Reflections on Primary Results

I wish to congratulate Democratic primary winners, Rev. Tracy Brown and Council President Adrian Mapp.

Although Rev. Brown was not my candidate of choice, I wish her well in her political future. Plainfield needs her to be a strong, thoughtful leader who will fight for the community to have the people and processes in place necessary to create long term, meaningful change.

I am extremely grateful that the governing body will have the invaluable leadership of Councilman Mapp. Plainfield needs him to continue to juggle the complex tasks of working with a difficult administration and finding common ground on important initiatives.

Although there is a general election in November, these winners will likely be sworn-in next January. Let's all encourage the incoming Council to work closely together for the sake of positive change.

We must re-elect Councilman Adrian Mapp

I was disturbed to read a mailer wrongly blaming Councilman Mapp for the most recent budget disaster.

The Mayor and her administration have made tremendous budget errors and consistently poor financial planning decisions. Such irresponsible and foolish behavior have come to define this Mayor’s terms in office.

At complete odds with the Mayor’s budget record is Councilor Mapp’s reliable, responsible and knowledgeable contributions to the budget process.

In my 3 ½ years on the City Council, I have been impressed, time and again, with Councilor Mapp’s financial insights. At a time when the Mayor was unable and unwilling to bring a financial expert to her cabinet, Councilor Mapp served as an invaluable leader on how to best manage the budget process.

In fact, candidate Abdul-Haaq, the Mayor and her Administration should be THANKING Council Mapp. He has pointed out calculation flaws and process flaws to the administration, often behind closed doors, to save the city from making costly mistakes. His thanks? An unwarranted attack filled with lies.

Certainly Mr. Abdul-Haaq is entitled to run against Councilor Mapp and to generate debate about any flaws he sees in his record. However, to distribute blatant lies is unacceptable and discouraging. In fact, it should be punished by voters.

Both the candidate and those who paid for the creation and distribution of this flyer should be ashamed of themselves. This is the type of disgusting campaigning that discourages good, capable people across the city from volunteering or running for office.

More than an elected official, more than a Democrat, I am first and foremost a life-long resident of this city. I try not to take elections personally, because voters have the right to make educated decisions on who they want to represent them. But when I see voters being lied to or taken advantage of, my stomach turns.

The future of this city, and of this country, depend on some level of morality and ethics in politics – that includes campaigns!

Reject the lies, spread the truth and demand more from your candidates and elected officials.

Please re-elect ADRIAN MAPP for City Council!

Roni Taylor for Councilwoman At-Large

Sitting on the Plainfield City Council is not an easy job.  A good councilor must be balanced and fair in decision making.  Yet, she must be strong on those issues that are critical to Plainfield residents. 

A good councilwoman must be willing to listen to all constituents, understand all viewpoints and represent the needs of every resident.  She must also be willing to make tough decisions and face public criticism. 

She must be as eager to accept blame as to take credit.  She must learn how to work with every member of the governing body and the Mayor, despite differences of opinions.

It is for these reasons that I am proud to endorse Roni Taylor for Councilwoman At-Large.  A long-time resident and life-long Democrat, Roni Taylor offers quality, civic leadership experience to Plainfield’s governing body.

As a school board member, housing authority commissioner, teacher and active volunteer for multiple organizations, Roni Taylor has demonstrated the kind of servant leadership that Plainfield needs. 

Her focus is on community, commitment, collaboration, and consensus.  These four terms illuminate Roni Taylor’s dedication to working with every constituent and government official to accomplish great things for Plainfield.  

Public Safety Meeting - All are welcome

Council President Annie McWilliams is holding a neighborhood meeting to discuss the recent rash of burglaries. Police Director Martin Hellwig and members of the Plainfield Police Department will attend. Please bring any questions or concerns to the meeting.

Date: Sunday, December 4^th

Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Address: 1341 Prospect Avenue

Plainfield Public Library Open!

Please see the below information from Library Director, Joseph Da Rold:

The library came through the hurricane without loss of power. The public Internet computers are accessible, and a separate area has been set up as a charging station for those who have no power at home.

Wireless is functional, but so many people are on the network that some users have been experiencing delays with connectivity.

Regular hours are expected to be maintained through the rest of the week.
Tu-Th: 9am to 9pm
F-Sat: 9am to 1 pm

For more information:
http://www.plainfieldlibrary.info/
(908) 757-1111

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PSE&G Electrical Concerns

Please note that nearly 400,000 people are without power. PSE&G is warning that it could take up to 7 days to restore power. Here are some important phone numbers:

Emergencies
Downed power lines, gas leaks and other urgent, safety related requests.
Available 24 hours / 7days.
800-436-PSEG (7734)

Power Outages
To report an outage or check on the status of restoration.
Available 24 hours / 7days.
800-436-PSEG (7734) -or- 800-350-PSEG (7734)

Streetlight Outages
Report a broken streetlight online or by phone.
800-436-PSEG (7734)

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NJ American Water Issues Boil Water Advisory

New Jersey American Water Issues Boil Water Advisory in Parts of Essex & Union Counties

New Jersey American Water today issued a boil water advisory for customers in the following communities: West Orange, Short Hills, Millburn, Maplewood, Irvington, Springfield, Summit.

Due to flooding related to the impact of Hurricane Irene, our Canoe Brook Water Treatment Plant in Millburn has been inundated.

For updated information, customers can visit Jersey American Water’s website at www.newjerseyamwater.com , under the Alerts Notifications section.

Please note that this is a standard procedure whenever a treatment failure occurs which may compromise the quality of your drinking water. New Jersey American Water will provide information as to when the advisory is lifted.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection requires us to issue the following advisory:

The Department of Environmental Protection has determined that a potential or actual threat to the quality of water being provided to you currently exists. Therefore until further notice, bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and allow to cool before using for consumption; drinking, ice cubes, washing vegetables and fruit, and for brushing teeth. Please continue to boil your water until you are notified that the water quality is acceptable.
New Jersey American Water also recommends the following steps:

• Throw away uncooked food or beverages or ice cubes if made with tap water during the day of the advisory;
• Keep boiled water in the refrigerator for drinking;
• Rinse hand-washed dishes for a minute in diluted bleach (one tablespoon of household bleach per gallon of tap water) or clean your dishes in a dishwasher using the hot wash cycle and dry cycle.
• Do not swallow water while you are showering or bathing;
• Provide pets with boiled water after cooling;
• Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiling or using bottled water; most home water filters will not provide adequate protection from microorganisms;
• Use only boiled water to treat minor injuries.

Please be advised that the company is doing all it can to make sure water is of the highest quality. New Jersey AmericanWater Company will notify customers as soon as the advisory is lifted. If customers have any questions they may call 1-800-652-6987.