What Bo Still Don't Know

I was surprised today when reading the most recent blog posting of one of my opponents, Bo Vastine. I’m not surprised by the negative tone. We all know how Republicans behave. From George Bush to Chris Christie to Joe Wilson shouting at our President, Republicans would rather divide and attack than offer solutions to our problems. I’m not surprised that Mr. Vastine is following Chris Christie’s orders to tear down Democrats throughout the 22nd district. No, I’m surprised that he has so little respect for the people of the 22nd District and the people in Plainfield.

Your personal attacks on Democratic elected officials in this district cannot hide that you have no experience and no ideas. You have not talked about your accomplishments since you arrived here from Texas. What you have done is attempt to divide the community with your negativity. You don’t want the voters to know that you make your money from Wall Street, which has destroyed so many lives in this country. You don’t want the voters to know that you recently went before the Rahway City Council and publicly acknowledged that you know nothing about government. You don’t want the voters to know that you live in Scotch Plains but have no answer for how to deal with the issue of sewage, one of its largest problems. You’d rather spend your time in Plainfield trying to be critical of its Mayor and City Council.

I am proud that I helped the Hispanic community in putting together a function that lasted two days attended by over 6,000 people. When I was asked to get up and speak, I talked about the dollars that I have brought into Plainfield. I spoke about our Latino children who are receiving some of the highest test scores in the state. The majority of the parents in attendance recognized that, and from the warm reception I received, it’s obvious that they appreciate how hard I have worked for our children. Throughout my term, I have worked with the Hispanic community to deal with the special issues faced by day workers, and to ensure that ALL the people of my district have access to housing and job opportunities.

In your blog you mention the removal of the former Chief of Police. Your accusations regarding that issue are not only ignorant, but divisive and offensive. The Chief’s removal was the decision of the Mayor and the City Council, and not mine to make. To suggest that no one could be a friend to the Hispanic community unless they supported anyone of Latino descent, no matter how they performed their job, is distasteful. I judge every person by their own merits, and the fact you do not, and that you fled from Plainfield to Scotch Plains, speaks more to how you feel about the diversity in this City than I ever could.

Its time for you to tell the public what you have done, or will do, about the issues that they face. It is time for you to explain why they should vote for you. When they realize that you’re against a fair educational system for all children, that you’re against women’s rights, and that you’re against opportunities for middle income Americans not as fortunate as you, they will have no reason to support you. I have heard the voters of this district when they voted for our President. They want to hear about issues, not more personal attacks. From here on out, let’s talk about the issues. The voters are tired of hearing about “what’s in it for me”. They want to hear about you, and what you can do for them.

Central American Independence Fiesta in Plainfield

I’d like to congratulate everyone who attended the Central American Independence Fiesta the past two days in Plainfield. It was one of the proudest moments of my political career to see Hispanic people from all over the western part of my district come together in support of each other. It was one of the most successful events put on by the Hispanic community here in the City of Plainfield. It also gave me great pleasure to have been able to work with the organizers over the last six months to make this a huge success.

Unfortunately, in reading the blogs today, rather than give me credit for working with the Hispanic community in making this event a success and building a partnership in moving forward with the Hispanic community, Vastine’s blog accused me of not showing up. Well, contrary to popular belief, I not only attended the event but I was able to speak to the audience and was well received. Moreover, the people who put on the event told the audience what a great friend of the Hispanic community I have been in helping them with educational issues, housing issues and issues in general that affect their community. To hear the crowd respond in such a positive way showed that all the efforts put into the event were well worth it. So this is why I say that Marty and Bo don’t have a clue about Plainfield or the Plainfield community because we had a table set up to do voter registration and a table soliciting volunteers.

I also had an opportunity to talk with Chris Estevez and we both agreed its time to put our personal differences aside and build off of what was accomplished over the past two days in terms of bringing all people together here in the city to make the city a stronger place.

Sorry to say, I was hoping the Governor could have stopped by to show his appreciation, since he was in Plainfield, however he had a prior commitment to a group of supporters in the 2nd ward.

Please Join
Assemblyman
Jerry Green
and
Union County
Democrats

For light refreshments
&
Information regarding Yes We Can 2.0

Headquarters Grand Opening
Saturday, September 19, 2009
12:00 PM — 3:00 PM
Yes We Can 2.0 Union County HQ

19 Watchung Avenue
Plainfield, New Jersey

RSVP/More Information – please call Jeffrey Williams (609) 423-6336
Paid for and Authorized by Yes We Can 2.0 a project of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee;
196 W State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608

It's A New Day

Today was a very proud day for me as a person. I had an opportunity to have Commissioner Davy (Comm. of Education) come into Plainfield and meet with the students, parents, Dr. Gallon, and some board members to welcome the students back to school. The reason I am so proud is because I feel the City of Plainfield, as well as our education system, is moving in the right direction. To see the students in their new uniforms and the organization of the morning was something we all could be proud of. When you have to take a leadership role and try to help a state, a district, and a city move in the right direction, sometimes you will get support and sometimes you won’t. However, today was different; everyone showed support. This gave the students an opportunity to see how much everyone cares about their future and their education. I feel, as a community, we should take pride in our students and show them that we care about them by working with them and giving them an opportunity to get a good education.

