"Thoughts and Prayers are not Enough"

Dear Jazz,

As Mayor of the beautiful city of Plainfield, New Jersey, I find myself at a loss for words to sufficiently express the anguish and fury I feel over the recent mass shooting in Maine. This event has shaken our collective conscience, leaving an indelible mark on the heart of every American who believes in the sanctity of human life. I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I cannot begin to fathom your pain, but please know that you are in the thoughts of our community and, indeed, the entire nation. However, I recognize that thoughts and prayers, though comforting, are no longer enough.

I am exasperated and incensed by our country's utter lack of progress on gun reform. How many more lives need to be sacrificed before we can agree that something—anything—needs to be done to stem this tide of violence? Our nation is unique among developed countries for the frequency of its mass shootings, a dishonor that we cannot afford to ignore. The inertia that has stalled substantial reform is not just disappointing; it's a dereliction of our moral duty to protect our citizens.

So why do these tragedies continue to unfold across the United States? While the causes are complex and multifaceted, the accessibility of firearms undoubtedly plays a significant role. Moreover, there is a palpable lack of mental health resources and an abundance of online spaces where individuals are radicalized. This deadly cocktail ensures that not only do these incidents happen, but they will continue to happen unless we take decisive action.

As the Mayor of Plainfield, I vow to take that action at the local level. While I can't single-handedly change federal legislation, I can and will advocate for stricter gun controls within our jurisdiction. I'll push for measures that require secure storage of firearms and limits on the number of guns one can purchase within a specific period. I'll collaborate with law enforcement agencies to proactively monitor potential threats and provide necessary mental health resources to our community. And I will continually lobby our state and federal representatives to take the decisive action that is so desperately needed.

But I can't do it alone. The community at large has an essential role to play in preventing these atrocities. If you see something, say something. Watch for disturbing behavior or warning signs among your friends, family, and neighbors. Our schools must be vigilant, offering mental health resources and creating an environment where students can speak out about threats without fear of reprisal. And most importantly, we all must vote for leaders who prioritize the lives of their constituents over the interests of gun lobbyists and political expedience.

I am angry. I am frustrated. But most of all, I am motivated to ensure that Plainfield, and hopefully one day the entire country, is free from the scourge of mass shootings. Together, let's transform our righteous anger and our collective grief into meaningful action. Because thoughts and prayers will never be enough to bring back those we have lost or to prevent the tragedies that have yet to occur.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creating One Plainfield. One Future.

Sincerely,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield

"Los pensamientos y las oraciones no son suficientes"

Querido(a) Jazz,

Como alcalde de la hermosa ciudad de Plainfield, Nueva Jersey, me encuentro sin palabras para expresar suficientemente la angustia y la furia que siento por el reciente tiroteo masivo en Maine. Este acontecimiento ha sacudido nuestra conciencia colectiva y ha dejado una marca indeleble en el corazón de todo estadounidense que cree en la santidad de la vida humana. Extiendo mis más profundas condolencias a las familias que han perdido a sus seres queridos. No puedo comenzar a comprender tu dolor, pero por favor sepa que estás en los pensamientos de nuestra comunidad y, de hecho, de toda la nación. Sin embargo, reconozco que los pensamientos y las oraciones, aunque reconfortantes, ya no son suficientes.

Estoy exasperado e indignado por la total falta de progreso de nuestro país en la reforma de las armas. ¿Cuántas vidas más deben ser sacrificadas antes de que podamos estar de acuerdo en que algo, cualquier cosa, necesita hacer para detener esta marea de violencia? Nuestra nación es única entre los países desarrollados por la frecuencia de sus tiroteos masivos, una deshonra que no podemos darnos el lujo de ignorar. La inercia que ha estancado reformas sustanciales no sólo es decepcionante; es un abandono de nuestro deber moral de proteger a nuestros ciudadanos.

