Mayor's Message:

Racism Has No Place In Leadership

Dear Jazz,

Racism has no place in our culture, period. However, it becomes even more abhorrent when displayed by persons who have leadership positions and have the power to make decisions that affect lives directly. No one should feel vulnerable, targeted, or marginalized because of skin color. This concept is so backward that it continues to amaze me when it rears its ugly head. In this country, with equality for all written into the Declaration of Independence, Black people continue to be discriminated against and mistreated in every corner of our society. The recent confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson are another stark reminder that racism is deeply ingrained in the very fabric of our systems, even at the highest level of our government. Laws are made and often disregarded by the very people who have taken oaths to uphold and defend the constitution. We must not accept racism, and it should be condemned by all whenever it goes on display, especially by our political leaders.

Recently, audiotapes surfaced containing conversations between the Mayor of Clark Sal Bonaccorso, the Clark police chief, and a supervisor in internal affairs. In the recording, Mayor Bonaccorso and colleagues refer to Black people as "shines," "spooks," and the "N-word." One conversation references an incident at Arthur L. Johnson High School where a black puppet was hung by its neck in a locker room used by the Plainfield High School Girls basketball team. On the recording, a group, including the mayor and police director, dismissed the incident as nonsense and further stated they knew the "N-words" did it. But adding insult to injury was Mayor Bonaccorso's annoyance at having to attend a Plainfield City Council meeting to address the situation before a room "full of spooks," as he refers to us. His arrogance and hateful rhetoric are disgraceful and insulting. As Mayor, he should have been the first to condemn the incident. Our girls' basketball team went to Clark High School expecting a friendly game but returned crushed by an incident no parent would ever want their kids to experience. (source).

It is a shame that people like Mayor Bonaccorso are so filled with hate that they cannot see the beauty here in our city. The warmth of our people. The vibrancy of our culture and the progressiveness of our community.

For years, Black people have been disproportionately incarcerated, faced harsher sentences than our white counterparts, and harassed for suspected crimes because of people with power, like Mayor Bonaccorso and the Clark Police Director. They target Black and brown people and treat them with disdain and a callous disregard for the truth, justice, and our humanity. A person's color cannot pre-determine character or actions. When will we evolve enough as a society to stop making a correlation between the two? Black people endured the evil of slavery and the ensuing segregation after its abolition. It is genuinely crushing to think of the number of black men who have had their freedom snatched away to spend their lives rotting behind bars because of a system that failed them due to racist actions from those appointed and elected to deliver justice.

In another conversation on the audiotapes, Mayor Bonaccorso also states that he would never hire female police officers and refers to female officers as a [expletive] "disaster."

As an elected leader, the tone you set is reflected in the culture of your community. Being black or female should not be a criterion for job readiness or ability to perform any given duties. Here in Plainfield, I can testify that our female law enforcement officers are just as capable as the male officers, and it makes me proud to see many of them progress through the ranks and serve with honor and distinction.

You're automatically held to a higher standard when you run for office, and people cast their vote to elect you as their leader. The expectation is that you will govern justly and for all residents regardless of color, creed, lifestyle, or beliefs. This is not just an expectation; it is your sworn duty. What Mayor Bonaccorso and the Clark Police Director created instead was a culture of hate, discrimination, and misogyny. So deeply embedded was it that they felt empowered to joke freely about it.

In today's world, a fair and more inclusive world, there is no room for racism, especially by those elected to lead and expected to govern "impartially and justly perform all of the duties of" the office to which they are elected. The Clark situation highlights how crucial your vote is. If we want real change and equality, we must start with electing leaders who champion change, equity, and equality. You must vote to have representation in your government that reflects your values as a person. A man who discriminates against women and minorities should NEVER have a platform like the Mayor's office to act on his racism and misogyny.

I call on the good, the fair-minded, the just people in the Township of Clark to demand the resignation of Mayor Bonaccorso. You deserve a leader who will represent you with dignity and doesn't open the door to hate, racism, and gender discrimination.

