The End of Democracy
Dear Friend,

The America we know and love is based on an unshakeable faith in the power of democracy to allow us the freedoms that we hold dear.
 
This week, former president Barack Obama shared his message about the threat to democracy in his Democratic Convention speech. His compelling speech highlighted the lack of democratic leadership that is currently guiding this country, and that our form of government based on freedom for all, is at risk.
 
A threat to democracy affects every aspect of our lives; our liberties come under fire. It curtails our rights as human beings, and our opportunities to succeed diminish greatly. Our pursuit of the American dream and means to achieve it begin to disappear. Our healthcare system becomes even more limited, and fewer people have the means to receive much needed medical attention. This country is named "the land of the free" because our democracy allows us to have a voice, reject the status quo, dream big, and go beyond the barriers of our present circumstances.
 
Many people migrate to the United States in search of educational or professional opportunities. Others come to give their children a life they couldn’t have in their place of birth. Many come in search of freedom, fleeing from persecution in their homeland, where free speech and the right to protest don’t exist, and where they live in fear. What many of us take for granted every single day is an unknown luxury to millions worldwide. It's "the land of the free" because, in many other nations, citizens are afraid to speak publicly, and the media is censored.
 
The U.S is the country that it is because our ancestors were able to march for freedom and equal rights. Today, you and I can stand together in protest to fight for justice. Without democracy, the Black Lives Matters protests would not be allowed. Without democracy, early civil rights movements of the 19th century wouldn't have been. Our voices would be silenced before we had a chance to speak, and the progress we see today would never exist.
 
The U.S is the voice of freedom because the media informs its citizens regardless of the stance they take. The U.S is a stanchion of democracy because we can vote for our leaders irrespective of their political affiliation.
 
The majority rule is the only road of government we can trust. It is the only way the needs of the people can be met. Even when majority rule does not elect the leader we prefer, we can sleep soundly knowing that we have the freedom to continue fighting for a leader whose values will align with ours. That is where we are today. We're speaking up against our current leaders. We're rallying for an administration focused on all Americans, especially those whose voices have been ignored or silenced. As President Barack Obama said, we're fighting for a president who leads with empathy and dignity.
 
We’re exercising our democracy today, so democracy for all can be practiced tomorrow.
 
If we don’t fight to elect a leader who will protect our democratic rights today, a dystopia awaits us. We’ve all seen the images of armed men in dark uniforms removing protestors to unmarked vehicles. We can expect a world where media outlets and websites are monitored and censored. If we don’t fight today, future generations will never know true freedom. When we cast our votes in November, we’re fighting to protect that freedom.
 
As we cast our votes, let's remember our objective. We're voting for the freedom of the press, the freedom of speech, and the right to protest. We’re voting for the freedom to choose our leaders. We're voting to ensure that every person living in this country is represented at all levels of government. More importantly, let’s remember those who are impacted by our vote. We're voting for those who have fought to have representation, women, people of color, immigrants, persons with disabilities, and all marginalized groups.
 
The threat to democracy is not more powerful than our will to keep it alive. I urge all Plainfield residents to remember what's at stake in the upcoming election and remember that we do have the power. 

Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
El Fin de la Democracia 

Querido Plainfield,

La América que conocemos y amamos se basa en una fe inquebrantable en el poder de la democracia para permitirnos las libertades que apreciamos.
 
Esta semana, el ex presidente Barack Obama compartió su mensaje sobre la amenaza a la democracia en su discurso de la Convención Demócrata. Su contundente discurso destacó la falta de liderazgo democrático que actualmente guía a este país, y que nuestra forma de gobierno basada en la libertad para todos está en riesgo.
 
Una amenaza a la democracia afecta todos los aspectos de nuestras vidas; nuestras libertades están bajo fuego. Limita nuestros derechos como seres humanos y nuestras oportunidades de triunfar disminuyen enormemente. Nuestra búsqueda del sueño americano y los medios para lograrlo comienzan a desaparecer. Nuestro sistema de atención médica se vuelve aún más limitado y menos personas tienen los medios para recibir la atención médica que tanto necesitan. Este país es llamado "la tierra de los libres" porque nuestra democracia nos permite tener voz, rechazar el statu quo, soñar en grande y trascender las barreras de nuestras circunstancias actuales.
 
