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Mayor's Message:
Humanity Or Blue Loyalty?
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Dear Jazz,
George Floyd’s crime was allegedly paying for goods with a fake $20 bill - an officer knelt on his neck for nine minutes. George Robinson was slow to comply with officers telling him to exit his vehicle due to a recent stroke - he was dragged out of his car and struck multiple times in the head and chest. Byron Williams was riding a bike without a safety light – he was pinned to the ground by police officers who mocked him as he begged for help. Elijah McClain was dancing while wearing a ski mask because of a blood circulation disorder - police officers held him down with his hands cuffed behind his back as he was forcibly administered ketamine that would later stop his heart. James Holland Sr. was experiencing a mental health crisis and walking in the street in a state of psychosis – a police officer shocked him with a stun gun until he foamed at the mouth. Andre Hill was holding a phone while dropping off a Christmas present – an officer shot him three times.
All these encounters were death sentences for unarmed Black men at the hands of law enforcement officers. The murder of Tyre Nichols is yet another manifestation of the systemic racism at the heart of police brutality against the Black community. Tyre Nichols was on his way home from taking pictures of the sunset when he was pulled over for a supposed traffic violation. He was punched, kicked, pepper-sprayed, and beaten by five police officers and died of his injuries three days later.
It’s heartbreaking that we enter Black History Month with the images and videos of yet another vicious slaying of an unarmed Black man by police officers dominating our newsfeeds. After the Black Lives Matter movement gained the world's attention in 2020, I know our fervent hope was to see meaningful reform in law enforcement agencies nationwide. However, the list of Black people murdered by those promising to “serve and protect” continues to grow. Another mother left to process that her son was not coming home. Another child left without a father—another video to horrify us and another story told by the unseen observer. We cannot keep doing this – the cycle must end.
Although I applaud the swift action that was taken in the Tyre Nichols murder to hold the officers accountable for the obvious crime that was committed against yet another innocent Black man, it highlights the double standard that is often used in these cases of police brutality. Getting to justice is often a prolonged and arduous process when the offender is not a person of color. Nevertheless, the swiftness with which the authorities acted to hold the five black officers accountable for taking the life of Tyre Nichols is the standard that should be used in all incidents of police brutality, whether perpetrated by Black or white officers.
Many have feigned ignorance over how this instance involved racism because Black officers perpetrated it. But viewing Black men as more dangerous than white men is an institutional mentality. Black men are often perceived as a more significant threat. We must understand that police officers of color can also profile and meet black men with more violence. We need all officers to view everyone as equal regardless of color, creed, sexual orientation, or gender.
Of course, we cannot condemn all officers for the indefensible actions of their peers. But in many of these situations, other officers could have intervened but didn’t. Police officers with a conscience must stand up and oppose those who abuse their power. Humanity must be valued above “the blue.” I hope that all police officers, black, brown, and white, will use this latest incident as an opportunity for self-reflection and place humanity over undying loyalty to their peers, especially when faced with brutality and murder.
When police murder an innocent Black man, the public often tries to find a reason for the incomprehensible action. Narratives sometimes get created, and it seems there are attempts to vilify the victim instead of seeking accountability from the murderer. We often forget that the police are not supposed to brutalize the guilty either. We’ve seen the images of white mass murderers being arrested without violence, in one instance stopping on the way to the station to buy food. The police work to protect them at all costs. In crimes where there are victims at the hands of white men, we put the white men in bulletproof vests in order to ensure they see their day in court. But when there is no crime, no victim at the hands of an unarmed Black man, the police still perceive them as criminals and sadly they often become victims in a single encounter. Police officers cannot be judge, jury, and executioners for our black community.
I have always said, and still maintain that police officers who take brutality to these extreme lengths that end in murder are the minority. There are many good, decent, conscientious law enforcement officers who take their promise to serve and protect very seriously. We need these officers to take a stand against those who abuse their authority and forget why they were chosen to serve.
Let’s not let the horrifying video of Tyre’s last moments be all that we remember of him. Let’s take a moment to remember Tyre as he was. Tyre loved nature, he was an aspiring photographer, a skateboarder, a mamma’s boy, and a father to a four-year-old son. His favorite thing to do was taking pictures of sunsets and spending time with his loved ones. Tyre deserved a long, happy life. Let’s remember him kindly, the way he deserves to be. Rest in peace Tyre and all those who lost their lives in encounters that should have ended with nothing worse than incarceration. Let’s honor their legacy by vowing to stand up to injustice wherever we see it and by lobbying our legislative representatives to enact real and substantial change today.