As Mayor of the diverse city of Plainfield, filled with a beautiful spectrum of colors, I am proud to embrace the differences that make us unique. I am honored to represent a genuinely inclusive city, a city that spreads love instead of hate. A city that has evolved to be a microcosm of America, a city that lives by the words in the Declaration of Independence, that "all men are created equal that their Creator endows them with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." We stand proudly as a beacon of resilience and strength. I am #PlainfieldProud and will continue to #LovePlainfield.

Creating One Plainfield. One Future

Sincerely,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield

El Racismo No Tiene Lugar En Liderazgo

Querido Plainfield,

El racismo no tiene lugar en nuestra cultura, punto. Sin embargo, se vuelve aún más aborrecible cuando lo muestran personas que tienen posiciones de liderazgo y tienen el poder de tomar decisiones que afectan vidas directamente. Nadie debe sentirse vulnerable, atacado o marginado debido al color de la piel. Este concepto es tan retrógrado que me sigue sorprendiendo cuando levanta su fea cabeza. En este país, con la igualdad para todos escrita en la Declaración de Independencia, los negros continúan siendo discriminados y maltratados en todos los rincones de nuestra sociedad. Las recientes audiencias de confirmación del juez Ketanji Brown Jackson son otro claro recordatorio de que el racismo está profundamente arraigado en el tejido mismo de nuestros sistemas, incluso en el nivel más alto de nuestro gobierno. Las leyes son hechas y a menudo ignoradas por las mismas personas que han prestado juramento de mantener y defender la constitución. No debemos aceptar el racismo, y debe ser condenado por todos cada vez que se exhiba, especialmente por nuestros líderes políticos.

Recientemente, aparecieron cintas de audio que contenían conversaciones entre el alcalde de Clark Sal Bonaccorso, el jefe de policía de Clark y un supervisor de asuntos internos. En la grabación, el alcalde Bonaccorso y sus colegas se refieren a los negros como "brillos", "fantasmas" y la "palabra N". Una conversación hace referencia a un incidente en la escuela secundaria Arthur L. Johnson donde una marioneta negra fue colgada por el cuello en un vestuario utilizado por el equipo de baloncesto de mujeres de la escuela secundaria de Plainfield. En la grabación, un grupo, incluido el alcalde y el director de policía, desestimó el incidente como una tontería y además declaró que sabían que los "palabras N" lo hicieron. Pero para colmo de males, fue la molestia de alcalde Bonaccorso de tener que asistir a una reunión del Concejo Municipal de Plainfield para abordar la situación ante una sala "llena de fantasmas", como se refiere a nosotros. Su arrogancia y retórica de odio son vergonzosas e insultantes. Como alcalde, debería haber sido el primero en condenar el incidente. Nuestro equipo de baloncesto femenino fue a la escuela segundaria de Clark esperando un juego amistoso, pero regresaron aplastadas por un incidente que ningún padre quisiera que sus hijos experimenten. (fuente).

Es una pena que personas como el alcalde Bonaccorso estén tan llenas de odio que no puedan ver la belleza aquí en nuestra ciudad. La calidez de nuestra gente. La vitalidad de nuestra cultura y la progresividad de nuestra comunidad.

Durante años, los negros han sido encarcelados de manera desproporcionada, enfrentaron sentencias más duras que nuestros homólogos blancos y acosados por presuntos delitos debido a personas con poder, como el alcalde Bonaccorso y el director de la policía de Clark. Se dirigen a las personas negras y marrones y las tratan con desdén y un desprecio cruel por la verdad, la justicia y nuestra humanidad. El color de una persona no puede predeterminar el carácter o las acciones. ¿Cuándo evolucionaremos lo suficiente como sociedad para dejar de hacer una correlación entre los dos? Los negros soportaron el mal de la esclavitud y la consiguiente segregación después de su abolición. Es realmente aplastante pensar en el número de hombres negros a los que se les ha arrebatado su libertad para pasar sus vidas pudriéndose tras las rejas debido a un sistema que les falló debido a las acciones racistas de los nombrados y elegidos para impartir justicia.

En otra conversación en las cintas de audio, el alcalde Bonaccorso también afirma que nunca contrataría a mujeres policías y se refiere a las mujeres oficiales como un "desastre" [improperio].