Muchas personas migran a los Estados Unidos en busca de oportunidades educativas o profesionales. Otros vienen a darles a sus hijos una vida que no podrían tener en su lugar de nacimiento. Muchos vienen en busca de libertad, huyendo de la persecución en su tierra natal, donde no existe la libertad de expresión y el derecho a la protesta, y donde viven con miedo. Lo que muchos de nosotros damos por sentado todos los días es un lujo desconocido para millones de personas en todo el mundo. Es "la tierra de los libres" porque, en muchas otras naciones, los ciudadanos tienen miedo de hablar en público y los medios de comunicación están censurados.
 
Los Estados Unidos es el país que es porque nuestros antepasados ​​pudieron marchar por la libertad y la igualdad de derechos. Hoy, tú y yo podemos unirnos en protesta para luchar por la justicia. Sin democracia, las protestas de Black Lives Matters no serían permitidas. Sin democracia, los primeros movimientos de derechos civiles del siglo XIX no lo habrían sido. Nuestras voces serían silenciadas antes de que tuviéramos la oportunidad de hablar, y el progreso que vemos hoy nunca existiría.
 
Estados Unidos es la voz de la libertad porque los medios informan a sus ciudadanos independientemente de la postura que adopten. Estados Unidos es un pilar de la democracia porque podemos votar por nuestros líderes independientemente de su afiliación política.
 
La regla de la mayoría es el único camino de gobierno en el que podemos confiar. Es la única manera de satisfacer las necesidades de la gente. Incluso cuando el gobierno de la mayoría no elige al líder que preferimos, podemos dormir profundamente sabiendo que tenemos la libertad de seguir luchando por un líder cuyos valores se alinearán con los nuestros. Ahí es donde estamos hoy. Estamos hablando en contra de nuestros líderes actuales. Estamos luchando por una administración centrada en todos los estadounidenses, especialmente aquellos cuyas voces han sido ignoradas o silenciadas. Como dijo el presidente Barack Obama, estamos luchando por un presidente que lidere con empatía y dignidad.
 
Estamos ejerciendo nuestra democracia hoy, de modo que mañana se pueda practicar la democracia para todos.
 
Si no luchamos por elegir un líder que proteja nuestros derechos democráticos hoy, nos espera una distopía. Todos hemos visto las imágenes de hombres armados con uniformes oscuros que llevan a los manifestantes a vehículos sin distintivos. Podemos esperar un mundo donde los medios de comunicación y los sitios web sean monitoreados y censurados. Si no luchamos hoy, las generaciones futuras nunca conocerán la verdadera libertad. Cuando emitimos nuestro voto en noviembre, luchamos para proteger esa libertad.
 
Al emitir nuestros votos, recordemos nuestro objetivo. Estamos votando por la libertad de prensa, la libertad de expresión y el derecho a protestar. Estamos votando por la libertad de elegir a nuestros líderes. Estamos votando para asegurarnos de que todas las personas que viven en este país estén representadas en todos los niveles de gobierno. Más importante aún, recordemos a aquellos que se ven afectados por nuestro voto. Estamos votando por quienes han luchado por tener representación, mujeres, gente de color, inmigrantes, personas con discapacidades y todos los grupos marginados.
 
La amenaza a la democracia no es más poderosa que nuestra voluntad de mantenerla viva. Insto a todos los residentes de Plainfield a recordar lo que está en juego en las próximas elecciones y recordar que tenemos el poder.
 
Creando un Plainfield, un Futuro
Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Is U.S. Democracy Dying?
Join Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
for the Black Business Month
Webinar Series on Tuesday, August 25
Join Mayor Adrian O. Mapp on Tuesday, August 25th for the Black Business Month Webinar Series sponsored by the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. The event begins at 1:00pm.

Click Here to Register.

We look forward to YOU joining US!
The Final 2020 Master Plan Adopted
by the Planning Board
The 2020 Master Plan was adopted by the Planning Board on Thursday, August 20, 2020.

The Master Plan is a comprehensive plan to shape the physical, social, environmental and economic future of a community. This updated Master Plan will provide framework to preserve the City's character, support investments and promote desired changes.

Click Here to view the final document.
Special Facebook Live Event With
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
As the uncertainty of COVID-19 continues we understand the importance of providing resources and programs to our communities. Our goal is to empower and give our residents and stakeholders the tools they need to survive the pandemic. As we face an unpredictable future rest assured that whenever opportunities present themselves, we will share them with our Plainfield community.
 