Black History is American History. What does our history say about our nation? Peace be with you all this weekend as we hold our black men and boys a little closer.
#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | |
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Mensaje Del Alcalde:
¿Humanidad o Lealtad Azul?
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Queridx Jazz,
El crimen de George Floyd fue supuestamente pagar con un billete falso de $20 - un oficial se arrodilló sobre su cuello durante nueve minutos. George Robinson tardó en cumplir con los oficiales que le dijeron que saliera de su vehículo debido a un derrame cerebral reciente - fue arrastrado fuera de su automóvil y golpeado varias veces en la cabeza y el pecho. Byron Williams andaba en bicicleta sin luz de seguridad - fue inmovilizado contra el suelo por agentes de policía que se burlaron de él mientras le pedía ayuda. Elijah McClain estaba bailando mientras llevaba una máscara de esquí debido a un trastorno de la circulación sanguínea - los agentes de policía lo sujetaron con las manos esposadas a la espalda mientras se le administraba ketamina por la fuerza que más tarde detendría su corazón. James Holland Sr. estaba sufriendo una crisis de salud mental y caminaba por la calle en un estado de psicosis - un oficial de policía lo electrocutó con una pistola paralizante hasta que echó espuma por la boca. Andre Hill sostenía un teléfono mientras dejaba un regalo de Navidad - un oficial le disparó tres veces.
Todos estos encuentros fueron sentencias de muerte para hombres negros desarmados a manos de agentes de la ley. El asesinato de Tyre Nichols es otra manifestación del racismo sistémico en el corazón de la brutalidad policial contra la comunidad negra. Tyre Nichols se dirigía a casa después de tomar fotos de la puesta de sol cuando fue detenido por una supuesta infracción de tráfico. Fue golpeado, pateado, rociado con gas pimienta, y golpeado por cinco policías. El murió a causa de sus heridas tres días después.
Es desgarrador que comenzamos el Mes de la Historia Negra con las imágenes y videos de otro asesinato vicioso de un hombre negro desarmado por parte de agentes de policía dominando nuestras noticias. Después de que el movimiento Black Lives Matter ganara la atención del mundo en 2020, sé que nuestra ferviente esperanza era ver una reforma significativa en las agencias de aplicación de la ley en todo el país. Sin embargo, la lista de personas negras asesinadas por aquellos que prometen "servir y proteger" continúa creciendo. Otra madre se fue para procesar que su hijo no volvería a casa. Otro niño se fue sin padre, otro video para horrorizarnos, y otra historia contada por el observador invisible. No podemos seguir haciendo esto, el ciclo debe terminar.
Aunque aplaudo la rápida acción que se tomó en el asesinato de Tyre Nichols para responsabilizar a los oficiales por el crimen obvio que se cometió contra otro hombre negro inocente, destaca el doble estándar que a menudo se usa en estos casos de brutalidad policial. Llegar a la justicia es frecuentemente un proceso prolongado y arduo cuando el delincuente no es una persona de color. Sin embargo, la rapidez con que las autoridades actuaron para responsabilizar a los cinco oficiales negros por quitarle la vida a Tyre Nichols es el estándar que debe usarse en todos los incidentes de brutalidad policial, ya sean perpetrados por oficiales negros o blancos.
Muchos han fingido ignorancia sobre cómo este caso involucró racismo porque los oficiales negros lo perpetraron. Pero ver a los hombres negros como más peligrosos que los hombres blancos es una mentalidad institucional. Los hombres negros frecuentemente son percibidos como una amenaza más significativa. Debemos entender que los oficiales de policía de color también pueden perfilar y conocer a hombres negros con más violencia. Necesitamos que todos los oficiales vean a todos como iguales, independientemente de su color, credo, orientación sexual o género.
Por supuesto, no podemos condenar a todos los oficiales por las acciones indefendibles de sus compañeros. Pero en muchas de estas situaciones, otros oficiales podrían haber intervenido, pero no lo hicieron. Los agentes de policía con conciencia deben ponerse de pie y oponerse a quienes abusan de su poder. La humanidad debe ser valorada por encima de "el azul". Espero que todos los oficiales de policía, negros, morenos y blancos, utilicen este último incidente como una oportunidad para la autorreflexión y coloquen a la humanidad por encima de la lealtad eterna a sus compañeros, especialmente cuando se enfrentan a la brutalidad y el asesinato.