Como líder electo, el tono que establece se refleja en la cultura de su comunidad. Ser negro o mujer no debe ser un criterio para la preparación para el trabajo o la capacidad de realizar cualquier tarea dada. Aquí en Plainfield, puedo testificar que nuestras mujeres agentes de la ley son tan capaces como los oficiales masculinos, y me enorgullece ver a muchas de ellas progresar a través de los rangos y servir con honor y distinción.

Automáticamente se te sujeta a un estándar más alto cuando te postulas para un cargo, y la gente emite su voto para elegirte como su líder. La expectativa es que usted gobernará con justicia y para todos los residentes, independientemente de su color, credo, estilo de vida o creencias. Esto no es solo una expectativa; es su deber jurado. Lo que el alcalde Bonaccorso y el director de la policía de Clark crearon en su lugar fue una cultura de odio, discriminación y misoginia. Tan profundamente arraigado estaba que se sintieron empoderados para bromear libremente al respecto.

En el mundo de hoy, un mundo justo y más inclusivo, no hay lugar para el racismo, especialmente por aquellos elegidos para liderar y se espera que gobiernen "de manera imparcial y justa, desempeñen todos los deberes" del cargo para el que son elegidos. La situación de Clark pone de relieve lo crucial que es su voto. Si queremos un cambio real y la igualdad, debemos comenzar con la elección de líderes que defiendan el cambio, la equidad y la igualdad. Debes votar para tener una representación en tu gobierno que refleje tus valores como persona. Un hombre que discrimina a las mujeres y las minorías NUNCA debería tener una plataforma como la oficina del alcalde para actuar sobre su racismo y misoginia.

Hago un llamado a los buenos, a los justos, a las personas justas en el municipio de Clark para que exijan la renuncia del alcalde Bonaccorso. Te mereces un líder que te represente con dignidad y que no abra la puerta al odio, el racismo y la discriminación de género.

Como alcalde de la diversa ciudad de Plainfield, llena de un hermoso espectro de colores, estoy orgulloso de abrazar las diferencias que nos hacen únicos. Me siento honrado de representar a una ciudad genuinamente inclusiva, una ciudad que difunde el amor en lugar del odio. Una ciudad que ha evolucionado para ser un microcosmos de América, una ciudad que vive por las palabras de la Declaración de Independencia, que "todos los hombres son creados iguales que su Creador los dota de ciertos Derechos inalienables, que entre estos están la Vida, la Libertad y la búsqueda de la Felicidad". Nos alzamos orgullosos como un faro de resiliencia y fortaleza. Estoy #PlainfieldProud y seguiré #LovePlainfield.

Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro

Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

Ciudad de Plainfield

NBC NEWS| Mayor in NJ Slammed for Telling Rally

He is Pro "Good Black People"

Read Article | Lee el Articilo

LOCAL NEWS: Ban on Plastic Bags and and Foam Service Products | Effective May 4, 2022

The New Law, P.L. 2020, c.117, becomes effective on May 4, 2022. The law bans the provision or sale of all single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food service products, single-use paper carryout bags in groceries equal to or larger than 2500 sq. ft. and limits plastic straw distribution to by-customer-request-only as of November 4, 2021.

This is a statewide ban that applies to all retail, grocery stores, and food service businesses, from restaurants, delis, coffee shops to food trucks and cafeterias.

Click Here to Learn More

UPDATE | NEW PARKING KIOSKS INSTRUCTIONS

The Plainfield Parking Utility is in the process of updating and replacing the parking kiosks within the City.

The video and flyer below provide instructions for using the new kiosks.

UPCOMING EVENT | SAVE THE DATE

AVAILABLE TUITION PROGRAMS

Scarlet Guarantee:

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

The Scarlet Guarantee

is a signature Rutgers–New Brunswick program. Launching for Fall 2022, the program will provide financial support for first- and second-year undergraduate students. Full-time New Jersey residents who have completed their FAFSA or NJAFAA will now have all four years of their tuition and mandatory fees covered depending on Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for as long as these programs last.

