"Charter Schools are Part of the Solution"

Dear Jazz,

Over the years, charter schools have garnered their fair share of controversy. Some believe they divert critical resources from traditional public schools, and others see them as the beacon of hope for many students in underserved communities. Here in Plainfield, where some of our schools have consistently underperformed, I firmly believe that charter schools are not the problem. In fact, I believe that they are a part of the solution.

For starters, let's acknowledge that the very existence of charter schools signifies that there's a demand for an alternative. Parents in Plainfield and many other cities are desperately seeking high-quality education options for their children. The establishment of charter schools offers an immediate response to this demand. They provide innovative teaching methods, specialized curricula, and more autonomy in decision-making, which, when appropriately managed, can lead to exceptional educational outcomes. This alternative can be vital in a city that yearns for educational progress.

It’s also important to note that charter schools can co-exist with traditional public schools. Rather than viewing them as competitors, we should see them as collaborators in the larger mission of educating our youth. Charter and public schools can benefit by sharing best practices, resources, and insights. A thriving charter school can provide a blueprint for success that can be emulated by other institutions, leading to improved outcomes across the board.

The critique that charter schools siphon off resources from public schools is also worth addressing. Funding for schools, whether traditional or charter, is complex. It's based on numerous factors, including student enrollment. As charter schools enroll students, they naturally receive a portion of the funding. However, this doesn't mean public schools are left in the lurch. In many cases, public schools have fixed costs that don't fluctuate dramatically with changes in student population.

I urge my fellow Plainfielders to approach this topic with an open mind. If we focus solely on the adversarial relationship between charter and public schools, we risk losing sight of the larger goal: providing a top-notch education to all our children. Remember that every child is different, and what works for one might not work for another. In a city with diverse needs, having a variety of educational options can only be a strength.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creating One Plainfield. One Future.

Sincerely,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield

"Las escuelas charter son parte de la solución"

Querido(a) Jazz,

A lo largo de los años, las escuelas charter han generado una buena cantidad de controversia. Algunos creen que desvían recursos críticos de las escuelas públicas tradicionales y otros las ven como un rayo de esperanza para muchos estudiantes de comunidades desatendidas. Aquí en Plainfield, donde algunas de nuestras escuelas constantemente han tenido un desempeño inferior, creo firmemente que las escuelas charter no son el problema. De hecho, creo que son parte de la solución.

Para empezar, reconozcamos que la mera existencia de escuelas charter significa que existe una demanda de una alternativa. Los padres de Plainfield y muchas otras ciudades buscan desesperadamente opciones educativas de alta calidad para sus hijos. El establecimiento de escuelas charter ofrece una respuesta inmediata a esta demanda. Proporcionan métodos de enseñanza innovadores, planes de estudios especializados y más autonomía en la toma de decisiones que, cuando se gestionan adecuadamente, pueden conducir a resultados educativos excepcionales. Esta alternativa puede ser vital en una ciudad que anhela el progreso educativo.

También es importante señalar que las escuelas charter pueden coexistir con las escuelas públicas tradicionales. En lugar de verlos como competidores, deberíamos verlos como colaboradores en la misión más amplia de educar a nuestra juventud. Las escuelas públicas y charter pueden beneficiarse al compartir las mejores prácticas, recursos y conocimientos. Una escuela autónoma próspera puede proporcionar un modelo para el éxito que otras instituciones pueden emular, lo que conducirá a mejores resultados en todos los ámbitos.

También vale la pena abordar la crítica de que las escuelas charter desvían recursos de las escuelas públicas. La financiación de las escuelas, ya sean tradicionales o autónomas, es compleja. Se basa en numerosos factores, incluida la matrícula de estudiantes. A medida que las escuelas autónomas inscriben estudiantes, naturalmente reciben una parte de los fondos. Sin embargo, esto no significa que las escuelas públicas queden en la estacada. En muchos casos, las escuelas públicas tienen costos fijos que no fluctúan dramáticamente con los cambios en la población estudiantil.

Insto a mis compañeros de Plainfield a abordar este tema con una mente abierta. Si nos centramos únicamente en la relación conflictiva entre las escuelas públicas y charter, corremos el riesgo de perder de vista el objetivo más amplio: brindar una educación de primer nivel a todos nuestros niños. Recuerde que cada niño es diferente y lo que funciona para uno puede no funcionar para otro. En una ciudad con necesidades diversas, tener una variedad de opciones educativas sólo puede ser una fortaleza.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.

Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

Ciudad de Plainfield

Department of

Solid Waste & Sewer Celebrates:

Promotions and A Ribbon Cutting

In a moment that reverberated throughout the community, the metallic snap of ceremonial scissors sliced through the air, heralding a groundbreaking transformation. With that simple gesture, Plainfield's Department of Solid Waste and Sewer Utility (PSWSU) unfurled a fleet of cutting-edge trucks that are far more than mere vehicles. They serve as a concrete manifestation of the city's resolve to pioneer forward-thinking, sustainable waste management solutions, elevating the lives of every resident in the process.

Under the leadership and vision of Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, a new era began for PSWSU by welcoming the seasoned John Louise as the department's new Director. Taking the reins on October 2nd, John brings not just a resume filled with relevant experience but an indomitable spirit perfectly attuned to propel Plainfield's Sewer and Solid Waste Utility into a future ripe with possibility. The hiring isn't just about filling a position; it's a strategic move that promises to redefine excellence in public service.

