Mayor's Message:
Celebrating Pride Month
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Dear Jazz,
The Month of June is PRIDE month which has been celebrated since 1970. Today I’d like to recognize and celebrate Plainfield’s LGBTQ+ community as they remember the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.
The 1900s was a difficult time to be anything other than heterosexual. Challenging social norms was frowned upon, and being honest about who you are, would be asking for persecution. By the 1960s, being openly gay was prohibited in most places; New York, in particular, enforced the prohibition with considerable force. A simple gesture depicting someone as gay or genderqueer was considered disorderly conduct. On June 28, 1969, patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a popular bar with a diverse LGBTQ clientele, stood their ground after police raided the establishment leading to days of riots and protests known as the Stonewall Uprising (source).
Pride Month is a reminder of the call for greater unity, visibility, and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Here in Plainfield, we welcome and appreciate diversity of every kind. Being a Plainfield resident means you are free to be who you are and love who your heart desires without fear. Our nation’s declaration of independence dictates the pursuit of happiness as an inalienable right, and as your Mayor, I uphold that promise. Here in Plainfield, there is a place for everyone, and we welcome and celebrate the differences that make us unique. We are a family who will stand by you when times get tough and a community who will fight with you against injustice.
Today, our nation has made significant advances in tolerance and civil equity, but we still have farther to go. We can speak freely about our rights and choices today, but we can’t force others to have the same beliefs, and we can’t erase hatred from the hearts and minds of others. That’s why it’s essential for those who believe in freedom, equality, equity, and diversity to stand together against those who would impose tyrannical limitations on our right to choose and dictate who we choose to love.
Just as we are powerless to select our ethnicity or color, we are powerless to change how the creator made us. I could not imagine my life without my love, my wife, Amelia Mapp, and I could not imagine being told that I was not free to love her and build a life with her.
Members of my beautiful Queen City, I invite you to attend our Pride Flag Raising and Block Party that will be held today at 6:30 PM on City Hall steps. Come out and enjoy an evening of fun and support the LGBTQ+ community of Plainfield. Let’s become a beacon of equality and demonstrate that here in Plainfield, we stand together.
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | |
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Celebrando El Mes de PRIDE | |
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Querido Plainfield,
El mes de junio es el mes de PRIDE que se celebra desde 1970. Hoy me gustaría reconocer y celebrar a la comunidad LGBTQ + de Plainfield mientras recuerdan el aniversario del Levantamiento de Stonewall.
La década de 1900 fue un momento difícil para ser algo más que heterosexual. Desafiar las normas sociales estaba mal visto, y ser honesto acerca de quién eres, sería pedir persecución. En la década de 1960, ser abiertamente gay estaba prohibido en la mayoría de los lugares; Nueva York, en particular, hizo cumplir la prohibición con considerable fuerza. Un simple gesto que representaba a alguien como gay o género queer se consideraba una conducta desordenada. El 28 de junio de 1969, los clientes del Stonewall Inn, un popular bar con una clientela LGBTQ diversa, se mantuvieron firmes después de que la policía allanó el establecimiento, lo que llevó a días de disturbios y protestas conocidos como el Levantamiento de Stonewall (fuente).
El Mes de PRIDE es un recordatorio del llamado a una mayor unidad, visibilidad e igualdad para la comunidad LGBTQ +. Aquí en Plainfield, damos la bienvenida y apreciamos la diversidad de todo tipo. Ser residente de Plainfield significa que eres libre de ser quien eres y amar a quien tu corazón desea sin miedo. La declaración de independencia de nuestra nación dicta la búsqueda de la felicidad como un derecho inalienable, y como su alcalde, mantengo esa promesa. Aquí en Plainfield, hay un lugar para todos, y damos la bienvenida y celebramos las diferencias que nos hacen únicos. Somos una familia que estará a su lado cuando los tiempos se pongan difíciles y una comunidad que luchará con usted contra la injusticia.
Hoy en día, nuestra nación ha logrado avances significativos en tolerancia y equidad civil, pero todavía tenemos más por recorrer. Podemos hablar libremente sobre nuestros derechos y elecciones hoy, pero no podemos obligar a otros a tener las mismas creencias, y no podemos borrar el odio de los corazones y las mentes de los demás. Es por eso que es esencial que aquellos que creen en la libertad, la igualdad, la equidad y la diversidad se unan contra aquellos que impondrían limitaciones tiránicas a nuestro derecho a elegir y dictar a quién elegimos amar.