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Scarlet Guarantee es un programa exclusivo de Rutgers-New Brunswick. Lanzado para el otoño de 2022, el programa proporcionará apoyo financiero para estudiantes universitarios de primer y segundo año. Residentes de Nueva Jersey que iran de tiempo completo que hayan completado su FAFSA o NJAFAA ahora tendrán los cuatro años de su matrícula y tarifas obligatorias cubiertas dependiendo del Ingreso Bruto Ajustado (AGI) durante el tiempo que duren estos programas.

Love Plainfield Initiative

¿ How Do You Show Love For Plainfield?

PARTICIPATE IN OUR LOVE PLAINFIELD TRIVIA

The City of Plainfield is known for its vibrant and rich history. In the coming weeks, we'll post questions about our Queen City. Participate and get to know your community.

In addition, on selected weeks, one lucky trivia winner will have a chance to win a gift card and/ or other Love Plainfield merchandise. Check back every week to see what quizzes are eligible for prizes.

You must be registered to receive the mayor's newsletter so we can contact you if you're a winner.

Email:

communications@plainfieldnj.gov with your First and Last Name to subscribe.

April is Autism Acceptance Month

in Union County

Union County, NJ – March 30, 2022 — In recognition of April as Autism Acceptance Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is hosting a series of inclusive events and programs, to help raise awareness and acceptance for those with autism living in Union County and throughout the world.

“The Commissioner Board recognizes the unique dignity and value of every individual who calls Union County home. We encourage all residents to learn more about autism spectrum disorder, to recognize the different strengths and challenges, and to include our friends, neighbors and family members with autism in community activities that foster health and well-being.”

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April 2: Come to Union County’s World Autism Acceptance Celebration at Mattano Park, at 360-484 5th Avenue in Elizabeth. This free outdoor event is co-sponsored with the Elizabeth Board of Education of the City of Elizabeth and other partners (pre-registration required at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg or call 908-527-4781 for more information).

VISIT UCNJ.ORG TO READ FULL ARTICLE

A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY:

Murphy Administration Release Plan to Improve Health Care Affordability

TRENTON – The Murphy Administration today released a detailed description of its plan to improve health care affordability in New Jersey through a recently-launched program aimed at addressing rising health care costs. The Health Care Affordability, Responsibility and Transparency (HART) Program’s plan sets targets for health care leaders to meet in regards to health care costs, in an effort to slow the unsustainable rate of growth.

“We established the Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency and the HART Program to improve affordability and help curb rising health care costs,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Through continued collaboration with health care leaders across the state, this critical program aims to make health care more affordable for New Jersey families while promoting a more sustainable health care future for our state.”

“This report presents a vision and a pathway towards a future in which high-quality health care can be more affordable and accessible for all New Jerseyans,” said Governor’s Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency Director Shabnam Salih. “I am proud of this Administration’s commitment to comprehensive health care affordability and the role of my Office in this important work. With the release of this blueprint, we will forge ahead with implementation of these critical next steps in close collaboration with New Jersey’s health care leaders across industry and policy.”

VISIT NJ.GOV TO READ FULL INFORMATION

A MESSAGE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:

President Biden Announces Appointments to Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities

MARCH 31, 2022•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

WASHINGTON – Today, President Biden announces his intent to appoint qualified and diverse leaders to the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The President’s Board will advance the goal of the HBCU Initiative, established by the Carter Administration, to increase the capacity of HBCUs to provide the highest-quality education to its students and continue serving as engines of opportunity.

In 2021, President Biden appointed Drs. Tony Allen and Glenda Glover to serve as Chair and Vice Chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs, respectively. In February, he appointed Dr. Dietra Trent as executive director of the White House HBCU Initiative.

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to supporting the vital mission of HBCUs. Through the American Rescue Plan, grant funding, and by forgiving capital improvement debt of many these institutions, the Biden-Harris Administration has already committed more than $5.8 billion in support. Reestablishing the White House HBCU Initiative – and appointing qualified and diverse individuals to the Board – will allow the administration to build on that financial commitment with continued institutional support.

VISIT WHITEHOUSE.GOV TO READ FULL BRIEFING

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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.