Cuando la policía asesina a un hombre negro inocente, el público frecuentemente trata de encontrar una razón para la acción incomprensible. A veces se crean narrativas, y parece que hay intentos de vilipendiar a la víctima en lugar de buscar la rendición de cuentas del asesino. Muchas veces nos olvidamos que tampoco se supone que la policía maltrate a los culpables. Hemos visto las imágenes de asesinos en masa blancos arrestados sin violencia, en un caso la policía deteniéndose en el camino a la estación para comprarle comida. La policía trabaja para protegerlos a toda costa. En los crímenes donde hay víctimas a manos de hombres blancos, ponemos a los hombres blancos en chalecos antibalas para asegurarnos de que vean su día en la corte. Pero cuando no hay crimen, no hay víctima a manos de un hombre negro desarmado, la policía todavía los percibe como criminales y, lamentablemente, a menudo se convierten en víctimas en un solo encuentro. Los oficiales de policía no pueden ser jueces, jurados y verdugos para nuestra comunidad negra.
Siempre he dicho, y sigo sosteniendo, que los agentes de policía que llevan la brutalidad a estos extremos que terminan en asesinato son la minoría. Hay muchos agentes de la ley buenos, decentes y concienzudos que toman muy en serio su promesa de servir y proteger. Necesitamos que estos oficiales tomen una posición contra aquellos que abusan de su autoridad y olvidan por qué fueron elegidos para servir.
No dejemos que el horrible video de los últimos momentos de Tyre sea todo lo que recordamos de él. Tomemos un momento para recordar a Tyre tal como era. Tyre amaba la naturaleza, era un aspirante fotógrafo, un patinador, un hijo muy amado, y padre de un hijo de cuatro años. Lo que más le gustaba hacer era tomar fotos de las puestas de sol y pasar tiempo con sus seres queridos. Tyre merecía una vida larga y feliz. Recordémoslo amablemente, como se merece ser. Descanse en paz Tyre y todos aquellos que perdieron la vida en encuentros que deberían haber terminado con nada peor que el encarcelamiento. Honremos su legado prometiendo luchar contra la injusticia dondequiera que la veamos y presionando a nuestros representantes legislativos para que hagan un cambio real y sustancial hoy.
La historia negra es historia estadounidense. ¿Qué dice nuestra historia sobre nuestra nación? Espero que la paz esté con todos ustedes este fin de semana mientras sostenemos a nuestros hombres y niños negros un poco más cerca.
#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Ciudad de Plainfield
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Plainfield Center of Excellence
Final Community Engagement Report
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In Early 2022, The Economic Development Department Began The Community Engagement And Research Planning Process For The Plainfield Center For Excellence Project. The Proposed Space For The Center For Excellence Is The Former Plainfield YMCA Building At 518 Watchung Avenue, Also Known As Block 835 Lot 4.
The following sections of this report will address the methodology and findings of the community research conducted by the Planning Division in partnership with local Plainfield stakeholders. The goal of this report is to inform the program of activities for the design of the Plainfield Center for Excellence.
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CLICK IMAGE FOR ENGLISH & SPANISH | |
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Are you eligible for property tax relief? If you:
- Owned or rented your home on 10/1/19
- Meet income requirements
- File or are exempt from NJ income taxes
You may qualify for an ANCHOR benefit. Learn more: bit.ly/NJANCHOR
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Do You Know What's Happening in your City?
Click the Image below and take a look at Plainfield's Latest City Events, Community Resources, and so much more!
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Check out our City's Commercial:
"Welcome to Plainfield"
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¿ How Do You Show Love for Plainfield? | |
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Watch our 2022 Love PlainfieldCommercial!
" The Queen City is Love"
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2022 Fall Newsletter
"Where We Were. Where We Are. Where We're Going."
Click the image to read it virtually!
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A MESSAGE FROM
UNION COUNTY:
Adopt a Union County Trail…Today!
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Calling all hikers, joggers, dog walkers, photographers, nature lovers, environmentalists and all residents who enjoy the rustic trails in Union County parks: the Union County Board of County Commissioners is looking for new volunteers to join the Union County Trail Steward Adopt-a-Trail program.
