Mayor's Message:
The Violence Must Stop - Congress Must Act
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Dear Jazz,
Since the beginning of the year, there have been 248 mass shootings, 1013 wounded, and 290 dead (source). Not even halfway through the year and there’s already more sorrow than one nation can handle. And for what? The magnitude of deaths we experienced between 2019-2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic was beyond our control but there are no words, no excuses that can justify the wanton violence that has taken these lives.
On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, the world was once again shaken by news of another mass shooting. At Robb Elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, the lone gunman, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos committed what will probably be known as one of the most gruesome acts of violence, second only to the Sandy Hook killings which took 20 children in 2012. After shooting his grandmother earlier Tuesday morning, Ramos proceeded to Robb Elementary school wearing body armor and carrying an assault rifle he had recently purchased for his 18th birthday. On this dreadful day, nineteen (19) students, (none over the age of ten), and two (2) adults were killed. It is still unclear what motive Salvador Ramos had to open fire on an elementary school and with his death on Tuesday, due to responding law enforcement, we may never know. A close friend to Ramos reported that Salvador had begun to act strange and stopped attending school regularly (source).
My heart breaks as I think of those poor innocent children gunned down for no reason. I imagine the fear they felt and how they must have cried for their mothers and fathers only to be silenced by a hail of bullets. As a father and grandfather, I can think of no greater horror. The sorrow of every parent who is left in mourning by this egregious tragedy is my sorrow and it leaves me with a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach.
So many questions come to mind when I think about the tragedy that took place at Robb Elementary and all the tragedies that have occurred since the year began. How is it that non-military or non-law-enforcement personnel can obtain a weapon so easily? Why is it that an 18-year-old boy who isn’t of legal age to drink or smoke, can legally purchase a firearm? A terminally ill patient must fill out endless paperwork and submit themselves to psych evaluation in order to commit euthanasia to end their suffering. We have made it difficult or illegal in some states for females to have an abortion and terminate the life of their fetus even when it threatens their own life. So many laws and regulations are in place to supposedly protect life and yet the purchase of a firearm is as easy as going to your local Walmart in some states.
What steps are being taken by congress to ensure that all who purchase or own a firearm are mentally equipped and trained to utilize it properly? Our military personnel and law enforcement officers undergo strict training to properly utilize a gun. Training that civilian gun owners don’t have.
Enough is enough, THE VIOLENCE MUST STOP. It is time for Congress to take an active role and address this contagion that is sweeping the nation and taking our children before they can begin to live their lives. The right to bear arms does not apply to everyone. In my opinion, obtaining a gun license should be as hard as applying to become a police officer. There should be a psych evaluation, an in-person interview, a background check, and more. And even then is the purchase of a gun by a civilian necessary? Too many innocent lives have already been cut short due to the improper handling of firearms.
Moving forward I ask my fellow Plainfielders, to be the spark that ignites the change that is needed. I ask republicans who have been blinded by the NRA and the 2nd Amendment to open your hearts and minds and do the right thing – VOTE to save lives. The aggression and hostility that drove Salvador Ramos to commit such a horrible act of violence is a plaque that is spreading quickly through our nation, and we do not need it here in Plainfield. We must not be ignorant of the signs that something is not right. Parents, teachers, and friends keep your eyes open and speak up if anyone shows a difference in their behavior. Salvador Ramos showed clear signs of withdrawal and had someone approached him with concern maybe Tuesday’s tragedy wouldn’t have happened.
Because of the recent shootings and Tuesday’s massacre, the U.S. flag flying in front of City Hall and on Watchung Ave will stand at half-staff. I encourage my community to come out on Saturday, June 4th for the City’s Wear Orange March in honor of Gun Violence Awareness Month. We will meet at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center, 724 Park Avenue, at 9:30am and march down to City Hall.
Lastly, love one another and take care of each other. Life is too precious to waste it on hate and bitterness.
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | |
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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La Violencia Debe Parar – El Congreso Debe Actuar | |
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Querido Plainfield,
Desde el principio del año, ha habido 248 tiroteos masivos, 1013 heridos y 290 muertos (fuente). Ni siquiera estamos a la mitad del año y ya hay más dolor de lo que nuestra nación puede manejar. ¿Y para qué? La magnitud de las muertes que experimentamos entre 2019-2022 debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 estaba fuera de nuestro control, pero no hay palabras, no hay excusas que puedan justificar la violencia desenfrenada que se ha cobrado estas vidas.
El martes 24 de mayo del 2022, el mundo se vio sacudido una vez más por la noticia de otro tiroteo masivo. En la escuela primaria Robb en Uvalde, Texas, el pistolero solitario, Salvador Ramos, de 18 años, cometió lo que probablemente se conocerá como uno de los actos violentos más espantosos, solo superado por los asesinatos de Sandy Hook que se llevaron a 20 niños en 2012. Después de dispararle a su abuela el martes por la mañana, Ramos se dirigió a la escuela primaria Robb con armadura corporal y portando un rifle de asalto que había comprado recientemente para su cumpleaños en cual cumplió 18. En este terrible día, diecinueve (19) estudiantes, (ninguno mayor de diez años) y dos (2) adultos fueron asesinados. Todavía no está claro qué motivo tuvo Salvador Ramos para abrir fuego contra una escuela primaria y con su muerte el martes, debido a la respuesta de la policía, es posible que nunca lo sepamos. Un amigo cercano de Ramos informó que Salvador había comenzado a actuar de manera extraña y dejó de asistir a la escuela regularmente (fuente).