Así como somos impotentes para seleccionar nuestra etnia o color, somos impotentes para cambiar la forma en que el creador nos hizo. No podía imaginar mi vida sin mi amor, mi esposa, Amelia Mapp, y no podía imaginar que me dijeran que no era libre de amarla y construir una vida con ella.
Miembros de mi hermosa Ciudad Reina, los invito a asistir a nuestra Fiesta de Izamiento y Bloqueo de la Bandera del Orgullo que se llevará a cabo hoy a las 6:30 PM en los escalones del Ayuntamiento. Sal y disfruta de una noche de diversión y apoya a la comunidad LGBTQ+ de Plainfield. Convirtámonos en un faro de igualdad y demostremos que aquí en Plainfield, estamos juntos.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro
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Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Ciudad de Plainfield
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JUNE IS NATIONAL PRIDE MONTH | |
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Pride Month is important because it marks the start of huge change within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as having wider societal implications. Although attitudes and injustice still remain, we have come a long way since the riots of 1969 and by continuing in this long standing tradition we continue to raise awareness, improve the attitudes of society and encourage inclusiveness. #Pride2022. (SOURCE)
Celebrate with us this evening at City Hall beginning at 6:30pm for our Pride Flag Raising and Block Party. There will be great music, food and giveaways. We look forward to seeing you.
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Union County Commissioners are hosting a series of Pride Events listed below. | |
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LOCAL NEWS
Appellate Court Overturns Verdict Against Plainfield and the Mayor, Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Appeal
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Appellate Court Overturns Verdict Against Plainfield and the Mayor,
Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Appeal.
The City of Plainfield & Mayor Mapp Win with NJ Supreme Court's Refusal to hear Spriggs Appeal
Plainfield, NJ June 7th, 2022 – On January 3rd, 2022, in a lawsuit that should never have been allowed to go to trial, the Appellate Court of New Jersey overturned the lower court's verdict and threw out the guilty verdict against Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield. The lower court ruled against the Mayor and the City in a jury trial. It assessed a fine of $500,000 plus attorney's fee in the suit brought against the Mayor and the City by former Chief Municipal Public Defender (CMPD) Joy Spriggs. The ruling of the trial court enabled Joy Spriggs to record a personal judgment against the Mayor for $500,000.
Ms. Spriggs served first as a municipal public defender for the City of Plainfield from 2001 to 2007. In 2007 she was appointed Chief Municipal Public Defender. Chief Municipal Public Defenders are appointed, statutorily, for a one-year term subject to annual re-appointment at the discretion of the Mayor. Spriggs was reappointed each year until 2017, when another attorney was appointed to replace her. Ms. Spriggs filed a lawsuit alleging gender discrimination because the person appointed as the new Chief Municipal Public Defender was a male.
Although the lower courts found in favor of Ms. Spriggs, awarding her attorney's fees and costs, upon appeal, the Appellate Court found that there was no basis for her claim of gender bias and reversed the lower court's decision. Ms. Spriggs then filed an appeal to the NJ Supreme Court. On June 6th, 2022, the NJ Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal, ending Sprigg's frivolous lawsuit.
As stated in the court's summary, "Plaintiff did not establish defendants' reasons for the non-reappointment were pretextual. Her sole proffer that defendants' reasons were pretextual was that plaintiff's successor was male. In light of the presumptive one-year term accorded under the statute, and the lack of any other evidence, that scant proffer of pretext was insufficient to support plaintiff's claim of gender discrimination. Therefore, we reverse the denial of defendants' summary judgment motion. In light of our ruling, we need not consider any further arguments regarding the trial or raised in the cross-appeal."
Under the City's charter, the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the City council, has the power to appoint public defenders and the CMPD. Each department is headed by a director, appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the council. Each department head serves during the Mayor's term of office who makes the appointment or until a replacement is identified. The CMPD is a department head.
During her deposition, Ms. Spriggs acknowledged her appointments were only for one year, and the Mayor had the right to appoint a person of his choice for the position. Nevertheless, Ms. Spriggs chose to file the lawsuit even with the full knowledge that her appointment was limited to one year, on an annual basis, at the discretion of the Mayor.
The Appellate court's ruling in overturning the lower court's decision is a victory for mayors across the state who may face similar frivolous lawsuits from unscrupulous attorneys who feel entitled to be reappointed as public defenders and or prosecutors. The NJ Supreme Court's refusal to hear Sprigg's appeal sends a powerful message to her and others who would waste taxpayer money and time by forcing municipalities to defend unfounded discrimination claims.