Entonces, ¿por qué estas tragedias continúan desarrollándose en todo Estados Unidos? Si bien las causas son complejas y multifacéticas, la accesibilidad a las armas de fuego desempeña sin duda un papel importante. Además, hay una falta palpable de recursos de salud mental y una abundancia de espacios en línea donde las personas se radicalizan. Este cóctel mortal garantiza que no sólo se produzcan estos incidentes, sino que seguirán ocurriendo a menos que adoptemos medidas decisivas.

Como alcalde de Plainfield, prometo tomar esa medida a nivel local. Si bien no puedo cambiar la legislación federal por sí solo, puedo abogar y abogaré por controles de armas más estrictos dentro de nuestra jurisdicción. Impulsaré medidas que requieran un almacenamiento seguro de las armas de fuego y límites al número de armas que uno puede comprar dentro de un período específico. Colaboraré con las agencias policiales para monitorear de manera proactiva amenazas potenciales y brindar los recursos de salud mental necesarios a nuestra comunidad. Y presionaré continuamente a nuestros representantes estatales y federales para que tomen las medidas decisivas que tanto se necesitan.

Pero no puedo hacerlo solo. La comunidad en general tiene un papel esencial que desempeñar en la prevención de estas atrocidades. Si ves algo, di algo. Esté atento a comportamientos perturbadores o señales de advertencia entre sus amigos, familiares y vecinos. Nuestras escuelas deben estar alerta, ofreciendo recursos de salud mental y creando un ambiente donde los estudiantes puedan hablar sobre las amenazas sin temor a represalias. Y lo más importante, todos debemos votar por líderes que prioricen las vidas de sus electores por encima de los intereses de los cabilderos de las armas y la conveniencia política.

Estoy enojado. Estoy frustrado. Pero, sobre todo, me motiva asegurar que Plainfield, y ojalá algún día todo el país, esté libre del flagelo de los tiroteos masivos. Juntos, transformemos nuestra justa ira y nuestro dolor colectivo en acciones significativas. Porque los pensamientos y las oraciones nunca serán suficientes para recuperar a aquellos que hemos perdido o para prevenir las tragedias que aún están por ocurrir.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.

Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

Ciudad de Plainfield

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Plainfield Expresses Disappointment with Ruling on Rent Receiver Suit Against Cyclone Investments

Plainfield, NJ, October 25, 2023 – The City of Plainfield is profoundly disappointed with the trial court’s recent ruling denying the appointment of a rent receiver for the condemned properties owned by Cyclone Investments. The Court’s decision has the potential to permit a negligent landlord to carry on with business as usual by disregarding the well-being of vulnerable tenants and the larger community. Justice has not been done. The City will be appealing this decision.

For years, the City of Plainfield has grappled with the complexities of ensuring affordable and safe housing for its residents. After condemning several properties owned by Cyclone Investments, the City acted upon this commitment by seeking a court-appointed rent receiver to oversee necessary repairs and renovations. A rent receiver would have ensured that the properties under its purview were remediated correctly and met decent health and safety standards. The appointment of a rent receiver would have placed in motion a process that returned displaced tenants to their homes as swiftly as possible.

This ruling perpetuates a culture of leniency toward landlords who blatantly disregard the law at the expense of tenants who are left with no option but to live in squalid and life-threatening conditions. It is the City’s understanding that contractors employed to repair the condemned buildings have had to abandon the job because of payment disputes with Cyclone Investment. Without a contractor on-site and without an appointed rent receiver to oversee repairs, the City is hamstrung. It cannot remedy the glaring conditions at the properties, get tenants back in their units, and hold Cyclone Investments accountable.

The City of Plainfield is actively exploring alternative avenues for redress and remains committed to championing the rights of its residents. “We will not be dissuaded by this setback,” said Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, “and will continue our efforts to ensure that the city's landlords are held to the highest standards and that every resident has access to safe, decent housing. We call on the community to rally together in this time, as the very fabric of the quality of life in Plainfield is at stake, and collective pressure and public scrutiny are indispensable tools in the fight for justice and equitable housing.”

