Police Department.

The above dates are subject to change. All further updates for this project will be posted on our
County web page: www.ucnj.org. Look for the link below to get traffic updates on County roads.


Monday, May 11, 2015

Garcia, Green, Wimberly, Andrzejczak & Jasey Bill to Expedite Foreclosure Process Clears Assembly Panel


Sponsors: Legislation Could Mean Months - Not Years - from Start to Completion

Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Carmelo Garcia, Jerry Green, Benjie Wimberly, Bob Andrzejczak and Mila Jasey to reduce the length of the foreclosure process was advanced by an Assembly panel on Thursday.

"Here in New Jersey, the foreclosure process can take anywhere from one to three years, and during that time, many properties become vacant eyesores and headquarters for crime in their communities," said Garcia (D-Hudson). "This legislation will help reduce the foreclosure timeline to as few as five months and keep blight at bay."

The bill (A-4075) would supplement New Jersey's "Fair Foreclosure Act" in order to expedite foreclosures of residential properties and proceed to a public sale in uncontested actions. Under the legislation, a mortgage lender or a lien holder whose lien is authorized by law to be foreclosed in the same manner as a residential mortgage would be permitted to file a motion for expedited judgment and sale if its action to foreclose on real property is uncontested.

"The crash of the housing market had a severe impact on neighborhoods in New Jersey, where the time from the notice of intention to foreclose to the sheriff's sale can be a two- or three-year period," said Green (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union). "This bill will help relieve the backlog of cases in our state as we continue working to emerge from the foreclosure crisis."

"Ongoing foreclosure proceedings often yield a blame game in which neither homeowners nor banks believe it is their responsibility to maintain a property," said Wimberly (D-Bergen/Passaic). "Expediting the process will help prevent the deterioration of houses, thus preserving property values and ensuring public safety."

"South Jersey's depressed housing market is just one consequence of lengthy foreclosure proceedings that have left some properties in disrepair," said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Cumberland/Atlantic). "This legislation will help move the region toward increased home sales and an overall improved economic outlook."

"Homes in New Jersey stay in foreclosure for a far longer period of time than in many other states in the nation," said Jasey (D-Essex/Morris). "By providing a means of reducing the time between the issuance of a default notice to a sheriff's sale in uncontested cases, this bill will put our state on the road to restoration of the housing market."

The measure was released by the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee.

Let's Meet!


Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! 

 

What a beautiful weekend it was to celebrate the special women in our lives. 
Personally, I think Mother's Day should be every day. 
I hope you enjoyed! 

- Assemblyman Jerry Green 

Thursday, May 7, 2015

We Will Never Forget


Gursha Marcano-Brown is still mourning the loss of her son Dearn. Sadly, the 20 year old man was a victim of a senseless crime that occurred last year in Plainfield. All Dearn wanted to do was save enough money to buy his mom a house, but one night that all ended when he was gunned down.

Please help us stop these senseless acts of violence in our community. Let's work together to create safer streets and stronger communities for our children.  

- Assemblyman Jerry Green

Green y Watson Coleman Trabajaran Juntos Para Ayudar a los Residentes de Plainfield

                                    

Empleados de la oficina de la congresista Bonnie Watson Coleman harán una parada en la ciudad de Plainfield el próximo lunes, 11 de mayo, para ayudar a los residentes que necesitan ayuda con asuntos federales. Ellos crearán una Oficina Móvil en la oficina del asambleísta Jerry Green de 2 pm a 7 pm en 200 West 2nd Street en Plainfield.

El propósito de una Oficina Móvil es para crear conveniencia para los residentes que necesitan ayuda con asuntos del gobierno. Por favor distribuye esta información. Todos están invitados. - Asambleísta Jerry Green
 


Green and Watson Coleman Partner to Help Residents

   
Mobile Office Comes to the City of Plainfield 


                      

Staffers from U.S. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman's office will make a stop in the City of Plainfield next Monday, May 11, to help residents with federal concerns. They will set up a mobile office at the office of Assemblyman Jerry Green from 2 pm- 7 pm at 200 West 2nd Street in Plainfield. 

A mobile office is designed to create convineance for constituents who need assistance with government matters. Please stop by and tell your friends.  - Assemblyman Jerry Green

Mayor's Gala Honors Dedicated Scotch Plains Volunteers

23rd annual Scotch Plains Mayor’s Gala

Last week I had the honor of recognizing the dedicated volunteers that have humbly served the Township of Scotch Plains. It's because of their activism our community has been able to create opportunities for those in need. Thank you for your service!

    
Marie Leppert
Past president of The College Club of Fanwood-Scotch Plains


Ruby and Thurman Simmons
The John Shippen Memorial Golf Foundation was established to commemorate the Shady Rest Golf and Country club and African American golf great, John Shippen, the club’s long time professional and greens supervisor. Through the efforts of Scholarship Committee Chairwoman Ruby Simmons, the Foundation awarded its first annual college scholarship in 1992. The scholarship program was established to provide financial assistance to needy area minority youth demonstrating academic prowess and skill in golf.




John Lestarchick
Deputy chief of the Scotch Plains Fire Department
A special thank you to Mayor Kevin Glover for the invitation to participate in such a special event. 

- Assemblyman Jerry Green