Mi corazón se rompe al pensar en esos pobres niños inocentes asesinados a tiros sin ninguna razón. Imagino el miedo que sintieron y cómo deben haber llorado por sus madres y padres solo para ser silenciados por una lluvia de balas. Como padre y abuelo, no se me ocurre mayor horror. El dolor de cada padre que queda de luto por esta tragedia atroz es mi dolor y me deja con una sensación hueca en el pozo de mi estómago.
Muchas preguntas me vienen a la mente cuando pienso en la tragedia que sucedió en Robb Elementary y todas las tragedias que han ocurrido desde que comenzó el año. ¿Cómo es que personal no militar o no policial puede obtener un arma tan fácilmente? ¿Por qué un chico de 18 años que no tiene la edad legal para beber o fumar, puede comprar legalmente un arma de fuego? Un paciente con una enfermedad terminal debe completar un sinfín de trámites y someterse a una evaluación psíquica para cometer la eutanasia y poner fin a su sufrimiento. Hemos hecho que sea difícil o ilegal en algunos estados que las mujeres tengan un aborto y terminen la vida de su feto, incluso cuando amenaza su propia vida. Existen tantas leyes y regulaciones para supuestamente proteger la vida y, sin embargo, la compra de un arma de fuego es tan fácil como ir a su Walmart local en algunos estados.
¿Qué medidas está tomando el Congreso para garantizar que todos los que compran o poseen un arma de fuego estén mentalmente equipados y capacitados para utilizarla adecuadamente? Nuestro personal militar y los agentes de la ley se someten a un entrenamiento estricto para utilizar adecuadamente un arma. Entrenamiento que los propietarios de armas civiles no tienen.
Basta ya, LA VIOLENCIA DEBE PARAR. Es hora de que el Congreso asuma un papel activo y aborde este contagio que está barriendo la nación y llevándose a nuestros hijos antes de que puedan comenzar a vivir sus vidas. El derecho a portar armas no se aplica a todos. En mi opinión, obtener una licencia de armas debería ser tan difícil como solicitar convertirse en un oficial de policía. Debe haber una evaluación psiquiátrica, una entrevista en persona, una verificación de antecedentes y más. ¿Per en verdad es necesaria la compra de un arma por parte de un civil? Demasiadas vidas inocentes ya se han visto cortado corto debido al manejo inadecuado de las armas de fuego.
En el futuro, les pido a mis compañeros de Plainfielders, que sean la chispa que encienda el cambio que se necesita. Les pido a los republicanos que han sido cegados por la NRA y la 2ª Enmienda que abran sus corazones y mentes y hagan lo correcto: VOTAR para salvar vidas. La agresión y hostilidad que llevó a Salvador Ramos a cometer un acto de violencia tan horrible es una placa que se está extendiendo rápidamente por nuestra nación, y no la necesitamos aquí en Plainfield. No debemos ignorar las señales de que algo no está bien. Los padres, maestros y amigos mantienen los ojos abiertos y hablan si alguien muestra una diferencia en su comportamiento. Salvador Ramos mostró claros signos de retirada y si alguien se hubiera acercado a él con preocupación, tal vez la tragedia del martes no habría sucedido.
Debido a los recientes tiroteos y la masacre del martes, la bandera de Los Estados Unidos que ondea frente al Ayuntamiento y en Watchung Ave estará a media asta. Animo a mi comunidad a salir el sábado 4 de junio para la Marcha “Porta Anaranjado” de la Ciudad en honor al Mes de Concientización sobre la Violencia Armada. Nos reuniremos en el Plainfield Performing Arts Center, 724 Park Avenue, a las 9:30am y marcharemos hacia el Ayuntamiento.
Por último, vamos amarnos unos a otros y cuidémonos. La vida es demasiado preciosa para desperdiciarla en odio y amargura.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro
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Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Ciudad de Plainfield
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CITY OF PLAINFIELD FLAGS WILL BE FLOWN AT
HALF-STAFF IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE FAMILIES WHO LOST LOVED ONES IN MASS SHOOTING IN TEXAS
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On Tuesday, May 24th we were saddened and devastated to learn of yet another mass shooting at one of this nation's elementary schools, this time in Texas. Twenty-one people have been killed including nineteen students and two teachers. This is the deadliest shooting since Sandy Hook in 2012. (SOURCE)
In support for the community and families the City's flags will be flown at half staff. We stand in solidarity with those who mourn for their loved ones.
We invite residents to join us on Saturday, June 4th at 9:30am at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center (PPAC) for a march against gun violence. Change must happen, we cannot as a society keep losing our children and family members to needless gun violence. We must be the change we want to see.