Each Trail Steward adopts a section of trail in a Union County Park of their choice. The Union County parks system covers 36 different parks in all 21 municipalities including the picturesque Watchung Reservation with miles of rustic hiking trails.
“Generations of Union County residents have worked to create, preserve, protect and expand our public parks, and today we all enjoy this incredible gift of nature right at our doorsteps,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “We care deeply about continuing to protect this legacy, and we could not do it without the help of our Adopt a Trail volunteers. We truly appreciate their work, and we encourage everyone with an interest in our parks to help pitch in by joining the Trail Stewards.”
To learn more about becoming a Trail Steward, residents can attend an orientation session on Saturday, February 4, from 9:00 am to noon, at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Current Trail Stewards are also invited to attend.
To register for the session online, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/stewards-meeting.
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A MESSAGE FROM
THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY:
Murphy Administration Expands Capacity of New Jersey's Behavioral Healthcare Workforce Through Student Loan Repayment Incentive
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Behavioral Healthcare Professionals Can Now Apply for up to $180,000 in Student Loan Balance Repayment in Exchange for Service to Communities
TRENTON – The Murphy Administration today announced that the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) is now accepting applications for the Behavioral Healthcare Provider Loan Redemption Program. The purpose of the program is to help recruit and maintain a qualified workforce of behavioral healthcare professionals in order to further Governor Phil Murphy's ongoing goal of expanding access to mental health care on behalf of New Jersey residents.
Through funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget last June and a law signed by Governor Murphy last year, this career-specific loan redemption program was created to help address the critical shortage of behavioral health providers in the Garden State. Under the program, behavioral healthcare professionals can apply to have HESAA pay off up to $150,000 of their student loan balance in exchange for agreeing to work at an approved community behavioral and mental health provider located in New Jersey.
For every two years of service in New Jersey, behavioral healthcare providers can apply for up to $50,000 in loan redemption, for a maximum of six years.
"This program is part of a whole-of-government approach my Administration is taking to improve the delivery of behavioral healthcare services to all New Jerseyans," said Governor Murphy. "Offering student loan redemption as an incentive for certified professionals to serve our communities is one way to begin closing the gap between the number of providers and the number of New Jerseyans in need. Expanding mental health services for our residents, especially our youth, will be critical in continuing to help our residents recover from the challenges they have faced over the past several years."
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A MESSAGE FROM
THE WHITE HOUSE:
President Biden Announces Funding for Major Transportation Projects Funded by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
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Announces Funding for Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project and Other Major Projects Across America.
Hudson Tunnel Project Will Result in 72,000 Good-Paying Jobs.
Continuing the progress implementing the Biden-Harris Administration’s economic agenda, President Biden is visiting New York to announce funding for a critical early phase of the Hudson Tunnel Project and Mega grants for other major infrastructure projects across the country. The President will announce the Administration has awarded nearly $1.2 billion from the infrastructure law’s new National Infrastructure Project Assistance discretionary grant program (Mega) for nine projects across the country, including over $292 million to complete a critical early phase of the Hudson Tunnel Project.
These infrastructure investments will create good-paying jobs – including union jobs and jobs that do not require a college degree. The projects will grow the economy, strengthen supply chains, improve mobility for residents, and make our transportation systems safer for all users.
This announcement comes on the heels of several other announcements of funding for major infrastructure projects, including more than $2 billion to upgrade some our nation’s most economically significant bridges such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Brent-Spence Bridge through the Bridge Investment Program and $1.5 billion for 26 major projects through the INFRA program.
These infrastructure improvements are a critical part of President Biden’s economic agenda to build the economy from the bottom up and middle out.
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HELP US TAKE CARE OF OUR CITY!
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT- IT APP
Available in IOS and Android Mobile Phones
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Exercise your civic duty-- be the eyes and ears of our City! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in our Plainfield community. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with ReportIt. | |
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Use the app, or text
reportit to 63975
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield are committed to making it as easy as possible to report concerns in our city. To that end, we've partnered with REPORT IT, which is now live in Plainfield and ready to be used as an important supplemental reporting tool.
Report it makes community reporting easier than ever! Residents and visitors can download the app by scanning the barcode above or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate City department to be resolved.
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|THE CITY OF PLAINFIELD NJ|
515 WATCHUNG AVENUE | 908-753-3310| MONDAY-FRIDAY | 9 A.M.- 5 P.M.|
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future. | | | | |