On another note, I would like to respond to some of the blog comments in reference to Speaker Roberts announcing that he will not seek re-election in November. I would just like to share the relationship that I’ve had with him over the years. The Speaker was #1 in seniority in our caucus and I was #2. We have developed a great political relationship, one of mutual respect, trust, and loyalty (which is very important). He’s given me the opportunity to serve as Speaker Pro Temp as well as Chairman of Housing and Local Government and a person who he depended on. He also gave me an opportunity to share some of the concerns in the 22nd District and the City of Plainfield.

It was a great feeling to hear the Speaker tell everyone how important the years we have served together were. As I stated before, he has opened up doors and given me the opportunity to make people here in Plainfield, the people in my district, my family, and myself proud of the things that I have accomplished. As a Legislator, there’s never been a time where I’ve gone to the Speaker on behalf of the City of Plainfield and/or my district and he’s said “no”. I will forever be grateful to Speaker Roberts and will always respect him as a person.
I feel I have gained the respect of not only the Democrats, but also the Republican Assembly members here in New Jersey. In fact, in the last session when Speaker Sires broke his foot, both caucuses agreed that I would be speaker until he was back in good health. That was the highlight of my career because it showed me not only that the other members respected my ability but also felt that I was a person who could do the job. Therefore, yes, I have been approached about being the Speaker but at this particular time I want to concentrate on getting Corzine re-elected as Governor and Linda Stender and myself re-elected for the Assembly of the 22nd District. I would prefer to spend my time working towards victory in November. I’m looking forward to dealing with this particular issue after the election.

Green’s Reaction to Roberts' Announcement

Speaker Pro Tempore Calls Roberts ‘An Advocate for Every New Jerseyan’

(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Jerry Green (D-Union) issued the following statement after Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. (D-Camden) announced today that he would not be seeking re-election:

“Speaker Roberts is one of the most passionate, thoughtful and detail-oriented legislators I have ever worked with.

“He fought to extend the American dream of homeownership to the widest cross-section of New Jersey residents possible. His efforts have given working class families across the state the opportunity to live in the communities where they work.

“Speaker Roberts’ work on housing reform is a legacy that will have a lasting positive impact on our state.

“He has always been an advocate for every New Jerseyan. His love of public policy, his deliberative nature and his deep respect for the institution of the Legislature will be sorely missed come January.”

FYI

For Immediate Release:August 24, 2009
Contact: Elisabeth Smith, 609-695-7190

CORZINE ’09 CAMPAIGN, VICTORY 2009, AND “YES WE CAN 2.0” ANNOUNCE CAMPAIGN CHAIRS

TRENTON--The Corzine ’09 campaign today announced its campaign chairs and co-chairs in an event at the Trenton Marriott.

Governor Jon S. Corzine and Leutenant Governor candidate, Senator Loretta Weinberg, announced that the Campaign Chair for Corzine '09 is Congressman Frank Pallone. The Honorary Chairs are Senator Robert Menendez and Senator Frank Lautenberg. The co-chairs for Corzine '09 are Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney and Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman.

“This year's election is not about me and it is not about my opponents, it is about New Jersey,” said Corzine. “I could not be more proud of the leadership we have joining us as we stand for re-election and we try and get Democrats across this great state elected in November," said Corzine. "Our first in the nation economic recovery and assistance program put New Jersey in position to navigate the global economic recession and be able to take advantage when it turns around, and we are starting to see signs of the recovery every day. Most recently, we saw the creation of 13,000 private sector positions last month. We were able to do this while remaining focused on protecting education funding and expanding healthcare access for people across the state. We have a lot more work to do but, with our partners in Washington and all across New Jersey, we are fighting for a better future.”

"I have always been proud of our governor and all that we have accomplished, but I have never been more so than today," said Weinberg. "I am proud to stand with our governor and fight to make sure New Jersey continues to have strong leadership for the next four years. Jon Corzine has been working to keep New Jersey working, and we are seeing the impact with the creation of 13,000 private sector jobs last month. We have a lot more work to do, but we have the governor in place to get it done. Chris Christie has never created a job, and he has no plan to start now."