"I will always make decisions that I deem to be in the city's best interest," said Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. He continued by commenting, "no appointment is for life, and as the needs of the City continue to change, the personnel that serves the public are also subject to change. I am profoundly glad that this unfounded and frivolous lawsuit didn't hurt the pockets of our Plainfield taxpayers. It should be a lesson learned for the Plaintiff and other like-minded individuals."
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The City of Plainfield, also known by its iconic nickname "The Queen City," is 153-years-old, home to 54,586 individuals, according to the 2021 United States Census. The City of Plainfield is the third-largest city in Union County in terms of population. The current Mayor of the beautiful Queen City is Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, serving a historical, never-before-seen, consecutive third term. For more information on the City of Plainfield, visit online at www.plainfieldnj.gov, Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofplainfieldnj, Instagram at @cityofplainfieldnj, and Twitter at @cityofplainfld.
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PLAINFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
SWEAR'S IN SEVEN NEW RECRUITS
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Surrounded by family and friends beaming with pride and love seven new recruits took the oath to join the Plainfield Police Department yesterday. These recruits represent the future of not only our public safety department but our community as well.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp administered the oaths of office, assisted by Police Director James T. Abney and Sergeant Nuno Carvalho. The Mayor remarked that he especially enjoyed ceremonies like this and promotions for Plainfield's Finest. He thanked the families for their commitment and recognized that when our officers leave for work every day, their families go with them. Mayor Mapp pledged to provide all the resources necessary for them to do their jobs effectively.
Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Council President Barry Goode, and administration members were on hand to congratulate and welcome the new recruits.
The recruits are:
Anthony Liguori
Brendan Williams
Michael Dilworth
Paris McNamara
Cristian Osorio
Kelly Rodzik
Matthew Armamento
On behalf of a grateful community, welcome to Plainfield's Finest!
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SAVE THE DATE - JULY 4TH PARADE, CONCERT AND FIREWORKS RETURN TO THE QUEEN CITY! | |
Union County Board of County Commissioners will host an emergency COVID-19 food distribution event on Saturday, June 11th beginning at 8:00am at Kean University located at 1000 Morris Ave in Union. | |
Love Plainfield Initiative | |
¿ How Do You Show Love For Plainfield? | |
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A MESSAGE FROM UNION COUNTY:
Third Annual Juneteenth Flag Raising to be held at the
Union County Courthouse
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The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite the public to attend the third annual Juneteenth Flag raising ceremony on Sunday, June 19, at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
“The raising of the Juneteenth flag gives us the opportunity to educate the public about the history, power, resilience, and unbroken spirit of Black Americans over the course of the month of June,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “I have a strong connection to Juneteenth, as my dad was born and raised in Galveston, Texas, and much of my family still lives there. I am thankful to be a part of Union County, where we continue to commemorate and honor this very special date in history.”
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A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY:
ICYMI: Six New jersey Schools Recognized for
Innovative Climate Action
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Area high school and middle school students showcase their approach to helping to address the ongoing impacts of climate change
TRENTON – Atlantic City Electric, Exelon, the Drumthwacket Foundation, and Sustainable Jersey honored six student teams for their NJ Student Climate Challenge action projects, which offer innovative approaches to help address the ongoing issue of climate change. Student teams, from high schools and middle schools across New Jersey, were tasked with developing and executing a school or community-based climate action project and creating a digital story or video to capture the approach and impacts of their climate project. Student team winners and their teacher mentors were recognized on June 8, 2022 at an awards ceremony hosted by the Drumthwacket Foundation with New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy.
“It is an honor to join these bright young minds tonight as we celebrate their hard work on the NJ Student Climate Challenge action projects,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy, President of the Drumthwacket Foundation. “New Jersey is the first state in the nation to incorporate climate change education across its K-12 learning standards, giving every student the opportunity to study and understand the climate crisis by equipping them with the critical knowledge and skills to combat climate change. Let these projects show that our state, and the world, are in good hands with the generations of climate leaders who will come from New Jersey.”
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Biden Administration Announces Operational Plan for COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children Under 5
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Driven by President Biden’s comprehensive COVID-19 strategy, including a historic vaccination program that has gotten 220 million Americans fully vaccinated, over 100 million people a booster shot, and made vaccines free, widely available and convenient—daily COVID-19 deaths are down 90 percent since he took office.
COVID-19 vaccines remain the single-most important tool that we have to protect people against COVID-19 and its most serious outcomes. Next week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will consider whether to authorize and recommend the first COVID-19 vaccines for kids under the age of 5. If FDA authorizes and CDC recommends one or both of the COVID-19 vaccines for this age group, it would be a historic milestone in the nation’s fight against the virus—and would mean nearly every American is eligible for the protection that vaccination provides.
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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 | | | | |