This past Monday, August 17th, Mayor Adrian O. Mapp joined Chuck Richman, Executive Director of NJHMFA and Christina Fuentes, Director of Small Business Services with NJEDA to share resources and grants for small landlords, renters, first-time homebuyers, and small businesses.
Reminder Small Business Owners:
New Jersey Housing & Mortgage
Finance Agency Small Landlord Emergency Grant Application Process
Concludes on Wednesday, August 26
The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) launched the Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program (SLEG) to assist small rental property owners and their tenants during the COVID-19 emergency.

The grant will reimburse small landlords for missed and/or reduced rent payments between April and July 2020. Landlord grantees will be required to forgive back rent and late fees their tenants accrued during the April to July period. 

The application process began on August 19th at 9:00 a.m. and closes on August 26th at 1:00 p.m. To give each eligible application an equal chance of receiving funds, they will be reviewed and selected in a computer-randomized order. Applicants must be the Primary Property Owner of a residential rental property in New Jersey and be registered with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (NJDCA) Bureau of Housing Inspection.

  • Property has at least 3 but no more than 10 total housing units
  • Property is NOT a seasonal or vacation rental property;  
  • Property has a current fire inspection certificate as of March 9, 2020;
  • Property has at least one non-vacant rental unit that was impacted by COVID-19 between April and July 2020;  
  • Must have low-to-moderate income rent levels

Click here for more information.
Confirmed Sighting of Spotted Lanternfly
in Plainfield
What to Do If You See a Spotted Lanternfly in New Jersey
The Shade Tree Commission in cooperation with the State of New Jersey is advising residents that there has been a confirmed sighting of the spotted lanternfly in Plainfield. The insects have been spotted on the ‘Tree of Heaven’ (Ailanthus Altissima), an invasive tree species from China, which has been planted in the United States due to its ability to survive urban areas. 

Residents are urged to inspect their trees and to contact the Department of Agriculture at 606-406-6943 or email slf-plantindustry@ag.nj.gov with any findings. Please also notify Planning Director Bill Nierstedt at william.nierstedt@plainfieldnj.gov.  

Click Here for more information.
Click Here to view article
Plainfield is a Report It Community
"See Something Say Something"
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield are committed to making it as easy as possible to report concerns in your 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 below or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate city department, and the city will work to resolve the issue or complaint.

You have the power to be the eyes and ears of our city! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in Plainfield. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with Report It.

Click here to download the app.
Plainfield Residents - Time is Running Out for Us to Complete the 2020 Census
It Will Shape Our Future for 10 Years
39 Days Left for Plainfield to be COUNTED!
Plainfield 2020 CENSUS Drive - Join representatives from the 2020 census on Tuesday, August 25th from 4-7pm at the Gerald Green Plaza to assist residents with completing the #2020census. Time is running out - there are ONLY 39 days left and our self response rate is 55.2%.

We need your HELP! Let's ensure that we receive the funding to SUPPORT the PROGRAMS and RESOURCES our residents NEED!
Completa el censo 2020
Dará forma a nuestro futuro
durante 10 años
¡Quedan 39 días para que se cuente Plainfield!
Summer Meals Program |
Programa de comidas de verano
City Hall - COVID-19 - Modified Schedule
Skip the Trip to City Hall - Do Business Online!
Omita el Viaje al Ayuntamiento -
Hacer negocios en línea
COVID-19 Resource Guide
The situation with the Coronavirus changes rapidly and we want to ensure that you are aware of all resources available to you. Please click on the below button for a COVID-19 resource Guide
COVID-19 Testing Options
for Plainfield Residents
Emergency Food Providers & Resources|
Proveedores de emergencia y recursos
Highlighting Women Trail Blazers!
Who is Carol Moseley Braun?
Carol Moseley attended the University of Illinois at Chicago (B.A., 1969) and received a law degree from the University of Chicago (1972). She married Michael Braun in 1973 (divorced 1986) and worked as an assistant U.S. attorney before her election to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1978. During her 10 years there she became known for her advocacy of health care and education reform and gun control. She was named assistant leader for the Democratic majority.

"It’s time to take the ‘Men Only’ sign off the White House door" - Carol Moseley

From 1988 to 1992 Moseley Braun served as Cook county (Illinois) recorder of deeds. Displeased with U.S. Senator Alan Dixon’s support of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, she ran against Dixon in the 1992 Democratic primary. Though poorly financed, she won an upset victory over Dixon on her way to capturing a seat in the Senate.