About Plainfield, New Jersey: The City of Plainfield, also known by its iconic nickname "The Queen City," is 153 years old and home to 54,586 individuals. The City of Plainfield is the third-largest city in Union County. The current mayor of the beautiful Queen City is Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, serving a historic, consecutive third term. For more information on the City of Plainfield, visit online at www.plainfieldnj.gov, www.facebook.com/cityofplainfieldnj, Instagram at @cityofplainfieldnj, and Twitter at @cityofplainfld.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Plainfield, NJ, Becomes the First City in New Jersey to Implement

AI-Powered Translation at Council Meetings

Plainfield, NJ – October 19, 2023 – The City of Plainfield proudly announces a groundbreaking initiative to enhance communication and inclusivity at city council meetings. In collaboration with WORDLY, a leading Artificial Intelligence-driven language services company, Plainfield is the first city in New Jersey to implement real-time AI translation at its council meetings. This state-of-the-art technology allows residents to understand and participate in city governance, irrespective of their native language.

The City's Administration and City Council have been seeking more efficient ways to connect with Plainfield's diverse community, which is home to people speaking various languages, including Spanish and Portuguese, among others. The introduction of WORDLY's AI technology addresses this need by breaking down language barriers that have long prevented non-English speaking citizens from fully engaging in civic matters. Using real-time translation capabilities, the AI technology provides immediate translations through headphones, live captions, and online platforms, making council meetings more accessible than ever before. WORDLY currently offers two-way translation into 48 languages, covering over 1,900 language pairs.

The WORDLY translation platform debuted at the October 10th Council meeting and worked seamlessly. Most residents needing translation could access it on their personal devices and either listen with earphones or read the words on the screen. For those without a personal device, the translated words were displayed on a monitor at the front of the room.

"The partnership with WORDLY allows us to be more transparent and inclusive, promoting civic engagement among all Plainfield residents. We have taken a significant step toward ensuring that our city is a place where everyone has an equal voice," said Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. “The use of Artificial Intelligence in municipal settings to improve language inclusivity represents not only a technological advance but also a commitment to social justice, as it encourages broader community participation in decision-making processes. My administration prides itself on finding innovative solutions and being early adapters. This technology is another example of how Plainfield continues to drive progress.”

This initiative is a model for improving accessibility in government activities. As cities become more diverse, the need for such innovations in communication only grows. The City of Plainfield hopes to inspire other New Jersey and United States cities to adopt similar technologies that democratize information and foster a more inclusive environment.

WORDLY's advanced AI algorithms are designed to offer precise and nuanced translations across numerous languages, making it an ideal choice for official settings like council meetings where accuracy is crucial. "We are thrilled to work with the City of Plainfield on this groundbreaking initiative. Language should never be a barrier to civic participation, and we are proud that our technology is helping to make that ideal a reality," said a representative of WORDLY.

About WORDLY: WORDLY is a leading provider of AI-driven language translation services committed to breaking down language barriers and fostering global communication. Their state-of-the-art technology is used in various sectors, including government, healthcare, and education, to facilitate more effective communication across linguistic divides.

6th Annual Queen City Film Festival

Plainfield, NJ - October 20, 2023 - The Queen City's Film Festival marked its remarkable six-year milestone, an event that has evolved from its humble beginnings into one of Plainfield's most anticipated autumn attractions.

Founded by Lamar Mackso n, the festival, which initially comprised a mere four-hour film screening, has since grown into a thriving cultural celebration. Mackson recalled its transformation from a three-day affair to its current status as a key event in Plainfield's fall calendar.

This year's Festival Ambassador, Plainfield's own Jalil Jay Lynch, is a renowned professional stunt specialist and actor with a remarkable portfolio that includes contributions to films by Spike Lee, John Wick: Chapter 4, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Lynch's expertise in the world of stunts and his acting talents have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Emelyn Stuart awarded the prestigious Vanguard Award, has produced over a dozen independent projects. She is also the CEO of Stuart Cinema, an independent theater, and a community center cherished as a safe haven for artists.

The festival featured a curated selection of thirty-one films chosen from a pool of over 70 submissions from six different countries. The festivities kicked off at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center on Friday and continued with sold-out screenings at the Cinemark movie theater in Watchung, NJ. The event concluded with more film screenings and engaging workshops at the PPAC.