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JOIN US FOR THE 2022 NJ STATE BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
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The City of Plainfield will host the NJ State Bike Championship Race on Sunday, May 30th from 8:00am - 3:00pm at City Hall located at 515 Watchung Ave.
Join us for a day of family fun with bicycles raffle for the kids, bouncy house, food trucks and more.
We look forward to seeing you.
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LOCAL NEWS - GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR
$150 MILLION BELLA LUXURY APARTMENTS
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The City of Plainfield continues to thrive with more than $1 billion invested. Yesterday, May 25th, the City hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the $150 million Bella Luxury Apartments Complex. This complex will be the largest development in the Queen City thus far with four buildings that include 357 apartments, retail space, gym, roof top cafe and roof top deck.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said the residents of Plainfield need and deserve the very best. With hard work and dedication the vision of transformation will be realized. He also spoke about the great partnership with administration and the City Council. Our best days are ahead of us.
Council President Barry Goode, Council Vice President Charles McRae, Councilwoman Joylette Mills- Ransome, Councilwoman Terri Briggs-Jones, Councilman Steve Hockaday, members of administration and Union County Chair Rebecca Williams were in attendance.
It was a beautiful day to continue moving the Queen City forward!
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CLEAN THE QUEEN - ENHANCING THE BEAUTY
OF PLAINFIELD
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How do we show Love for Plainfield? We come together as a community to beautify and Clean the Queen City. On Saturday, May 21st volunteers and elected officials came together to beautify each ward and the downtown business district.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp visited each ward to work with and thank the volunteers for their commitment. Council President Barry Goode, Council Vice President Charles McRae, Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome, Councilwoman Terri Briggs-Jones, and Councilman Steve Hockaday each chose a specific ward or location to enhance and spruce-up.
The trees and plants throughout the city are blooming and it's important that the City streets and common areas are clean to reflect the overall beauty that is Plainfield. From our historic homes to the parks and recreational spaces the Queen City shines and those who participated in this clean-up helped to straighten the crown and polish the gemstones.
Let's continue to #LovePlainfield!
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Resident Maria Castro was excited for the opportunity to share this experience with her six-year-old daughter Janiell and teach her the importance of keeping her city clean. | |
COUNTY OF UNION RENOVATED PLAZA AND SIDEWALKS AT GERALD B. GREEN PLAZA | |
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The County of Union hosted a ribbon cutting for the newly renovated plaza and sidewalks at Gerald B. Green Plaza yesterday. County Commissioner chair Rebecca Williams spoke about the importance of these types of community spaces and their benefit for our residents.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Council President Barry Goode, Council Vice President Charles McRae, Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome, Councilwoman Terri Briggs-Jones and Councilman Steve Hockaday were in attendance.
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UPCOMING EVENTS - JOIN US! | |
Love Plainfield Initiative | |
¿ How Do You Show Love For Plainfield? | |
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A MESSAGE FROM UNION COUNTY:
Learn the Secrets of Successful Grant-Seeking, June 7
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Free, virtual workshop hosted by Union County
for non-profits.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite non-profit organizations to attend Successful Grant-Seeking, a free professional development workshop on Tuesday, June 7 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The event is hosted and coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.
“This workshop is one of the opportunities the County of Union provides for non-profits and civic organizations to achieve their full potential. Their success benefits all Union County residents by strengthening our artistic and cultural quality of life,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY:
Governor Murphy Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Recognition
of Lives Lost at Robb Elementary School in Texas
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TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy ordered that U.S. and New Jersey flags fly at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities until sunset on Saturday, May 28, 2022, in recognition and remembrance of the 21 lives lost to gun violence at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, 2022.
"Yesterday's tragedy is not one we can or ever will forget. 21 innocent people - most of whom were young children just beginning their lives - were lost in a senseless act of gun violence that never should have been able to happen," said Governor Murphy. "Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this unimaginably difficult time. As we honor the memories of these precious lives lost, we must also commit to taking real action to prevent these horrific incidents of gun violence from ever happening again - both in our state and throughout our country."
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Executive Order on Advancing Effective Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety
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By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order as follows:
Section 1. Policy. Our criminal justice system must respect the dignity and rights of all persons and adhere to our fundamental obligation to ensure fair and impartial justice for all. This is imperative — not only to live up to our principles as a Nation, but also to build secure, safe, and healthy communities. Protecting public safety requires close partnerships between law enforcement and the communities it serves. Public safety therefore depends on public trust, and public trust in turn requires that our criminal justice system as a whole embodies fair and equal treatment, transparency, and accountability.
Law enforcement officers are often a person’s first point of contact with our criminal justice system, and we depend on them to uphold these principles while doing the demanding and often life-threatening work of keeping us safe. We expect them to help prevent and solve crimes and frequently call upon them to respond to social problems outside their expertise and beyond their intended role, diverting attention from their critical public safety mission and increasing the risks of an already dangerous job — which has led to the deaths of law enforcement officers and civilians alike. The vast majority of law enforcement officers do these difficult jobs with honor and integrity, and they work diligently to uphold the law and preserve the public’s trust.
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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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Call us at: 908.753.3015 or
E:communications@plainfieldnj.gov
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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 | | | | |