UNION COUNTY: Union County Clerk Provides Answers to Questions about Vote-By-Mail
UNION COUNTY - Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi urges voters to familiarize themselves with Vote-by-Mail procedures in advance of receiving their Vote-by Mail ballot for the November 3 General Election. By Executive Order of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, the General Election will be held mainly through Vote-by-Mail ballots.

“Although the July 7 Primary Election was conducted by mail, the process is still new to many Union County voters.
It is important for every voter to understand how to fill out and return their Vote-by-Mail ballot, to ensure their voice is heard on Election Day,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

“Inaccurate information can easily travel across social media, which makes it all the more important for voters to become familiar with Vote-by-Mail,” added Ms. Rajoppi.
“Vote-by-Mail is a reliable and accurate way to vote.”

Vote-by-Mail ballots will be mailed to voters beginning this September. The mailings will continue through the first week of October.

To help voters learn about voting in the General Election, Ms. Rajoppi has posted FAQs on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, and on the free Union County Votes mobile app.

Among the most frequently asked questions are:

  • Who is going to automatically receive a VBM (Vote-by-Mail) ballot?
All active, registered voters will automatically be mailed a VBM ballot. Please be sure to read the instructions carefully before filling out the ballot.

  • Do voters need to file an application to receive a VBM ballot?
No. VBM ballots will be sent automatically to all registered voters for the November 3 election. Governor Murphy’s Executive Order acts as the application from the voter.

  • Can I vote at a polling place?
A limited number of polling places will be open on November 3 for voters who are disabled and need to use a voting machine. Any other voter coming to the polling location to vote will be given a paper or provisional ballot.

  • How can I return my VBM ballot?
There are multiple ways to return a VBM ballot prior to Election Day, and on Election Day.
  1. Use any one of the 13 ballot drop-off boxes that will be placed at various locations in Union County. The locations will be announced in September.
  2. Drop it off at the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth at 2 Broad Street and in Westfield at 300 North Avenue East, or at the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth at 271 North Broad Street.
  3. Send the ballot by U.S. Mail. Pre-paid postage is provided on the ballot return envelope.
  4. On Election Day, voters can bring their VBM ballot to their designated polling place.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order to Protect Public Health by Mailing Every Active Registered Voter a VBM Ballot Ahead
of the General Election
TRENTON, NJ -- Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Phil Murphy today signed an executive order to create a modified vote-by-mail (VBM) election for the November 3rd General Election. The order suspends the sending of sample ballots and requires that each county’s elections officials send VBM ballots with pre-paid postage to all active registered voters for the General Election. Additionally, every voter will have the option to either return their ballot through a secure drop box or turn in their ballot at a polling location on Election Day. The Administration is working with the Department of State to implement a new online voter registration system where New Jersey residents will have the opportunity to register to vote. The online system will launch on September 4, 2020.

“COVID-19 has impacted nearly every aspect of our lives, from our health and safety to how we participate in our democracy,” said Governor Murphy. “This virus continues to threaten public health, and with today’s announcement, we are ensuring that New Jersey voters do not have to make a decision between exercising their right to vote and protecting their well-being.” 

“Every voter deserves to participate in free, fair, and safe elections,” said Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “By sending every New Jersey voter their ballot in the mail, we are protecting the health of voters, elections workers, and our democracy.”

In order to address the influx of VBM ballots, the executive order will extend the deadline to allow ballots being returned through the United States Postal Service (USPS) with a postmark on or before November 3rd to be counted as a valid ballot by the County Clerk, if received by 8:00 p.m. on November 10th. Ballots without a postmark that are received by the county boards of elections within 48 hours of the closing of polls on November 3rd shall be considered valid.

Today’s executive order will also require a minimum of at least one polling place in each municipality and a minimum of 50 percent of polling places in each county to provide New Jersey voters with access to in-person voting opportunities, including accommodations for voters with disabilities. All public schools will close for in-person instruction on November 3rd to allow counties to use their buildings as polling locations, if necessary. Polling locations will be required to follow public health standards, including ensuring six feet of distance, requiring poll workers to wear face coverings and gloves, frequent sanitization of high-touch areas, and providing sanitization materials to all individuals at a polling place.  



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One Plainfield. One Future
Volume 7 - Issue 34