Campaign Co- Chair Frank Pallone, Honorary Chairs Senator Lautenberg and Senator Menendez highlighted the high stakes of election, emphasizing they would do everything they could to get Governor Corzine re-elected:

“This is more than a campaign for Jon Corzine, this is a campaign for New Jersey. We literally can't afford to revert to the policies and practices of the Bush era that caused so much damage to the economy and inflicted so much harm to working people,” said Pallone. "We need to continue to work together with President Obama, Governor Corzine and Congress to rescue New Jersey from the meltdown of the national economy and to lay the foundation for economic growth for the years ahead. It is the Democrats who possess shared priorities with the people of New Jersey on a wide array of issues beyond the economy, including education, the environment and the needs of children. It is Jon Corzine who possesses the experience, the ability and the record of success to get the job done right in the days and the years ahead.”

“I am honored to serve as a co-chair of Governor Corzine's campaign,” said Lautenberg. “Governor Corzine is my partner and the leader of our state, and I will do all I can to make sure he continues in that role. By acting quickly and decisively, Governor Corzine has positioned our state to rebound quickly when the global economic recession ends. We share the same values of a brighter future for our children and future generations by improving education, protecting our environment, and making sure the most vulnerable in our society have a chance at the American Dream."

“This election is critical for the future of our state," said Menendez. “Governor Corzine has exhibited tremendous leadership in getting New Jersey’s fiscal situation on track so we can best take advantage when the global economic recession turns around. We have already begun to see private sector job growth in the past couple of months as a result of the programs put in place by the Governor, in coordination with President Obama’s economic recovery legislation. Switching course now would have a devastating impact on New Jersey residents. Chris Christie has never created a job, and he has no plan to create any now.”

Corzine and Weinberg went on to announce Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer as the Chair of the Mayor's Council, along with co-chairs Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz, Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, East Orange Robert Bowser, and Assemblyman John Burzichelli. Essex County Executive Joseph DiVencenzo was also named Chair of the County Elected officials.

"Governor Corzine has been a partner with Trenton and a leader for this state," said Palmer. "The Governor has a shared commitment to making our children's future bright, and a vision to accomplish it by keeping our streets safe. This election is about making sure we continue to have a leader with vision in the Governor's office for the next four years, and not someone with the same warmed over George W. Bush ideas practicing the same Republican insider tactics"

Today's announcement also saw the introduction of the Victory ‘09 leadership team. Senate President Richard J. Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts were named Co-Chairs, while Senator Barbara Buono and Newark Mayor Cory Booker were named Honorary Co-Chairs. Co-Chairs announced today are Congressman John Adler, Congressman Rush Holt, Congressman Donald Payne, Congressman William Pascrell, Congressman Albio Sires, Congressman Robert Andrews, Senator Teresa Ruiz, Senator James Whelan, and Freeholder Tahesha Way.

“I'm proud to help lead the Democratic campaign to elect individuals from the local level on up to the state level who are dedicated to strengthening our education and healthcare systems, helping businesses thrive, and making government more efficient and accountable,” said Codey. “No one has been more committed to these values than Governor Corzine. His leadership and vision have helped position our state to rebound from this recession and thrive. Now that we finally have a partner in the White House who is equally committed to helping our state, it's more important than ever that we continue to elect officials who will work together to protect New Jersey values.”

“It is an honor to be named to this position and I look forward to continuing to do everything I can to help the Governor get re-elected,” said Roberts. “Governor Corzine’s first in the nation economic recovery plan is working, and thanks to the strong partnership between Governor Corzine and the Democratic Legislature, New Jersey is primed to lead the pack as the economy rebounds.”

“Yes We Can 2.0,” a Democratic organization aimed at reaching out to new Obama voters, also announced its leadership team, including Dr. Randall Pinkett as Chair. Co-Chairs named today include Congressman Steve Rothman, Senator Dana Redd, Assemblyman Upendra Chivakula and Paterson Mayor Jose Torres.

“I am excited to be a part of this campaign and the ‘Yes We Can 2.0’ program because we need a leader like Jon Corzine who is willing to stand up for New Jersey’s families, even when the choices aren’t always popular or easy,” said Pinkett. “We have a partner in President Obama who gave our country hope for a brighter future and I have no doubt that Jon Corzine and Loretta Weinberg are the right team to work with the White House in leading New Jersey to renewed prosperity.”

###

FYI

August 18, 2009


The Honorable Jerry Green
Assemblyman, District 22
17 Watchung Avenue
Plainfield, New Jersey 07060

Dear Assemblyman Green:

On behalf of Governor Jon S. Corzine and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, I am please to inform you that Plainfield City has been approved to receive a $267,909 award from the ARRA – CSBG – Non-Discretionary program. This award will provide funds for employment services for low-income individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines in Plainfield City.

If you have any question regarding this funding, please do not hesitate to contact Cathy Lipyanka at (609) 292-6420.

Sincerely,


Charles A. Richman
Acting Commissioner




see actual letter below
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