Amid these monumental changes, the spotlight also shone on the city's unsung heroes—the dedicated workforce at PSWSU who power the gears of progress. In an affirmation of their exceptional contributions, Plainfield celebrated the ascent of four remarkably talented staff members, promoting them to superintendent roles within PSWSU. For James Felton, promoted to Superintendent of Solid Waste; Jeffery Walden, Superintendent of Sewer; Clint Watkins, Superintendent of the Transfer Station; and Michael Minor, Superintendent of Fleet, it wasn't merely a change in job titles; it was a validation of the relentless commitment and skill they've invested in their roles, setting the bar for others to follow.

As the day's events unfolded, words of gratitude were on everyone’s lips, demonstrating the power of collective effort. We echo thanks to:

Director, John Louise

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

Chief of Staff Jazz Clayton-Hunt

Business Administrator Abby Levenson

City Clerk Abubakar Jalloh

DPW Director Oren K. Dabney

Police Chief James T. Abney

This event wasn't just ceremonial; it was a resounding affirmation that change is fueled by the dedication of individuals, each contributing their unique strengths to the dream of progress.

When the sun set on this transformative day, it wasn't an end but a beginning—a launch pad for initiatives to establish a more robust, cleaner, and more efficient Plainfield. As the wheels of these new trucks hit the asphalt, so too do the wheels of progress, set in motion by an administration deeply committed to elevating the lives of its residents. Plainfield doesn't just look forward to the growth and success of these new milestones; it stands on the precipice of a future shaped by collective determination, unity, and, above all, unyielding optimism.

The General Election on November 7 is only weeks away!

If you would like to cast your ballot in the upcoming election, you have to be a registered NJ voter. If you are not currently registered, you must do so by the Voter Registration Deadline – October 17, 2023.

Registering to vote is quick and easy and can be done online here. Translations are available online as well. You will need to supply your date of birth, an accepted form of identification and social security number to complete your online application. Students living on campus in New Jersey can register to vote using either their college address or their parent’s address.

To register to vote in New Jersey, you must be:

· A United States citizen

· At least 17 years old, though you may not vote until you have reached

the age of 18

· A resident of the county for 30 days before the election

· A person not serving a sentence of incarceration as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this or any other state or of the United States.

Once registered, you can vote one of these three ways.

Whatever option you prefer, you must first be registered to vote. Register by the Voter Registration Deadline on October 17, 2023.

Take a Look at our Spring Newsletter

"Voices of Plainfield"

Click HERE or PAGE to read newsletter

CLICK FOR MORE!

A MESSAGE FROM UNION COUNTY

Early In-Person Voting Locations

Locations for 2023 General Elections

“New Jersey has expanded voters’ rights by introducing early voting in 2021,” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to use early voting, or a vote by mail ballot, to cast their vote ahead of Election Day. Making a plan to cast your vote is important and there are now more options in New Jersey than ever before.”

Plainfield, Union College of Union County, Church Street, Between E. 2nd & E. 3rd Streets

All of these early voting locations will be open during the following hours:

Saturday, October 28, 10am – 8pm
Sunday, October 29, 10am – 6pm
Monday, October 30, 10am – 8pm
Tuesday, October 31, 10am – 8pm
Wednesday, November 1, 10am – 8pm
Thursday, November 2, 10am – 8pm
Friday, November 3, 10am – 8pm
Saturday, November 4, 10am – 8pm
Sunday, November 5, 10am – 6pm

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

A MESSAGE FROM

THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY:

"New Jersey Awarded $850K in Funding to Expand Small Business Exporting"

Trenton, NJ - The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) announced today that it was awarded $850,000 in federal funds for the New Jersey State Trade Expansion Program (NJSTEP) to support businesses in underserved communities throughout the state.

NJBAC, a division of the Department of State, received funding for NJSTEP to provide financial awards to eligible small businesses entering the export market, as well as businesses who are already engaged in international trade. The program is funded through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

"We are thrilled to receive this significant grant, the third highest in the nation, for our State Trade Expansion Program," said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. "This funding will be instrumental in helping Minority, LGBTQIA+, Women, and Veteran-owned New Jersey businesses tap into new global opportunities, driving economic growth and creating new jobs in our state."

The state’s successful NJSTEP program has been awarded funding for eleven consecutive years and received the third-highest grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration this year. The program has previously assisted hundreds of businesses, throughout the state leading to millions of dollars in export sales globally.

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

THE WHITE HOUSE: BRIEFING ROOM

"Investing in America to Create Fair and Competitive Markets"

Promoting fair competition is a key pillar of Bidenomics, along with investing in America and empowering workers. Competition is the backbone of a market economy; it supports lower prices, higher quality goods and services, greater variety, and more innovation. Accordingly, President Biden has pushed for a whole-of-government approach to identify and address barriers to healthy competition wherever they appear, starting with an Executive Order in the early months of the Administration, which created the White House Competition Council and identified 72 actions agencies could take to increase competition.

As the Biden-Harris Administration implements its Investing in America agenda, which includes the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, there is a pivotal role for attention to competition. Just as regulations shape competition in existing markets, regulation and government investment can shape new and developing markets as well. By considering the promotion of competition in our investments, we can shape industries to be pro-competitive from the beginning so that there is no need to “unscramble the eggs”—to unwind highly concentrated industries after the fact. Similarly, the economic literature shows how industrial policies that foster competition and invest in strategic industries—while also “weeding out” projects that fail—can support economic growth. A robust competition policy complements our historic investments in America to develop mature, innovative industries that are competitive on a global scale.

To this end, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released new guidance yesterday to help agencies developing Federal regulations better assess their potential effects on competition. In light of OMB’s new guidance, this blog describes the central role for competition in industrial strategy and how regulation can help shape fair and resilient markets for critical goods.

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VISIT WHITEHOUSE.GOV TO READ FULL ARTICLE