The success of the Queen City's Film Festival was a collective effort, with special recognition extended to Director Jazz Clayton-Hunt, Director Shep Brown, County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Councilman Steve Hockaday, Councilman Robert Graham, Councilman Richard Wyatt, and Council Vice President Terry Briggs Jones. The Love Plainfield Initiative and the Media and Communications Team also played pivotal roles in making this year's festival a resounding success, promising many more years of cultural enrichment to come.

"Voices of Plainfield"- In this edition and a series of upcoming Spring Newsletters, we shine the spotlight on remarkable individuals who have been nurtured by our city. Get ready to be inspired by the resilience, commitment, creativity, and accomplishments of our fellow Plainfielders.

Prepare to be inspired by community catalysts like Lamar Mackson, who passionately brought the film industry to Plainfield through the Queen City Film Festival, and Joanny Ortega, the visionary owner of "La Terraza" restaurant on Watchung Ave., who chose Plainfield as her second home and culinary canvas. Deborah Pearyer, Plainfield Native, Founder and director of Toddlers Learning Center, Celebrating 43 Years, and Bobby Gregory, a resident since 1988 who has witnessed the Queen City's remarkable transformations.

Join us for an inspiring journey through the heart of Plainfield!

CLICK FOR MORE!

Early Voting Locations & Dates

Early voting locations

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 INFORMATION

Eligible Registered Voters Can Cast Ballots Early from Oct. 28 – Nov. 5

TRENTON, NJ, October 25, 2023 – All eligible registered New Jersey voters can participate in the 2023 General Election using the state’s in-person early voting option from October 28 through November 5. This option enables all eligible registered voters to cast their ballot in person at any early voting site in their county over the nine day voting period. Voters can choose to vote when it is most convenient for their schedule.

No matter where a voter lives in their county, they can cast their specific ballot at any of their county’s designated in-person early voting locations. County locations can be found at Vote.NJ.Gov.

Hours will be Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Accommodations will be made for voters with disabilities.

“Early voting is all about making it easy for voters to exercise their right to vote,” said Lieutenant Governor Way, who oversees the New Jersey Division of Elections in her capacity as Secretary of State. “While some voters may not have the time to get out and vote on Election Day itself, in-person early voting allows nine days for folks to find the time that works best for their schedule to cast their ballot.”

In-person early voting is one of three ways to vote in the election. County clerks are also sending mail-in ballots to those who requested them. To receive a ballot by mail for the November 7 General Election, the application must be received by October 31. Voters can apply in person at their County Clerk’s office by 3:00 p.m. on November 6 for the November 7 General Election. In addition, thousands of local polling places will be open for voters on Election Day itself.

“With three convenient options to choose from, we encourage every eligible New Jersey voter to cast their ballot in this year’s election,” said Assistant Secretary of State Dr. Lauren Zyriek Enriquez, who serves as Acting Director for the New Jersey Division of Elections.

For full details on the November 7 General Election, visit Vote.NJ.Gov, contact local election officials, or call the Voter Information and Assistance Line at 1-877-NJ-Voter (1-877-658-6837).

"New Efforts to Expand Capital Access and Contracting Opportunities for Minority-Owned and Underserved Businesses at the Freedman’s Bank Forum"

OCTOBER 25, 2023 - Vice President Harris is announcing new actions to help historically under-resourced suppliers, small businesses, and communities share in the economic opportunity created by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda – a key pillar of Bidenomics – that is building the economy from the bottom up and middle out.

“To bridge the financial disparities that hold so many of our communities back, we must continue to work together to combine the capacity of the private sector with the reach and the scale that only the government can provide. When we do, we create opportunity and prosperity for millions of Americans,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.

The historic Investing in America agenda has spurred a factory building boom that will rely on diverse suppliers for continued success. The construction of manufacturing facilities contributed more to real gross domestic product in the first six months of this year than any other six-month period on record. And, last year’s foreign direct investment in new U.S. manufacturing facilities was almost double the pre-pandemic average.

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